The Denver Broncos will start Trevor Siemian over Mark Sanchez at quarterback during the team’s third and most important preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, and at least one veteran Broncos beat writer believes Sanchez could now be third in the battle to be Denver’s starter to open the regular season.
According to Mike Klis of 9 News in Denver, “too many bad plays” have sent Sanchez falling down the quarterback depth chart. Also, head coach Gary Kubiak and the Broncos have committed to playing rookie Paxton Lynch in the third preseason game, which could mean Sanchez is now on the outside looking in of a quarterback race he was once widely expected to win.
Through two preseason games, Sanchez has completed 20 of 30 passes for 219 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He lost two fumbles in the red zone during a loss to the San Francisco 49ers last Saturday night.
“I feel like I squandered an opportunity to separate myself,” Sanchez said afterwards, via NFL.com.
Starting Siemian in the regular season dress rehearsal is a clear enough signal that the Broncos are prepared to go a different way at quarterback.
Sanchez has the experience advantage over both Siemian—who, as a former seventh-round pick in 2015, has played one regular season NFL snap—and Lynch, a first-round pick this year. But carelessness with the football has long troubled Sanchez, and more mistakes this preseason have created massive problems in his quest to start for the Broncos in Week 1.
“This competition may no longer be Siemian vs. Sanchez but Siemian vs. Lynch,” Klis wrote.
Sanchez will need an impressive two weeks to salvage what he’s lost. A strong start from Siemian and more flashes from Lynch could be enough to bury Sanchez once and for all.