Denver QB Situation Getting Dire

While it was thought there would be a transition for the Broncos offense this season, no one could have imagined the nightmare the Broncos may be facing in Week 1 of the 2009 season. In January, the Broncos had a Pro Bowler at the helm. In July, they had Kyle Orton, with Chris Simms backing him up. Now, it's entirely possible they head into Cincinnati on Sept. 13 with Tom Brandstater as their starting quarterback..

With Simms already on the shelf, Orton suffered a finger injury Sunday night against his former team, the Bears. The Denver Post is reporting that injury was an open dislocation to his right index finger.

Being right-handed, this poses a huge problem for Orton in terms of throwing the ball. As we all know, the index finger is of paramount importance when trying to throw a football. Still, Orton maintains he's going to be under center come Sept. 13.

"I will be ready to go," Orton said after the game Sunday while trying to hide his heavily bandaged, but not casted, right finger. "I am going to work as hard as I can. I don't know how long I'll be out, but mentally I will be ready to go and I think physically I will be too."

It's admirable that Orton is showing optimism and toughness, but with it being the index finger on his throwing hand, it's not going to be as easy as mind-over-matter. He's still going to have to be able to pass the football with some semblance of accuracy. If he's not, it's Brandstater time.

Brandstater, a rookie out of Fresno State, has completed 10 of 16 passes for 111 yards this preseason. He hasn't thrown a touchdown pass, but has thrown an interception and has been sacked four times. His quarterback rating is 57.0. Even worse news is that these numbers have mostly come against second or third string defenders.

Brandstater was a sixth-round pick for the Broncos after a senior year in which he completed 59.6 percent of his passes for 2.664 yards and 18 touchdowns, to go with 12 interceptions in 13 games.

If the football Gods really hate the Broncos and Brandstater gets hurt, Ingle Martin would be next in line. Martin has appeared in one career NFL game and never attempted a pass.

Also remember the Broncos are dealing with the Brandon Marshall fiasco in Training Camp as well.

Needless to say, Josh McDaniels could use a break. Maybe a miraculous healing job on Orton's index finger in the next two weeks is that break.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

9-01-2009 @ 2:00PM

capistrana7 said...

None of this would have happened if Bowlen hadn't fired Shanahan, and Cutler hadn't been traded.

9-01-2009 @ 3:14PM

fouritiswritten said...

you didn't have to love me but you did and you did and i thank you hey maybe ronald mcdonald will be the quaterback?

9-01-2009 @ 3:03PM

Big Willay said...

Tom's got some talent, i've seen him play at fresno...he can zing it

9-01-2009 @ 3:13PM

Magic said...

Branstater can fire the ball just needs some time to work with the 1st team offense and he will be aok

9-01-2009 @ 4:47PM

bob said...

maybe they will sign kevin o'connell. he should know the system

9-01-2009 @ 5:43PM

JFCJR said...

Pat Bowlen & Josh McDaniels are getting EXACTLY what they deserve! This Bronco fan is hoping the season will implode (0-16 would be great!), Bowlen will recover from his brain fart and McDumbass will be long gone a year from now........

9-01-2009 @ 11:50PM

joe j said...

McDummy will be gone before the season is over. Count on it! By his own actions he has already set that ball rollin'.

9-01-2009 @ 5:44PM

nexxtlevell said...

Branstater did better than Orton against the Bears. It is scary thinking Denver does not have a viable QB. But he looked good!

9-01-2009 @ 5:46PM

I am guessing and its only a guess before anyone jumps all over me: 1-15. After a few games Denver has a lot of tough games and unless anyone shocks all of us I dont see more than a 1 game win this year. I have been a Broncos fan for 21 years and this is the first time I have been shocked by the drama with the team!

9-01-2009 @ 8:01PM

Joaquin said...

MacDaniel is the culprit in this whole thing. Why are the Denver fans down on Cutler? He would still be there if McD had used his head.

9-06-2009 @ 1:06PM

derwoodnpa said...

i liked Shanahan and i do think the game and the new rules are passing him bye. But Cutler was like Romo all the talent. Every time he threw a int or fumbled they show him on the side line smiling and laughing. I like he didn't have a care in the world. Romo is the same they don't care they are stars and making big money. Winning don't matter to them one way or another. I've been a fan for 24years and i hate to say it but We should have picked up Vick at least we would have a chance to win some games. for the pass 5years my son and i would drive from harrisburg,pa to Denver for all home games this year i'm staying home. They killed the team i love.

9-01-2009 @ 9:34PM

Dennis said...

Jake Plummer

9-01-2009 @ 11:23PM

Reginald Grigsby said...

How bout Quincy Carter:-)

9-02-2009 @ 3:15AM

Michael said...

Gee, who couldnt see this coming once it got started. I would bank on Orton even when he's healthy. The finger just gives him an excuse for his crappy performance. As for McDaniels, the grave is dug, and one foot is in it. The Broncos used to be an admired franchise. Now, they are a joke. Thanks Pat and thanks Josh.

9-02-2009 @ 11:06AM

The announcers, I believe it was Jon Gruden that said this system will work for the Broncos. But I dont see how they can make any progress with no sure fire QB and the supposed starting qb goes out with a "cut" finger.

9-02-2009 @ 1:15PM

BEATLES said...

At this point, our only hope is to get Elway to play SOMEHOW!!!! :-) Favre is doing it!!! What the hell, we obviously have nothing to lose!!!

9-02-2009 @ 1:17PM

I know, I'm dreaming. Living in the past at this point because I don't see a good future for the Broncs!

9-02-2009 @ 1:19PM

I WANT MY ORANGE CRUSH BACK!!!!!!

9-03-2009 @ 2:23PM

tmrogers8960 said...

They need to find Graham Harrell(?) or Chase Daniel wherever those 2 big 12 studs might be. Can't be any worse than Orton. As a lifelong Broncos fan, I'm out until McDouchebag has his walking papers. You know, they're still paying Shanny, ought to pay him to do what he does best!

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