It is never too early to discuss Bronco football, and the topic is a familiar one. Who should be the Broncos starting quarterback on opening day? Trevor Siemian or Paxton Lynch? The Siemian doubters may question his health, his 7th round pedigree, and his questionable upside. The Lynch supporters may look at the strong-armed, 6’7, first rounder Lynch as the answer to the offensive woes of last year. But here are five reasons that Trevor Siemian is the obvious choice for opening day.

1) Experience – Trevor Siemian has started in 14 games for the Denver Broncos. That generally translates to better decision making, quicker reads, and less mistakes. With a new head coach, a new offensive coordinator, and a new playbook, the Broncos could use a heady quarterback who’s a quick study. Not exactly Lynch’s forte. Be safe, and let the defense keep us in it.

2) The offensive game plan – The word is that Mike McCoy’s offense is based on quick, short, accurate throws. And with a questionable offensive line, Siemian is quick and accurate. Lynch is still working on it.

3) Injuries – I never said that Siemian was the better quarterback. He’s just better for the start of the season. Trevor Siemian has a history of injuries. His body is never going to be as fresh as opening day, and with four of the Bronco’s first five games at Mile High, the Broncos could get off to a fast start. If he does get hurt, Lynch comes in as the back up, and everyone loves the back up.

4) It’s not a rebuilding year – The Broncos were 9-7 last year and still have the best defense in football. Let Siemian play the first twelve games if possible, and if the Broncos are in the playoff hunt, stick with him. If they are 6-6, time to put the kid in against the Jets, at home.

5) Hope for the future – Okay, the reality is that Siemian is probably not taking you to the Super Bowl. The best 7th round quarterback in the last 20 years has been Ryan Fitzpatrick, who has a career record of 46-69 and has never been to the playoffs. But if Lynch beats out Siemian and starts, and he sucks, the Broncos have nothing. Let me keep living the fantasy that Lynch is being groomed like a Steve Young or an Aaron Rodgers. And not the guy who couldn’t take practice reps from Mark Sanchez.

Early season prediction – I like our defense and our schedule. 10-6.

Alan Tapley The Athletic Supporter

Alan Tapley is an educator, author, and blogger who has lived just outside of Boulder for the last twenty years.  His published work includes two novels, two children’s books, a series of cartoons in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, and multiple sports related articles. His love for family and the state of Colorado is only matched by one thing, his passion for sports.  The first baseball game he ever attended was at Wrigley Field, before there were lights.  At the final Bronco game at the old Mile High, he allegedly cut out a piece of his seat in the South stands.  But regardless of being here for the Avalanche’s last Stanley Cup, the Rockies only World Series appearance, and all the Broncos’ Super Bowl Victories, his wife never fails to remind him that he wasn’t at the University of Colorado in 1990, like she was.  The year the Buffs football team won the National Championship.