The Denver Broncos opened its preseason on the road against the Chicago Bears amid a Quarterback battle between Mark Sanchez and Trevor Siemian which had been brewing throughout the first weeks of training camp.
As reported before the game, Mark Sanchez took the field as the starter for the Broncos and put together a fairly impressive first series with the starting group. Sanchez went 7-of-8 for 83 yards including a touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas. Not only did Sanchez convert on two third downs but also handled the pressure well, due to the many breakdowns in protection from the Denver offensive line. On the second series the pressure seemed to get to Sanchez, when he threw a pass into coverage, which was tipped and intercepted by Bears linebacker Jerrell Freeman. The third series went for a quick three and out, and he was then replaced by Trevor Siemian.
Sanchez finished the day 10-for-13 for 99 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
Siemian also had a fairly impressive performance while he took his reps with the second group of the Broncos. Although the Denver offense had to settle for three, on his first drive, Siemian completed a series of passes to Cody Latimer which led to first downs. Siemian finished 7-for-12 throwing for 88 yards and looked poised and calm throughout the night and played mistake-free football.
Paxton Lynch dressed for his first NFL game and was inserted into the game earlier than expected. Lynch took over the offense in the second half, where he went a quick three and out as he was sacked on third down forcing a punt. Two plays on that first drive Lynch felt pressure and was too quick and anxious to use his legs.
The Broncos offensive line was the most troubling aspect of the game Thursday night. During the first drive Sanchez was under tremendous pressure and the running game was non factor. Siemian handled the pressure better than Sanchez but protection seemed to be an issue for both Quarterbacks
Cody Latimer was the star of the night as he led the Broncos receivers with 5 receptions for 55 yards including a big reception for 21 yards. The Denver defense picked up right where it had left off from a year ago, not surrendering a single point against the Bears.
