Siemian Should Be Starter Going Into Training Camp
Jun 6, 2016, 11:40 AM | Updated: Jul 27, 2016, 2:54 pm
Siemian Should Be Starter Going Into Training Camp
Ryan Edwards
Gary Kubiak: Don't sleep on Trevor Siemian to win starting QB job for Broncoshttps://t.co/z3A8vNsxoR
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) May 31, 2016
Let’s start this post off with a logical conversation. Taking the name off the back of the jerseys, is there a case to be made for the only returning quarterback from last year’s roster to enter training camp as the starter? After all, of the three QBs, he is the only one who has worked in this offense before and understands the playbook. Trevor Siemian, former Northwestern quarterback and 7th round pick last year, doesn’t have the starting experience that QB Mark Sanchez has. However, Gary Kubiak is already quick to point out that Siemian has the off-season edge on Sanchez when it comes to running this offense.
“As far as mental, yes, because he was in the system last year,” said Kubiak out at Dove Valley on Tuesday. “Mark is catching up very quickly because he’s been in an offense very similar. They’re both obviously ahead of the young kid right now from that standpoint. They’re all very capable of running an offense. We’ll see. We’ll see what happens.”
Trevor Siemian firing some rockets out of the pocket in 7 on 7. A lot of arm talent.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) May 31, 2016
Simply put, Trevor Siemian should enter late July as the starting quarterback on the Broncos roster. From there, let the competition truly begin as to who starts on September 8th against the Panthers. The expectation by many is that Mark Sanchez will be given the first crack at starting, but if we examine this situation a little closer, Siemian could accomplish similar goals for this season and beyond.
The goal at quarterback this season is twofold. First, to run the offense more efficiently than last season and help the Broncos toward the goal of making the playoffs and possibly repeating as champions. The second, and more underlying goal is to help develop the hopeful future starter, Paxton Lynch. In an ideal world, the Broncos could contend in the AFC while Lynch sits out this season. This, of course, doesn’t mean they should avoid Paxton if he is ready to play this year but, for the sake of argument, it may be better for his long term development if he doesn’t play. Too often, young quarterbacks are thrust into the game before they are ready for the uptick in speed of NFL football and they struggle. The Broncos, if they can help it, would be wise to give him as much time developing off the field as they can.
“Let me just say this: I’m very comfortable with our three guys right now,” said Kubiak about the three quarterbacks on the Broncos roster. “I love the competition that’s going on. I think every day has been a little bit different. One of them has had a good day—I think it’s bounced around a little bit. Time is going to tell. Let’s just see. They’re all very capable of helping this football team win. That’s why they’re here.”
Siemian really sharp to start his 7on7 session with 2nd team vs 2nd team.
— Mark Haas (@markhaastv) May 31, 2016
Denver is in a unique position that only one other team in the history of the NFL has ever been in. They are the first Super Bowl winner to lose both of their top two QBs going into the following season since the Ravens in 2001. This unique situation can be looked at as a detriment to the team (see: Broncos predicted to finish the season 7-9) or an opportunity to really see what the team’s depth is at the most important position on the field.
Thus far in #Broncos offseason biggest mistake I've seen in what's been said/written about team is notion Trevor Siemian cannot win QB job.
— Jeff Legwold (@Jeff_Legwold) June 1, 2016
Mark Sanchez is expected to enter the season as the starter because of his experience in the league, but why shouldn’t Trevor Siemian get a legitimate shot? Is it because of his 7th round draft status in 2015? Due to his torn ACL in November 2014, he fell down the draft board and was basically a target between the Broncos and Browns. If not for the injury, he would’ve likely been drafted higher than 250th overall.
Does Siemian not deserve a shot because he has only played one snap (a kneel down vs the Steelers in Week 15) as an NFL quarterback? True, he doesn’t have the experience that Mark Sanchez has as a starter in the NFL; however, if the goal this season is to have a “bridge QB” to start until Paxton Lynch is ready, does it matter who the starter is if he earns the job? That’s really the point of all this. Trevor Siemian shouldn’t be written off because of his late round draft status or lack of experience. If he wins the job in camp, the goal is the same this year as it would be if Sanchez won it: make the offense incrementally better than last season and compete for another championship.
Truth is, Coach Kubiak has rightfully earned the trust of the fan base when it comes to the Broncos starting quarterback based on last season’s magnificent balancing act with Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler. In retrospect, his decision-making each week was precisely the reason the Broncos secured the #1 seed in the AFC and later the franchise’s 3rd championship title. That trust in his ability to know which QB gives this team the best chance to win should extend to this season. Since there isn’t an established starter, all three quarterbacks represent different levels of ability and risk. Denver will have the challenge to find the most effective guy to lead their team on Week 1 with the possibility of a pivot needed later in the season. As of today, if Gary Kubiak says the competition to start is wide open, it is.
Follow Ryan Edwards: @ryanedwards1043
TOP PHOTO CREDIT: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports