“Trevor will start the game this week”, Kubiak said Monday.
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Several players didn’t suit up, most for precautionary reasons, including defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who has a “soft-tissue, lower-body” issue that isn’t serious, general manager Trent Baalke said.
The smile and occasional jokes with teammates belied the task ahead.
Siemian and Sanchez have split repetitions with the Broncos first-team offense throughout training camp and with the two waging a close competition for the job, coach Gary Kubiak decided Siemian should also get a crack at starting. Then, after looking decent, he threw a bad pick-six and it was time for the bench. The rising star quarterback Paxton Lynch, for example, sported one that is “long in spots, bald on top and appears to just get weird in the back”.
Siemian’s interception was the result a “poor decision”, Kubiak said. Gabbert went 3-of-4 passing in a red-zone drill, completing touchdown throws to Garrett Celek (two) and Quinton Patton.
“There’s a lot to think about”, Siemian said.
If Siemian holds serve and is named the regular-season starter and if, after Saturday’s game, the Broncos think they’ve seen enough from Lynch to make him the No. 2 quarterback, it’s unclear what it would mean for Sanchez. The Broncos have tried to get Lynch as many reps as they possibly could, especially early as they set up Lynch and the third string offense and defense on a separate field during team sessions as Sanchez and Simeian split reps on the other field with the ones and twos. “There’s no excuse for that. That’s not a very good play versus quarters”. And then he threw a pick.
But for the second week in a row, the spotlight will shine exclusively on challenger Blaine Gabbert when the 49ers, with Kaepernick watching from the sidelines, visit the Denver Broncos on Saturday night.
“I know I can play this game”. After that, Eric Reid made a great play with a pick six and the defense did it’s job. He led the Broncos to a field goal but was sacked three times and fumbled twice. I’m proud of all of them. There were some positives and negatives in the game. Armstrong replaced Hodges on the next series, then Wilhoite came in the following drive.
Erik Pears: It looked like 2015 all over again when Pears got beat for a sack. “I thought he put the ball where it needed to be, so he did a good job of managing his snaps when he was in there”. Zaire Anderson, looking to add depth at inside linebacker and contribute on special teams, forced two fumbles.
“Our schedule is different because we are a Thursday opening football team”, Kubiak said. His outing, peppered with three sacks and an interception, included the first and second touchdowns of his National Football League career. Running back Carlos Hyde also came over to catch a few passes from Kaepernick, who later stretched out his throws to about 25 yards. But I think Ol” Kubes has built up an element of trust with the Broncos roster, which can point to the high-profile quarterback competition and say: “May the best man win.
Fantasy impact: In all likelihood, we’re going to see all three quarterbacks in the game on Saturday. Some will look at the young kid and give him the nod, especially if he does well against the Rams.
“We don’t have to, but I’m going to make a decision next week and we’re going to go to work”. We need to keep him coming, keep bringing him along.
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Kubiak has said all along the quarterback race will be an open competition.
