Horse Tracks: Despite reports, Broncos quarterback sitaution clearer going into game three

What all Denver Broncos fans want, besides solid quaterback play, is clarity. Going into preseason game two, discord among fans over Trevor Siemian, Mark Sanchez, and Paxton Lynch was as high as it's ever been during times of quarterback uncertainty.

From the beginning, I've reserved judgement. I loved watching Siemian unseat Zac Dysert as the third quarterback on the roster last year. When Mark Sanchez was acquired in a trade with the Eagles, I thought it was a shrewd move that could payoff. I applauded drafting Paxton Lynch, and believed he is the future of the Broncos at the quarterback position. There has to be one among them who is capable enough to take over.

Three quarterbacks, who starts?

Unlike many (all?') of the Mile High Report  staff, I am not anti-Siemian. In the last two games he has dinked and dunked his way into being a safe call at quarterback if needed. Unfortunately for Trevor, vanilla quarterback play causes fans to recall the blah-years of Kyle Orton and not the juggernaut years of Elway and Manning. Siemien and his willingness to check-down has made him a safe, but not sexy pick. Can he win games? Probably. Is he the best quarterback on the roster. No.

The second half of Saturday's game showed that Paxton Lynch is the best quarterback of the three. With a offensive line and receivers composed primarily of folks who will be shoving the contents of their lockers in to trash bags and vacating the building when the season starts, Lynch did an admirable job moving the ball. It's not a bold take to declare that Lynch should start in game three. Everyone who watched the game on Saturday saw the same thing. Lynch had great pocket awareness, mobility, accuracy, and commanded the ball all over the field. What more does a quarterback have to do to ascend the depth chart?

So what about Mark Sanchez?

I really wanted it to work out with Mark. Nobody wanted him to succeed more than me. I thought the 'Butt-fumble' moniker was unfair and chose to focus on the two AFC Championships he made it to. After two games watching Sanchez consistently turn the ball over and make horrific choices, I've seen enough.

Sure, Sanchez has flirted with accuracy and poise, but when he gets rattled, the walls come crashing down on top of him. Jay Cutler would get happy feet and throw interceptions - you can't have that. Orton would just make terrible decisions, he couldn't help it. When under pressure, Mark Sanchez panics. In fact, 'panic' doesn't accurately describe what happens to Sanchez. It's like his brain shuts off and his arms and legs operate independently of themselves. When he scrambles, he doesn't hold on to the ball. When Sanchez throws the ball, his feet aren't set and the ball's destination becomes shockingly unimportant.

Sanchez is like your little brother going out on his first date. You spend all this time getting him prepped and ready to go. You helped him buy nice clothes, taught him the art of small talk, and how to woo with confidence. When the time comes to pull out his date's chair, he bashes his forehead into the light fixture, vomits on those fancy clothes, faints onto table, and knocks everything on top of himslelf on his way to the floor.

I have given up on Mark Sanchez.. The benefit of the doubt I gave him over his 'butt-fumble' reputation has evaporated. There was an 'Aha' moment in the game on Sunday. It was that Mark Sanchez is not qualified to a quarterback of the Denver Broncos on any level.

HORSE TRACKS

Really, if you think about it, how could Sanchez have done a worse job on Saturday? Mark Sanchez sees starting QB job slipping away after two costly fumbles - CBSSports.com

...as though there was any question. Mark Sanchez is worried he blew an opportunity in Broncos' QB battle | FOX Sports

It's no secret who the best quarterback on the field was on Saturday for the Broncos. Broncos QB battle: Siemian may still have lead but here comes Paxton Lynch | @@9sports #9newds

The door is open for Lynch, all he as to do is take it. Gary Kubiak says Paxton Lynch can win Broncos starting QB gig - CBSSports.com

If you ask me, this mystery is all but solved. Woody Paige: Denver Broncos' starting quarterback is still a mystery | Colorado Springs Gazette, News

The Broncos added some depth at defensive end. Henry Melton reaches deal with Denver Broncos | Hookem.com

As the Broncos run out of preseason games, it would appear that Ronnie Hillman is running out of time. Bronco notes: Melton, right guard and Ronnie Hillman updates | 9news.com

So just how is the running back battle shaping up? Next-Day Notebook: Backup backs bring boost | Denver Broncos

Adam Gotsis wasn't perfect on Saturday, but he's showing lots of promise. Adam Gotsis has shown brilliant hustle in two preseason games | Broncos Wire

Demarcus Ware is coming back! Broncos' DeMarcus Ware to return to practice - NFL.com

Pat Bowlen getting hosed by the Hall of Fame still angers me. Apparently, many Broncos fans feel the same way. Mason's Mailbag: Thoughts on the Hall of Fame and fullbacks | Denver Broncos

Time to focus on the Los Angeles Rams. They're having quarterback issues of their own. LOOK: Case Keenum sharp early; Jared Goff comes in, promptly fumbles - CBSSports.com

I wonder who can afford to be more patient, Denver or Los Angeles? Jeff Fisher reiterates that Rams will be patient with Jared Goff | ProFootballTalk

Not a good Sunday for the Patriots. Report: Sebastian Vollmer likely headed to injured reserve | ProFootballTalk

It was really not a good Sunday for the Patriots. Dion Lewis reportedly facing second knee surgery, no timetable for return - CBSSports.com

The turf monster is no longer as scary down in Houston. Texans players like the new field at NRG Stadium | ProFootballTalk

It seems like Pouncey gets injured every year. This year it's earlier than usual. Hip injury could keep Mike Pouncey out for Week One | ProFootballTalk

Michael Bennett loves to fight his teammates more than he likes to practice. Michael Bennett gets tossed out of Seahawks practice again for fighting | FOX Sports

Josh Gordon is in the news and it's football related. Josh Gordon of Cleveland Browns gets practice with first string | ESPN

Does anyone outside of New York care where Geno Smith is on the depth chart? New York Jets coach Todd Bowles declines to say Geno Smith still No. 2 on depth chart

The Arizona secondary has to be happy to have Mathieu back. Tyrann Mathieu of Arizona Cardinals practices for first time since tearing ACL in Week 15 | ESPN

Marcell Dareus is getting the help he needs. Good for him. Marcell Dareus entering rehab after four-game substance-abuse suspension - CBSSports.com

Tom Brady's storied designation as 'probable' on the Patriots injury report is coming to an unceremonious end. NFL makes change to team injury reports that could have major impact | FOX Sports