Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O’Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag weekly during the season.
You can pose a Broncos- or NFL-related question for the Broncos Mailbag here. Follow Ryan for more daily updates on Twitter.
Just ask yourselves, Vance Joseph and John Elway — Case Keenum is hurt in the second quarter of the Seattle opener, who do you hand your season to? It’s either Chad Kelly or a backup vet to be determined. It’s not Paxton Lynch, so bite the bullet and do what needs to be done.
— Dan, St. Louis, Mo.
Ryan: Since you’re asking me, the Broncos’ lean should be exploring other avenues for a backup quarterback. For the fans who did not attend any of the open practices in camp — Lynch played Saturday night like he had been practicing. Tentative. Indecisive. Unsure. Kelly has earned the right to get some second-team reps this week, particularly in the practices against Chicago. But even if Lynch struggles against the Bears, I would have my list of available quarterbacks at the ready.
I think Chad Kelly is probably not ready to be a No. 2 QB right now. Do the Broncos carry three QBs and keep him? Is it three QBs wth Kelly or two QBs without?
— AJ Struyk, Canada
Ryan: If Kelly makes the 53-man roster, it will be as the third quarterback and if they carry two, it’s because they have tried to slide Kelly through waivers and onto the practice squad.
How are Phillip Lindsay‘s chances of making the team looking? He balled out against the Vikings.
— Sandra, Littleton
Ryan: Emerging players at receiver could impact Lindsay’s chances, but he is doing the right things (like scoring a touchdown) to make his case. I think there is a place for him on this offense. But if the Broncos keep Isaiah McKenzie as the punt returner and keep six receivers (Tim Patrick or River Cracraft being the sixth), that may mean only three tailbacks (Devontae Booker, Royce Freeman and De’Angelo Henderson) are kept. I would put Lindsay at making the initial roster at 59.2 percent.
Let’s say Paxton Lynch gets cut. Is there any big — or even just capable — names in free agency who we can sign to come in as the backup?
— Max P., Commerce City
Ryan: Not including Colin Kaepernick (because that’s not happening), the top available name is Matt Moore, formerly of Miami. That would be the only free agent I consider. On the trade front, do the Broncos really want to give up a late-round pick for Teddy Bridgewater? Not ideal, but circumstances may force their hand.
So what the reason behind Von Miller sitting out the Vikings game? Is he hurt?
— James, Denver
Ryan: Yeah, that was interesting. On Thursday, Vance Joseph said Miller would play since he was healthy. Miller went through warmups, but was then told he was not playing. Why not tell him before the game? He’s a tenured player who deserves that consideration. The bottom line for him not playing: They want him healthy for Week 1.
What is it going to take for John Elway to swallow his pride and cut Paxton Lynch? Most all agree Paxton is a bust and will never get it. Additionally, by not giving Chad Kelly more of a chance (e.g. playing with the second team), the Broncos won’t get a good feel for if he could have a significant future with the team or not! Elway is making a big mistake by railroading Paxton into the backup role without earning it. If it comes to a point where Keenum gets hurt and Paxton has to play both players and fans alike will be disgusted, me included! I would rather see the Broncos cut their losses with Paxton now, sign a veteran backup and focus on developing Kelly as a potential future QB (or at least truly better understand if has a future or not). We know already Paxton has no future here! Your thoughts?
— Bob Terwilliger, Frederick
Ryan: Bob got on a roll, didn’t he? For Elway to swallow his pride and give up on Lynch — a minimum of two more lousy games. I kind of agree on your theory that Kelly’s development this month may be stunted because he’s stuck on the third team..
Should we be concerned about the Broncos’ run defense? Latavius Murray ran wild on us…
— James Wilkins, Cheyenne, Wyo.
Ryan: Not exactly a great first impression, that’s for sure. The first big Murray run was a missed downfield tackle by linebacker Brandon Marshall. The second big Murray run, a few Broncos couldn’t get off their blocks. Not concerned yet, but something to monitor. Keep in mind, inside linebacker Todd Davis and outside linebacker Von Miller did not play.
Ryan, here are my realistic observations/expectations this year. 1. Case Keenum is the QB the NFL knew in Houston and Los Angeles. 2. Vance Joseph WILL be fired during the season. 3. Our defense will struggle at crucial times (2015 this ain’t). 4. It’s time to move on from Paxton Lynch (whether they do or don’t remains to be seen). 5. Chad Kelly deserves additional time, and work with the 2s. 6. Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders will be crowing in the media they need more balls week by week. 7. This team is unfortunately destined for six wins max. 8. I hope I’m wrong about all of this (but I have a bad feeling I’m not). Thoughts?
— Greg S., Castle Pines
Ryan: Greg and Bob need to meet up to talk Broncos football. Responding to your thoughts. 1. The Broncos are banking on Keenum being the quarterback they saw in Minnesota. 2. It will take a lot for an in-season coaching change. 3. The defense will struggle if their depth is tested at cornerback and inside linebacker. 4. You sit in the majority of fans about Lynch. 5. Agreed on Kelly deserving time with the second team. 6. If the season falls apart, many players will be crowing. 7. I would still bet the “over” on six wins. 8. Vance also hopes you’re all wrong.
Ryan, I’m trying to stay positive, but that first half was brutal to watch. Is the Broncos offense any better than last year? Case Keenum had two 3-and-outs and Paxton was, well, garbage. Royce Freeman looked pretty good, but overall it seemed like Denver kept running terrible conservative plays like they did last year. What says you?
— Mike M., Denver
Ryan: Agreed, the first half was a tough watch. Imagine trying to write about it. Like putting lipstick on a pig. The Broncos offense will be better than last year … a lot better. I say that with confidence. Fans should want to see Freeman as the Week 1 starter. Conservative plays is the nature of the preseason. Bill Musgrave is clearly saving some tricks for Seattle.
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