Is the Broncos QB competition real?

The hottest topic at Denver Broncos training camp is the competition between Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch. Twitter feeds are littered with updates on every aspect. If Lynch throws a nice pass, or Siemian has a nice drive, Broncos Country knows about it.

As Ian St. Clair and I discussed on the Mile High Report Radio podcast, to some, this competition is more of a show than anything else. Admittedly, I lean Lynch when it comes to the question, “who should be the Broncos starting QB?” A large group of extremely vocal fans lean Siemian. It has led to some, shall we say, interesting debates on MHR over the past year.

Still, examining everything that has happened since the end of the 2016 season, there is clearly a favorite in the front office. John Elway traded up to get Lynch, and it feels like every move he has made, including Gary Kubiak’s retirement, has been to set him up to succeed. Siemian is not going anywhere. He has proven himself capable. Every plan needs a backup, and for Elway, Siemian seems to be that backup.

What we know about the Broncos is that Elway has been put in a position of immense power. He wants his first-round pick to start. All the talk about “juice,” and an offense on the attack feels like a desire for more athleticism from the QB. Lynch is that guy.

Interestingly enough, there are still fans who want to label Lynch a bust. Every interception he throws in practice is met by some with an, “I told you so,” vibe. It is a strange phenomenon to see a fan base that can’t fully get behind a No. 1 pick who the GM traded up to get.

To see the exact opposite you need look no further than Kansas City. Patrick Mahomes is clearly the heir apparent to Alex Smith. However, the organization has done all it can to put Mahomes in a position to succeed. The fans in KC are excited about their No. 1 pick, while in Broncos Country it feels like civil unrest.

There will be a public decision made, but to this writer, it looks like the position has been filled. The Broncos are looking for their QB of the Future. The idea of the best man winning the job is preferable, but also a bit naive. Believing that Elway hasn’t pushed his new coaching staff to put his first-round selection into the starting role is blindness.

So, hang on to every tweet. Yell and scream for your guy. If you are correct, you get bragging rights. That is what makes this fun. Just remember, in the end, we all bleed orange and blue.