Siemian and Sanchez ended training camp sharing the No. 1 quarterback spot on the team depth chart but neither has separated from the other to claim the job outright.
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Siemian completed 10 of 14 passes for 75 yards against the 49ers last weekend, leading the Broncos on a 10-play, 86-yard touchdown drive to start the game and completing 10 of his first 11 passes. Preseason stats do matter but for a player like Sanchez, it shouldn’t, but Sanchez has still outplayed the young Siemian.
Fantasy impact: In all likelihood, we’re going to see all three quarterbacks in the game on Saturday. Most just assumed that Paxton would spend his rookie year learning the National Football League game, and Gary Kubiak’s extensive playbook. If he doesn’t, Kubiak can hand the second quarter to the most obvious starting candidate. Lynch played the second half in the opening win against the Bears, most of the second half in Saturday’s 31-24 loss to the 49ers.
In the past, Broncos starters have played into the third quarter of the third preseason game. Sanchez disappointed in his second preseason game, going 10-17 for 120 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions. With the Chiefs (0-2) holding out four defensive starters, including safety Eric Berry and linebacker Josh Mauga, the starting offensive line played four series and allowed Rams running backs Gurley, Benny Cunningham and Malcolm Brown to rush for 85 yards on 15 carries. His downfall, however, is what has killed him over his career – turnovers. Driskel found undrafted rookie Bryce Treggs on a 25-yard catch-and-throw, taking positive practice plays to the actual playing field.
Manning was named the starter for the post-season and led the Broncos to a Super Bowl victory behind a dominant defence.
Now some may view this as Siemian being in the lead for the quarterback job, but Kubiak quickly put that out by saying no one has the lead and the battle is on going. He is looking to earn a starting job and has a chance to improve his chances this week. Then, after looking decent, he threw a awful pick-six and it was time for the bench. The issues with Sanchez have been his inability to finish drives, unnecessary turnovers and inability to take advantage of field position. He has been sacked six times in his two contests – a sign he is not up to speed with his decision-making. He threw the Broncos’ lone two touchdown passes and consistently showed off his improvisation skills by escaping pressure.
Lynch has gone 21 of 33 for 187 yards with two TD passes, both coming Saturday. He wasn’t promised anything, but was penciled in as the potential starting quarterback and said, “I’m thrilled with the opportunity”.
“I’m an athlete. I can play right tackle or anywhere on the line”, Davis said.
“That’s Mark. He’s a competitive guy. I’m going to give him a chance to do that again”.
– After a fourth fight broke out in about a 20-minute span, Broncos coach Gary Kubiak called his offense together for a lecture, while the 49ers defense remained lined up at their positions awaiting the next snap.Two fights broke out among the linemen’s one-on-one drills, and the 49ers involved were guard Zane Beadles and nose tackle Garrison Smith.
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Stranger things have happened.
