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Demaryius Thomas wants resolution ... and sooner than later.
The Denver Broncos wide receiver told various members of the media on Friday that he would like the quarterback competition resolved by the time the team departs for two joint practices with the San Francisco 49ers on Aug. 16-17 and one solo practice (Aug. 18) before the second preseason game on Aug. 19. That means the organization would make its decision about a week and a half into training camp.
You can understand why Thomas wants an answer on the quarterback front. The Broncos are in a new offense with new coaches and the longer the team holds off on a decision helps no one. Thomas knows he and the entire offense need all the time they can get with whomever is chosen as the starter, Paxton Lynch or Trevor Siemian.
Demaryius Thomas on QB competition between Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch. #9sports pic.twitter.com/Vb7Y6VIZab
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) July 7, 2017
Thomas also said that Denver’s quarterbacks, receivers, tight ends and running backs will gather for a passing camp in about a week in Los Angeles. There’s been speculation this may happen but there wasn’t anything concrete. Now that it will this should help with the timing and familiarity, but also create separation from the players’ perspective.
If the trend carries over from the last few weeks of organized team activities and mini camp, we may get the resolution Thomas wants. Just as Thomas said in his short interview recorded by Mike Klis with 9News (posted above).
Andrew Mason from the Broncos’ website was a little surprised Thomas wants the competition called so soon. Whether it comes before the trip to San Francisco or after, it can’t last much longer after that given the third and most important preseason game follows and you don’t want this hanging over the team.
My theory has been--& remains--that ideally you'd like it settled after SF practices, thus based on 2 games & 2 practices vs. another team.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) July 7, 2017
You don’t sense frustration from Thomas when he talks about the Broncos quarterbacks situation ... yet. It’s still early July and three weeks before training camp. Once the team gathers on July 27 at the UCHealth Training Center, the questions will persist and the frustration mount.
The sooner Denver puts the quarterback situation to bed, the better for all involved.