Denver's Quarterback Carousel: A Never-Ending Ride Since Peyton Hung Up His Cleats
Peyton Manning's retirement in 2016 left a gaping hole in Denver's offense, the size of, well, Peyton Manning himself. Since then, the Broncos' quarterback situation has been a rollercoaster ride that would make even the most seasoned amusement park enthusiast queasy. Buckle up, folks, because we're diving into the chaotic world of Denver's post-Manning signal-callers.
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| How Many Qbs Has Denver Had Since 2016 |
From Hopeful Horses to Head-Scratching Decisions: A QB Odyssey
The search for Manning's successor began with a glimmer of hope. Trevor Siemian, a relative unknown, emerged from the pack in 2016, leading the Broncos to a decent 9-7 record. But then came the injuries, and things went south faster than a fumble on a wet field.
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Enter Paxton Lynch, the first-round draft pick who was supposed to be the franchise savior. Unfortunately, Lynch's accuracy resembled a drunken sailor trying to hit a bullseye with a dart. After a couple of rough seasons, he was shown the door, leaving Denver with a collective "oh boy" hanging in the air.
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The carousel continued to spin with a cast of characters including Case Keenum (who had a decent season but lacked the "wow" factor), Joe Flacco (whose arm strength resembled a gentle breeze), and Drew Lock (the jury's still very much out on this one).
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A Glimpse of Stability? Enter Russell Wilson (and Then Exit Stage Left)
Just when Broncos fans were starting to resemble a group therapy session for QB-induced PTSD, Denver acquired the seemingly-stable Russell Wilson in a blockbuster trade. Here, we thought, was the answer to our prayers! But alas, whispers of a clash with head coach Sean Payton swirled, culminating in Wilson getting benched in favor of, well...
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Jarrett Stidham. Yes, folks, you read that right. The plot thickens like a bowl of Denver chili.
So, How Many QBs Has Denver Had Since 2016?
Here's the answer, depending on how you count:
- Starters only: A whopping 13 different quarterbacks have taken snaps under center for the Broncos since Peyton rode off into the sunset.
- If you include backups who saw some action: Well, let's just say the number is high enough to qualify for its own zip code.
Basically, Denver has thrown more quarterbacks at the wall than a college kid trying to find the perfect apartment.
How to Survive Denver's QB Situation: A 5-Step Guide
Okay, maybe you're a Broncos fan who has somehow managed to maintain your sanity despite the constant QB carousel. Here are some tips to help you navigate the chaos:
- Lower Your Expectations: Aim for "not terrible" instead of "Super Bowl champions." Trust us, it'll save you a lot of heartache.
- Embrace the Unknown: Every game becomes a delightful mystery - who will be starting this week? Will they be able to complete a forward pass? It's all part of the fun (or is it...?)
- Stock Up on Antacids: You'll need them for all the heartburn-inducing moments.
- Develop a Deep Appreciation for Your Defense: Because let's face it, they're the only reason the Broncos haven't completely fallen apart.
- Maintain a Healthy Sense of Humor: Laughter is truly the best medicine in this situation.
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