Denver Broncos Cannot Pull Paxton Lynch Moving Forward

Trevor Siemian was dealt a bad break. He was playing some good football and earning his way as a starter for the Denver Broncos.

That all ended with one hit from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense. It came early in the first half. He was playing well, completing 5-of-7 passes for 68 yards and a touchdown. Then on a busted play was grabbed, spun around a slammed to the turn directly on his left shoulder. It was a violent hit and seeing him come up nursing the injury was disheartening.

Not just because he would have to leave the game, but because of the wider meaning of it. That meant 1st round draft pick Paxton Lynch would be coming in. Anybody who understands the politics of football knows that the organization is looking for any excuse to put a quarterback drafted that high on the field. Two ways that happen. Either the starter plays poorly or he gets hurt. Those were the rules and Siemian knew the moment he was given the job. Sadly he’s fallen victim to the latter.

Now the course is unmistakable for the Denver Broncos brass. For better or worse, they cannot pull Paxton Lynch moving forward. He’s their future and going back to Siemian would do far more harm than good. Siemian at least did his job. He gave the team more time to prepare Lynch for assuming the mantle. It’s why they traded up for him and nothing short of Siemian playing like a Pro Bowler was going to stop it.

There is no going back. Not unless Lynch himself gets hurt. The Broncos invested a lot for him to be the guy. Removing him at this point does far more harm than good. They’ll just have to lean on the defense and running game until he’s ready to accept more command of the offense. Gary Kubiak is a smart coach. He’ll know what to do.