The Denver Broncos Offseason: Quarterbacks

Hello Bronconians. After countless mock draft scenarios, I have decided to go position by position looking for the good areas and the areas that need improvement. It will be a series that dissects the Broncos that we love so dearly. The first area is the most important in my opinion, the Quarterbacks.

2009 Quarterbacks on Roster:

Kyle Orton

Chris Simms

Tom Brandstater

Quarterback Analysis: Kyle Orton

Kyle Orton came into the Bronco organization during the Jay Cutler trade last year. He came under much scrutiny. He came in from day one and devoted himself to learning the playbook to prepare for the season. During the spring practices, Kyle showed the coaches that he deserved to be the starter and was announced thusly before the start of training camp. In his first outing at Mile High Stadium, Orton threw two picks and was badly booed by our fans. However, he did not let it deter him. He kept working hard and went into the preseason determined to prove he deserved to be the starter. In the first preseason game, he threw three picks and was thrust into a quarterback controversy when Chris Simms performed well in the game. Fast forward to the game vs Washington. Orton goes down with an ankle injury. The Bronconians who called for Chris Simms to get a shot get their wish. It ends with a 3 for 13 outing and a humiliating loss that was supposed to be a sure win. The next game was against the hated San Diego Chargers. After a week of speculating if Orton was going to play, Simms takes the field. His first drop back ended up in a sack/fumble. We knew we were in trouble. However, we notice Orton is warming up on the sideline. We are given a reason to believe that we can still win. We get the ball back and we see Orton gimping onto the field to one of the loudest applause's all season. The same quarterback that we wanted to bench in the preseason became the savior of Bronco Nation as he trudged out onto the field. We lost that game, but that was beside the point. I believe it was at that time that we knew Orton was the right QB for the Broncos. Everyone knows how the season ended for the Broncos. Orton's lack of arm strength hurt the Broncos down the stretch as teams started playing tight coverage daring Orton to throw deep. So now that the season is over, one question remains.

What do we do with Kyle Orton?

He provided great leadership last year. He was by far our best option in 2009. However, now that the season is over, what should we do with him? He is a restricted free agent and a decision needs to be made.

I say: Sign him. He provided great leadership during the year. He deserves the right to compete for the starting spot. He was not Horrendous this year. He led some game winning drives for us. If nothing else, he could be used as a mentor to a young QB that we acquire. We could tender him for a second round pick and might get a pick, but that would leave the team without a proven quarterback. I think letting Orton go would be a big mistake.

Quarterback Analysis: Chris Simms

This will be A LOT shorter then the Orton analysis. Chris Simms attempted a comeback after a devastating spleen injury. He performed well in the preseason and had some Bronco fans calling for him to star. He got the chance to play against Washington and San Diego and it was a train wreck. His arm strength is better then Orton, but he doesn't have any of the tools necessary to compete and win.

What do we do with Chris Simms?

This is an easy call. We need to let him go. He is not going to help us to the Superbowl. He is not a capable backup. We need a quarterback that can contribute to our team's success. I like Simms as a person, but  he is not that quarterback.

Quarterback Analysis: Tom Brandstater

Drafted in the 6th round, he was projected as the next McDaniels project. He saw his first real action in the final preseason game against Arizona. He did so well that a few Bronco fans actually called for Brandstater to get a shot at starting. He has had no game experience so far, but shows promise.

What do we do with Tom Brandstater?

I personally like Brandstater. After Simms played, I was one of the people who suggested moving Brandstater up to back-up. Nobody is lobbying to get rid of Tom. He is a good prospect for the future. He could be our qb of the future. We let him continue to learn under McDaniels and see how it plays out.

Overall QB grade: C

After Orton, we really don't have any depth at the position. This off season is vitally important for us. We need to pick up a solid veteran or draft a young, promising rookie. If we draft a rookie, he will probably sit on the bench learning the system. He will compete with Tom for the backup roll and Orton will continue to be our starter.

5 Possible Solutions

Sam Bradford QB from Oklahoma

Colt McCoy QB from Texas

Sean Pennington Free Agent from Miami

Dan LeFevour QB from Central Michigan

Trade for a QB such as Matt Cassel or Kevin Kolb.

Bradford and McCoy could take the backseat for a year while they learn the offense. Pennington would be a reliable backup for Orton if we wanted to strictly find a backup and not a replacement. LeFevour would be a project. Trading for a QB would be beneficial, but would cost a pretty penny and quite frankly we have too many needs to pull off such a trade.

There is a big need at QB for Denver. I am 100% sure that something is going to happen in the off season to address the area. For now, all we can do is speculate. As always, comments are welcome. Let the debate begin on what McDaniels will do this offseason.