Schefter: ‘Intangibles’ give Siemian edge in Broncos QB battle

Aug 7, 2017, 10:26 PM

Quarterback Trevor Siemian #13 of the Denver Broncos throws in the fourth quarter of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 30, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

(Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

So far the buzz around the NFL about the Denver Broncos quarterback competition, according to Adam Schefter, is, well, there’s not really any.

The ESPN NFL Insider, joining “The Drive” on Monday, said he believes people are waiting until the preseason gets underway before making a judgment for either Trevor Siemian or Paxton Lynch, echoing recent remarks from both Broncos general manager John Elway and head coach Vance Joseph.

But, if he were a betting man, Schefter said he’d put “a buck” down on Siemian to win the starting job if Joseph had to choose today.

“I’m sure that they would love for Paxton to show enough to go win that job with him being the first-round pick that they traded up to get, but I still think that Trevor’s the guy knock off for the job,” Schefter said.

And it’s not for a lack of talent from the 2016 first-round draft pick, Schefter said, but that Siemian has “too many intangibles” that make him the favorite.

“Trevor has those intangibles, and to date, Paxton has not exhibited them,” Schefter said. “That doesn’t mean he won’t learn them or acquire them. You hope, for his sake and for the Broncos sake, that he does. But, there are just certain little things — instincts, intangibles — that quarterbacks either get it or they don’t.

“And to date, as much as they had liked to have him get it, as much talent as he has, and as good as he could be one day, he just hasn’t gotten that yet.”

Of course, Lynch could go out and “light it up” during the preseason and win the starting role, Schefter said. And he’ll get his shot to start under center in game two of the preseason on the road against the San Francisco 49ers.

But “the light hasn’t kind of gone on” for Lynch, Schefter said.

“Again, I’m betting Trevor Siemian,” Schefter said.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @johnnyhart7.