With The First Pick
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Denver Broncos’ First-Round Pick Gets Huge Test

By Carl Cockerham

Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) calls out in the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Falcons defeated the Broncos 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) calls out in the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Falcons defeated the Broncos 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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This is a huge test for Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch!

The Denver Broncos traded up to pick quarterback Paxton Lynch in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. But in the preseason, the Broncos saw that he wasn’t ready, opting to start Trevor Siemian. But after an injury in Week 4, Lynch got his first taste of NFL action.

Then in Week 5, he got his first test, a start against the Atlanta Falcons. Lynch was 23-35 for 223 yards, a touchdown, an interception and was sacked six times in the 23-17 loss. Lynch proved not to be ready at that time but gets a chance to prove he is ready now.

Siemian is out with a left foot sprain this weekend against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars are struggling at 2-9 but this game is a big test for the rookie first-round pick in many ways. First off, Sunday’s game will have high stakes attached to it.

The 7-4 Broncos cannot afford to set themselves further back in the AFC playoff picture. At the same time, Lynch will be playing against the No. 4-ranked pass defense in the NFL. So Lynch is facing a tough defense with the team’s playoff hopes on his shoulders.

Facing a good defense means you brain has to process things even faster. At 6’7″, 245 pounds with a big arm, accuracy and athleticism, the speed of Lynch’s mind is key here. A strong performance in this game could mean Lynch is ready to take over.

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