The frustration that sparked last Sunday's post-game shouting match between the Broncos defense and offense does not extend to quarterback Trevor Siemian.
Although Denver's offense has scored just one touchdown in the last 10 quarters, Siemian is steadily gaining more respect from the defense as well as the coaching staff.
Appearing on Wednesday's edition of Up to the Minute Live, NFL Network's James Palmer revealed that key members of Wade Phillips' defense have developed a high level of confidence in Siemian due to the toughness and leadership he has displayed behind a struggling offensive line.
"They've all told me, because of the hits Trevor Siemian has taken, because he's played through injury," Palmer explained to Andrew Siciliano, "they have gained an immense amount of respect for their quarterback."
That confidence and respect extends from the coaching staff as well. Denver's offensive coaches have been pushing Siemian heavily, citing his calm demeanor and ability to overcome the typical mistakes of a first-year starter.
Whereas rookie Paxton Lynch has looked overmatched in a pair of spot starts, Siemian has shown the field vision, pocket movement, accuracy and streamlined delivery to suggest he can emerge as the long-term solution to Denver's post-Super Bowl 50 quarterback conundrum.
"Talking to people within the building," Palmer continued, "the thought process is that even though they picked Paxton Lynch in the first round, Trevor Siemian is in mind to be the guy moving forward for the next couple of seasons."
If we throw draft pedigree out the window and judge solely by NFL game film, that statement should come as no surprise. Lynch isn't ready to run Gary Kubiak's offense -- and might not be ready to challenge Siemian until 2018 or later.
Denver's recent failures are rooted in the anemic offensive line and ground attack. Saddled with those large-scale liabilities, Siemian has flashed enough potential in 12 starts to foster hope in his teammates, coaches and front office that the Broncos are headed back to the promised land within the next couple of years.
