The Denver Post’s Nicki Jhabvala on Tuesday answered questions from readers about the Denve rBroncos in a live chat. Here are the highlights:
Vance Joseph recently said that the Broncos’ priority is to win. We know that Brock Osweiler is the QB that most leaves the team in a position to win games, and Joseph said he wants to see more of Paxton Lynch. Who do you think will be the starter in the two remaining games of the season?
Nicki: I don’t think even they know yet. Joseph has said he wants to see Lynch play before the season ends, but they also want to see how he fares in practice this week. He’s coming off a high ankle sprain and has had limited on-field work, so they’ll want to make sure he’s physically prepared to take over if they go that route.
That said, there’s more to consider than just Lynch’s health. The Broncos have bounced back from an eight-game losing streak thanks to solid play by Trevor Siemian in Week 14 and an impressive showing by Brock Osweiler last Thursday. You have to wonder how the rest of the locker room would react if they hand the keys to Lynch when the veterans pulled in wins. Plus, Osweiler had a heck of a game at Indianapolis and to deny him the start after that could send mixed messages: Are they really about winning if they show they just want to see Lynch play?
There’s a lot to think about with this one. While everyone is quick to point out their record means little outside of landing a higher draft pick, these last two games are critical for nearly every player on the roster, plus the coaches on the sideline and future targets in free agent. The Broncos have undergone numerous changes on the field and on their coaching staff. More questionable moves might give a future free agent pause when considering Denver.
If I remember correctly John Elway once said that you need a legitimate quarterback to be a successful team. With that, why has he not gone out and got that legitimate quarterback. There is no way in anybody’s right mind that they thought they had good quarterbacks going into this year.
Nicki: He did say that, and as a Hall of Fame quarterback himself, he knows just how important the position is to a team’s success. That said, he believed he found a future starter when he traded up to get Lynch in the first round of the 2016 draft. Lynch has started only three games though and unless he really impresses in however much time they give him before the season ends, the Broncos may have no choice but to move on.
It’s interesting to see how successful Elway and the Broncos have been in finding defensive talent. But they’ve undoubtedly struggled to find offensive players in the draft, and that’s severely hindered their development in recent years.
Their situation now will likely prompt Elway to open the books and shell out big money for a veteran on the open market. Then again, he could take another shot at drafting a quarterback if the Broncos end up with a high enough pick. They have options — plenty of good options. But they have to decide which route they want to go and the kind of player they’re looking for.
If you were a gambling person what are the odds that the starting quarterback for the Broncos next year is currently not on this year’s roster?
Nicki: I am not a gambling person. But I would say the next starter is NOT on the roster currently.
Random question… who’s had the better career, Brandon Marshall or Brandon Marshall?
Nicki: Brandon Marshall.
Will the Broncos keep Trevor Siemian as a backup, or do you think they will release him?
Nicki: Unclear yet. They could look to trade him if they decide to keep Paxton Lynch (he has more dead money) and either draft a quarterback and/or find a veteran on the free-agent market. Quarterbacks are worth their weight in gold and the Broncos could get a solid return on a player like Siemian, who could be starter or viable backup elsewhere. Plus it might give Siemian a fresh start after a trying go in Denver.
Is Elway going to cut Osweiler and Siemian?
Nicki: Osweiler’s contract expires after this season. Siemian has one year left, and the team will have to decide if they want to keep him or gauge his trade value.
Why do you think DeMarcus Walker has been so disappointing and will he be a bust in your eyes? I was so excited about him in the draft and its been disappointing to see him struggle so badly.
Nicki: I don’t think DeMarcus Walker is a bust at all. I don’t know how you could even claim that before a player’s first season is over. People underestimate the difficulty of transitioning from the college game to the pros. Almost every player deals with it, even the greats. The game is faster, the players bigger, the playbooks more complex. I think it also takes players a bit of time to realize they have to contribute elsewhere to get time on the field. Many enter the league behind experienced vets and to earn time, they have to prove they’re valuable at multiple spots.
Walker is going through that now, but he’s a smart kid, not to mention an incredibly talented one too. He’s also lucky in that he’s playing with a group that has incredibly high standards. Learning from Von Miller, Shane Ray, Derek Wolfe and Domata Peko can be a blessing for a rookie.
As a diehard Broncos fan I’m kind of hesitant if I want the Broncos to win their last two games or get a better draft pick. Do you think the Broncos should try to win and use the momentum going into next season or move up in the draft and secure what could be an elite quarterback in Sam Darnold or Baker Mayfield?
Nicki: I’ve said this before — I don’t think a team should ever try to tank. The draft is a crapshoot, even if you have a high pick. And losing out sends a terrible message, to fans and the players on the roster. Remember this is their job, their livelihood.
Did Siemian get a bonus for being a two-year starter? He’s way underpaid, in my opinion.
Nicki: Siemian is on a rookie deal and rookie deals are slotted for the most part. For comparison, he and Dak Prescott are playing on approximately the same salary.
What value do the last few games have in a meaningless season for the Broncos?
Nicki: Tons of value. They’re not going to the playoffs, but nearly every player (and some coaches) are fighting for jobs. Plus, the Broncos’ finish to the season will impact their first-round draft pick in 2018.
Find the full chat transcript below:
Mobile users, if you can’t see the live chat, tap here.
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