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Good morning, Broncos Country!
Now that it’s official, Paxton Lynch is the player to watch against the Atlanta Falcons.
As Adam Malnati and I discussed in the Mile High Report Radio podcast this week, there is serious hype about this moment. With how Lynch looked in his first NFL action in a far from ideal situation, this is his chance to show even more.
That doesn’t take away from Trevor Siemian, who is unlikely to even be active in today’s game, or how he’s played. What it means is the Denver Broncos get to see even more from the first-round quarterback John Elway traded up to get. And Lynch was impressive in how he played last week.
What helps Lynch is the trust Gary Kubiak has shown in him, the playmakers around him, the fact the game is at home and that Denver defense. It also aids Lynch to go against a weak Falcons defense that is 31st against the pass. Atlanta allows 317 yards through the air and it’s missing its starting linebackers. Lynch showed he will test the field and go deep, and you can bet he will again today.
Keep in mind that Lynch didn’t get reps last week prior to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game and still impressed. He got those reps this week and, by all accounts, looked really good. Lynch and the receivers were off in the timing on those deeper routes but the work this week should assist in that.
There were reports on Saturday that Siemian was still on track to start on Thursday against the San Diego Chargers. But logic dictates, given the short week, Lynch will start today and also Thursday.
Some of this is no doubt tied to how Lynch plays, but why risk it if Siemian couldn’t go against the Falcons? Will three more days of rest really make a substantial difference? As I said earlier this week, keep Siemian on the sideline these two games, allow Lynch to play and re-evaluate after the short bye.
This is at least a one- or two-game audition for Paxton Lynch. If the kid shows well, #Broncos should stick with him. @1043TheFan
— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) October 8, 2016
I’m in total agreement with Cecil Lammey on one point. There is no quarterback controversy in Denver since the future is Lynch and he has franchise quarterback potential. As Lammey said, this is a probable two-game audition for Lynch, and if he does well, the Broncos should stick with him.
Today’s game was already the "game of the week." Now that Lynch is the starter, that amps up even more. How he responds to the situation will dictate what we see not just Thursday against the Chargers, but the rest of the season and potentially the next few years.
Broncos Tracks
Three Keys to Broncos-Falcons
Wade Phillips and his defense have a major challenge looming as the high-flying Falcons soar into Denver.
D-11 teacher to be honored by Denver Broncos - KRDO
A local teacher will be honored as the hero of the Denver Broncos game on Sunday for her fight against breast cancer.
Twitter slams Rams after they tried to use Broncos’ "No Fly Zone" moniker | Broncos Wire
The Los Angeles tried to use "No Fly Zone," a moniker coined by the Denver Broncos, and Twitter called them out for it.
Falcons 101: An Atlanta - Denver Broncos series history - The Falcoholic
Things have not gone as planned for Atlanta in this short series.
The top matchups to watch in Falcons - Broncos Week 5 - The Falcoholic
Stellar cornerbacks versus stellar receivers, a brutal pass rush versus an improved offensive line, and an effective ground game against an improving run defense.
Falcons vs. Broncos, NFL picks and predictions 2016: Denver a heavy favorite among the experts - SBNation.com
Matt Ryan and the Falcons face their biggest challenge yet when they take on Denver's stifling defense this week.
AFC West Tracks
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith believes he will again gain big yardage rushing | The Kansas City Star
Opponents have effectively taken away Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith’s greatest strengths, which is his ability to scramble and pick up "hidden yardage.
Here is how Chiefs have fared after a blowout loss under coach Andy Reid | The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Chiefs haven’t suffered many blowout losses in the Andy Reid era but when they have, they’ve bounced back with a better performance in the next game.
Andy Reid gets 'F' in quarter-season Kansas City Chiefs' report card
The Chiefs' play-calling has been questionable at times under coach Andy Reid, and the team has been uncompetitive too often in the first four games.
Alex Smith’s time is running out - Arrowhead Pride
Not many people have watched Alex Smith more than MNchiefsfan. And he thinks Alex has been a problem.
Derek Carr Is The NFL’s Newest Gunslinger | FiveThirtyEight
One of the surprise stories of the first quarter of the NFL season is that the Oakland Raiders have raced out to a 3-1 start.
