Broncos HC Joseph: QB competition ‘absolutely not’ slowing progress
Aug 16, 2017, 11:59 PM | Updated: Aug 17, 2017, 10:40 am
Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian said on Wednesday that, ideally, the team wants the same 11 players on the field “all the time,” but injuries and fatigue make that not possible.
That’s the mindset Siemian, embroiled in a quarterback competition with second-year gunslinger Paxton Lynch, is taking into practicing this week with the No. 2 offense.
“I try to look at it as a positive. You can get work from different guys at different times. Everybody is mixed in there, and that’s the reality of the season,” Siemian said. “…You have to rotate guys in. Now, we’re taking advantage of that. I think everyone is doing a good job handing that.”
Siemian said he “didn’t think” playing with the twos ahead of the Broncos second preseason game hindered his progression as a quarterback.
And neither does his coach.
“Absolutely not,” head coach Vance Joseph said when asked if the competition is slowing the progress of the offense.
“Over and over again, with the two quarterbacks competing, the wide receivers, the running backs, the offensive lines, those guy’s jobs don’t change,” Joseph said. “They’re blocking their guys. They’re running the right routes. That doesn’t change other guys getting better.
“Obviously, the QB talk is a big deal, but outside of that, guys doing their job, that’s part of it.”
Joseph said the plan coming into this week has always been to practice Lynch with the first-team offense and having him start the Broncos second preseason game on Saturday.
“It was his turn to be with the ones today. It’s been that way for the entire camp. It’s no different today,” Joseph said.
As for if the battle was any closer to being decided after Wednesday’s practice, Joseph said, “I’m not sure.”
“Until I watch the tape and watch it with great detail, I couldn’t tell you that,” Joseph said. “It was a lot of throwing and catching. That was fun to see from both guys; all three guys matter of fact.”
Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.
