When might Paxton Lynch be available? There are still obstacles that need to be overcome, but the latest reports are promising for the Denver Broncos’ quarterback.
#Broncos Lynch throwing well. Working arm strength back after shoulder injury. Ability to feel healthy after more reps and take a hit on shoulder remain hurdles to clear before playing. #Denver7
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) November 8, 2017
Trevor Siemian and Brock Osweiler have been a hot mess for Denver. Combined, they’ve completed less than 60 percent of their passes for 1,895 yards with 10 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and a 73.5 rating in the team’s eight games.
Given that the Broncos are 3-5, one piece of logic would say that keeping Lynch on the bench would be the best strategy. Unless things change and Denver becomes a playoff contender, there’s no real need to risk him at all.
Under normal circumstances, that would be true. But assuming he is healthy, the Broncos need to give Lynch some sort of audition in 2017. Lynch got into three games and started two in 2016. In those games, he completed only 59 percent of his passes for 497 yards with two touchdowns, one pick, and a 79.2 rating. He’s hardly proven himself as the quarterback of the future in Denver.
Despite the 3-5 record, the Broncos still have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball. A lot can change between now and then, but the 2018 season shouldn’t just be a rebuild.
Quarterback isn’t the team’s only flaw, but it is the most glaring. Whether anyone in the organization will ever admit it, Denver knows that neither Trevor Siemian or Brock Osweiler will lead this team back to glory. The Broncos need some time to see if Lynch can be that guy. If he can’t, then they need to go quarterback hunting.