Signing Brandon Allen might’ve created more problems for the Broncos
Sep 3, 2019, 6:45 AM
No disrespect to Kevin Hogan, but we all knew he wasn’t going to be a part of the Broncos long-term plans. Joe Flacco is the present and Drew Lock is the future. Right?
After the signing of Brandon Allen, I’m not so sure anymore.
It was clear the Broncos needed some sort of stopgap at backup QB once the team decided to part ways with both Hogan and Brett Rypien (who has since been added to the practice squad). I’m just not sure a 26-year-old developing quarterback fits that bill, especially considering the gap he’s stopping is currently filled by a 22-year-old developing quarterback.
That seems like a strange decision by the Broncos front office, does it not?
I get the concept of bringing in the best 53 guys for your team. That mantra is one that the best teams follow year in and year out. Sometimes, though, there’s a bigger picture that needs to be taken into account. This is one of those times.
Let’s not forget, just two years ago the Broncos pitted two young up-and-comers against each other to see who their next “quarterback of the future” would be. We all know how that worked out.
Now, I’m not saying that bringing in Brandon Allen creates another Trevor Siemian vs. Paxton Lynch debate right now, but it does lead to the potential for a similar situation in the not too distant future.
Go with me here: Say Brandon Allen steps onto the field this week and takes quickly to Rich Scangarello’s system, one that he’ll surely be somewhat familiar with coming from another Shanahan offshoot offense with the Rams. Say during the next eight weeks, he shows clear signs of growth with his teammates and coaches.
What happens when Drew Lock gets healthy again? Would John Elway and Company really just show him the door? I doubt it.
We get “The Decision, Part 2”.
The likeliest scenario is a backup quarterback battle. Best case, Lock steps in and wins the job back with a great performance of his own. He did it with Kevin Hogan in the preseason. H’d no doubt be given every opportunity to do it with Allen. When that happens, all is well and Vic Fangio’s bunch moves on with their plans for the future still fully intact.
There is a worst-case scenario, though: If Lock can’t beat out the still young journeyman, then what?
If things play out that way, it would mean another wasted second-round pick, a change of plans less than a year into a new coach’s tenure and a new batch of questions about the future of the organization. Clearly, none of those things would be good.
Of course, all of this is completely hypothetical. With the way rosters move and shake this time of year, I wouldn’t be surprised if Allen ends up back on the waiver wire in a couple weeks and another quarterback comes walking back through the doors of UCHealth Training Center (maybe Hogan’s familiar face?)
Honestly, that’s the outcome I’m hoping for. It’s the option that has the least potential downside.
