Niner Noise
FanSided

The biggest question facing each NFL team in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) warms up prior to the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) warms up prior to the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver Broncos

Is Paxton Lynch ever going to be the real deal?

2016 first-round draftee, quarterback Paxton Lynch, couldn’t beat out 2015 seventh-round quarterback Trevor Siemian to start last season.

That might have been fine, especially for a rookie QB, but the Denver Broncos’ offensive output last season surely lacked for effective signal-caller play. The Broncos posted 3,685 passing yards a year ago, 21st in the NFL, which was a primary reason the Broncos missed a playoff berth in a tough, tough AFC West.

Lynch had the excuse of being able to marinate on the bench for most of last season. But how far along will that carry him into 2017?

Considering Denver’s defense remains one of the most dominant in the league, the window for any Super Bowl prospects is right now. One shouldn’t expect the Broncos to pull off another defensive-worthy championship like they did in Super Bowl 50. Those teams are rare.

So the pressure will be on for Lynch to assume a starter’s role this season.

More importantly, it will be up to him to retain it.