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Paxton Lynch could be ready to make run at Denver Broncos' starting QB job

By The Sports Xchange
Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch throws a pass in the second quarter of the Denver Broncos-Arizona Cardinals game at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on September 1, 2016. File photo by Art Foxall/UPI
Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch throws a pass in the second quarter of the Denver Broncos-Arizona Cardinals game at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on September 1, 2016. File photo by Art Foxall/UPI | License Photo

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.-- The real competition at quarterback for the Denver Broncos won't begin until training camp. Their OTAs are expository action, about installing the myriad concepts of a varied offensive scheme that will eventually play to the offense's strengths -- once coordinator Mike McCoy and his assistants discern exactly what those are.

"This is a difficult offense," said tight end Virgil Green, who played under McCoy in 2011 and 2012. "There is a lot of substance to this offense."

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But it was hard to overlook what Paxton Lynch did during practice Monday as he continued to split first-team repetitions with 2016 starter Trevor Siemian.

Lynch stretched the field, finding Demaryius Thomas for a deep touchdown. He did a better job going through his progressions. He was more decisive against the pass rush, stepping up and out of the pocket quickly on multiple occasions.

"He had a great day," Broncos head coach Vance Joseph said. "He made some nice throws."

The key for Lynch will be to string together days like that. Doing so at next week's minicamp would be a good start and would put him on firmer footing to make a push for the starting job when training camp begins.

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And since any success comes against a defense that has been the league's best against the pass the last two years, even failures must be taken with a grain of salt. Lynch or Siemian won't have to face a defense with All-Pros like Von Miller, Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. on a regular basis during the regular season.

If Lynch and Siemian can make plays against them, the Broncos believe they should be able to do it when it counts.

"Our defense, hands down, is one of the best in the league. It is tough to go against those guys," Green said.

"I think we're making a lot of progress. We're making a lot of plays for as much substance as this offense has. I think these (quarterbacks) have adjusted really well."

But when training camp begins, the adjustment has to end. One of them must step up and lead. And after his work to start the week, there are some glimmers of hope that Lynch might be able to handle the job.

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