Just Who Will Play QB For The Super Bowl Champion Broncos
Despite their upset victory over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50, current NFL lines featuring the Denver Broncos indicate just how far the team has plunged this offseason, due in large measure to Denver’s uncertainty at the QB position. Amid the expected retirement of the great Peyton Manning, the Broncos did not foresee his supposed successor, Brock Osweiler, also deciding to leave the team. Such an unprecedented move showed that Osweiler was not interested in following in the footsteps of a legend. His departure to the Houston Texans has very much clouded the QB situation for the Broncos.
The uncertainty that surrounds the Super Bowl champs has been compounded by a lack of any high quality QB options, entering training camp. Even though third stringer Trevor Siemian is still on the roster, Broncos boss John Elway elected to acquire Mark Sanchez from the Eagles (for a 7th round pick) and draft Paxton Lynch out of Memphis. Unlike former Philly teammate Sam Bradford, Sanchez appears comfortable with being a placeholder for Lynch, which is the complete opposite way Bradford has handled the Eagles selection of Carson Wentz, with the second overall pick in April’s draft.
Even though Manning had easily the worst statistical season of his record-setting career, during 2015, whoever ends up taking snaps for Denver this season will likely benefit from the wide receiver combination of Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders and running back duo of C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman. The Broncos possess a ton of talent in their skill positions, so a healthier and younger QB definitely will have the opportunity to succeed.
Just like last season, the Broncos offensive side of the ball should be greatly elevated by Von Miller and the bevy of stars on the defensive side of scrimmage. If Sanchez (or one of his understudies) minimizes turnovers and is able to move the ball just a little, the defense should allow the offense the opportunity to be in virtually every game.
Perhaps the most interesting story for the Broncos this season will center around just how long the team will wait before installing Lynch as their full-time starter. While Sanchez and Siemian are reportedly duking it out for the starting spot, Lynch is clearly the man of the future in Denver. The 6’7 Memphis alum absolutely has the talent to be a successful NFL QB. With Elway spending his 2016 first round pick on Lynch, there is no question that the Florida product will be given every opportunity to separate himself from the pack, either this year or in future seasons.
The champs kickoff their title defense when hosting the NFC champion Carolina Panthers, on the opening Thursday night of the season. Week 2, Manning’s former team, the Colts, visits Colorado, before the team heads to Cincinnati during Week 3.
Opening up against three potential playoff teams will no doubt force the Broncos QB situation to be tested right off the bat in 2016.
