Chad Kelly Promoted to #2, Broncos’ Backup Quarterback Battle Not Over Yet

By Jordan Long

The Denver Broncos shook up their depth chart at quarterback after their first preseason game loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Chad Kelly out performed Paxton Lynch and was promoted to the 2^nd quarterback slot behind starter Case Keenum.

Lynch was in the game on Saturday from the end of the 1^st quarter to the middle of the 3^rd quarter. The offense couldn’t move the football much. Lynch was having a difficult time finding an open receiver. Even when he did, there was pressure in his face. Lynch was also having trouble with his reads. He has a difficult time looking at all his receivers to find the open one and tries to force the ball into the first receiver he sees. Lynch finished the game with an unimpressive 6 for 11 passing for 24 yards and 1 interception.

Kelly, on the other hand, played well for his first NFL action. Of course it was against 3^rd and 4^th stringers. The offense was flowing and he was able to march the Broncos up and down the field. He ended 14 of 21 passing for 177 yards and 2 touchdowns. His only mistake was an interception thrown when he threw it right to the defensive back and there wasn’t a receiver in the area.

Kelly was the more impressive quarterback than Lynch. He was able to look at all of his receivers and find the open man. Kelly didn’t hold onto the football as long as Lynch and that was the difference.

According to CBSsports.com, Head Coach Vance Joseph said, “It’s really more about what Chad’s done, honestly. Chad’s played well, he’s played with poise, he’s played with confidence. He moved the ball for us on Saturday night. It’s been that way since the spring. He had a great spring, he’s had a great camp. It’s his turn to be the two.”

Kelly deserves to be the #2 quarterback. He earned it on Saturday night. This could change once again next week. Denver faces the Chicago Bears on Saturday night. If Kelly plays well against the Bears, it would be tough for the Broncos not to have him as the #2 quarterback to start the season. On the flip side, if Kelly struggles and Lynch looks better, Lynch probably will be the #2 quarterback at this time next week. The backup quarterback battle is far from over.