Oakland Raiders QB Derek Carr has been a fourth-quarter 'surgeon' - NFL Nation- ESPN
Derek Carr's accuracy in late-game situations has helped the QB lead six game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime since the start of 2015.
The Eraser: Reggie Nelson Making Most Of His Opportunity In Silver And Black
Now in his 10th season in the NFL, Reggie Nelson is showing no signs of slowing down.
Two capable rookie scat backs opens "great avenues" for Raiders with Latavius Murray out - Silver And Black Pride
This week the Raiders will be relying on rookie fifth round pick DeAndre Washington and undrafted rookie Jalen Richard to carry the load at running back.
Chargers, Raiders meet while headed different directions - The San Diego Union-Tribune
Chargers and Raiders are seemingly headed in different directions.
Joey Bosa all set for NFL debut - The San Diego Union-Tribune
The Chargers rookie defensive end missed the first four games of the season.
Korey Toomer relishes chance to face Oakland Raiders, hit Derek Carr
Now with the Chargers, Korey Toomer will get his shot at Derek Carr, something he didn't have as a member of the Raiders' practice squad.
The Chargers should claim former Panthers CB Bene Benwikere - Bolts From The Blue
Today the Panthers cut their starting cornerback, Bene Benwikere. What I’ve been doing over the last couple months is watching nothing but NFC CBs and ranking them.
NFL Tracks
Patriots activate Tom Brady, Rob Ninkovich - NFL.com
Tom Brady is officially back. The New England Patriots have activated the quarterback before Sunday's contest against the Cleveland Browns.
NFL Week 5 updated odds: Lines moving toward Pats, Steelers, Bucs and Bills - CBSSports.com
Let's take a look at the latest lines as Week 5 draws closer.
The 10 best things about Sunday's Week 5 NFL games | FOX Sports
Tom Brady is back, and hopefully gets beat the Browns so this lazy narrative that he's "pissed" will stop.
NFL Week 5 Betting Picks | FOX Sports
The biggest storyline of Week 5 in the NFL revolves around who will be under center and who will not.
What to watch: Prisco's film-study notes on key matchups in every NFL Week 5 game - CBSSports.com
Here are the key matchups in every Week 5 game (except Thursday) that'll likely decide who wins.
NFL picks 2016, Week 5: Look for the Patriots, Panthers to get back in the win column - SBNation.com
Both teams are coming off big losses last week. This week, the Patriots get Brady back against the Browns, and Carolina gets to host a struggling Buccaneers team in primetime. Both games look like sure things, but are they really?
Cam Newton (concussion) ruled out vs. Buccaneers - NFL.com
Come Monday, Superman will be on the sidelines. The Panthers have ruled out quarterback Cam Newton for Monday night's game against the Buccaneers.
Five matchups that will define NFL Week 5: Can Odell Beckham Jr. keep his cool?
For Odell Beckham Jr., the stakes and circumstances are clear.
Biggest Week 5 NFL questions, stats and predictions - NFL Nation- ESPN
Odell Beckham Jr.'s state of mind, the Falcons' prospects against the Broncos D and the Vikings' perfect start are hot topics heading into Week 5.
NFL tries to reassure teams as TV ratings drop | Fox News
The National Football League has sent a memo to team owners seeking to ease concerns about the ratings decline that has hit football this fall.
Is the N.F.L.’s Concussion Settlement Broken? - The New York Times
A look at the landmark deal, and whether it’s good for all retired N.F.L. players, or just those currently suffering from obvious brain damage.
Josh McCown's daughter and her friends sum up his strange NFL career in one photo | FOX Sports
What, no love for the Panthers? Or the Cardinals?
15 must-read fantasy football stats for Week 5 - NFL.com
Antonio Brown and Sammie Coates could be set up for a HUGE outing against the Jets. Find out why as analytics expert Cynthia Frelund gives you her must-read fantasy stats for Week 5.
Injuries: Cardinals place Evan Mathis (ankle) on IR - NFL.com
Evan Mathis' one-year stay with the Cardinals may have to be cut short. Arizona placed the veteran guard on injured reserve after he suffered an ankle injury in Thursday night's win over the 49ers.
Patriots release Jonathan Cooper; Did the Cardinals win the Chandler Jones trade? - Pats Pulpit
After the Patriots released a former top 10 pick, we have to look at whether or not head coach Bill Belichick was outsmarted by Arizona.