And the starting quarterback for the defending Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos is… Trevor who?
You’re not the only one trying to find out more about the new Broncos quarterback. Trevor Siemian, a seventh round pick in the 2015 draft, was not considered–by fans at least–to be a serious contender in the quarterback battle. Although 17% of our voters put “Neither” on their ballots, it is pretty unlikely that all of them had Trevor Siemian in mind to start over Mark “Buttfumble” Sanchez and Paxton Lynch.
Who should start the season as the #Broncos starting QB? #NFL
— Best NFL Polls (@Best_NFL_Polls) May 4, 2016
Even as the battle heated up in training camp, fans didn’t see Siemian as having a legitimate chance at being the starter. He was well behind in voting despite the Broncos repeatedly insisting that Siemian was still in the running for the job. The problem is that fans didn’t see anyone winning the quarterback job. They saw the only one with any NFL experience doing enough to not lose it.
Which QB will start week 1 for the defending Super Bowl Champion #Broncos in 2016? #PreseasonPositionBattle
— Best NFL Polls (@Best_NFL_Polls) August 9, 2016
We still haven’t seen enough of Siemian to judge whether he will be a successful NFL QB or not. But we can assume that Broncos GM John Elway and Head Coach Gary Kubiak–both former NFL quarterbacks–have.
Since being named the starter, Siemian’s teammates have praised the decision. Per BSN Denver, running back C.J. Anderson explained “there’s just something about that kid that makes you want to go play for him,” and wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders compared Siemian’s poise to Aaron Rodgers, describing him as “calm, cool and collected.” Siemian didn’t necessarily light it up in the preseason, finishing 27 for 43 for 285 yards, 1 TD and 2 INTs. But coaches were more focused on his composure, confidence and ability to bounce back.
With the league’s top defense and Emmanuel Sanders, Demaryius Thomas and C.J. Anderson in the huddle, Siemian doesn’t need to carry the team or force plays. He needs to stay calm and avoid mistakes. If–or when–he makes mistakes, he needs to bounce back quickly.
How long will Siemian last as the Broncos starting QB? According to Twitter, not long. Most voters see Paxton Lynch at the helm by week 8.
Trevor Siemian named starter for defending SB champion #Broncos. How will he do in his 1st year as a starter? #NFL
— Best NFL Polls (@Best_NFL_Polls) August 29, 2016
But with a year of studying under Peyton Manning, one of the best to ever play the position, and the stamp of approval from John Elway and Gary Kubiak, we may be in for a pleasant surprise.
(Photo Credit: Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)