The Denver Broncos quarterback situation is a mess, which is a good thing for Tom Brandstater.
The sixth-round pick out of Fresno State was only supposed to be this season’s third-string quarterback, an NFL rookie who would carry a clipboard and headset while learning the playbook on the sidelines. But a series of unexpected events has created a dream situation for the Turlock High graduate.
He hopes to start on opening day.
Of course, a number of different scenarios can take place from now until the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on Sept. 13. For now, a start looks possible for Brandstater.
Entering Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears, the Broncos were without backup Chris Simms, who is out indefinitely with a high ankle sprain — though one report says there’s a strong chance he might return next week.
Before the second half of the Bears game ended, starter Kyle Orton had to leave because of a serious injury to the index finger of his right throwing arm. The Denver Post said he’s in danger of missing the season opener.
When it was Brandstater’s turn to play Sunday, he became the most improved player from a week earlier. He threw for 110 yards in a 27-17 loss to Chicago, including throwing a pass to Kenny McKinley that eventually led to a touchdown. He also avoided getting sacked, an act that highlighted his debut against the Seattle Seahawks on Aug. 22, when he was taken down four times.
With his recent success, Brandstater will get to start in Thursday night’s preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals at 6 p.m.
“Tom Brandstater has done a nice job of learning our offense,” Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said in the Post. “He knows what to do. If needed, he will go in there and play.”
Brandstater’s knowledge of the offense puts him ahead of Inge Martin, the journeyman whom the Broncos signed recently. So Brandstater hopes to be the opening day starter if the Broncos don’t sign another quarterback who is more experienced and ready for the Bengals than the two available QBs.
To contact Chhun Sun, e-mail csun@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2041.
The sixth-round pick out of Fresno State was only supposed to be this season’s third-string quarterback, an NFL rookie who would carry a clipboard and headset while learning the playbook on the sidelines. But a series of unexpected events has created a dream situation for the Turlock High graduate.
He hopes to start on opening day.
Of course, a number of different scenarios can take place from now until the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on Sept. 13. For now, a start looks possible for Brandstater.
Entering Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears, the Broncos were without backup Chris Simms, who is out indefinitely with a high ankle sprain — though one report says there’s a strong chance he might return next week.
Before the second half of the Bears game ended, starter Kyle Orton had to leave because of a serious injury to the index finger of his right throwing arm. The Denver Post said he’s in danger of missing the season opener.
When it was Brandstater’s turn to play Sunday, he became the most improved player from a week earlier. He threw for 110 yards in a 27-17 loss to Chicago, including throwing a pass to Kenny McKinley that eventually led to a touchdown. He also avoided getting sacked, an act that highlighted his debut against the Seattle Seahawks on Aug. 22, when he was taken down four times.
With his recent success, Brandstater will get to start in Thursday night’s preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals at 6 p.m.
“Tom Brandstater has done a nice job of learning our offense,” Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said in the Post. “He knows what to do. If needed, he will go in there and play.”
Brandstater’s knowledge of the offense puts him ahead of Inge Martin, the journeyman whom the Broncos signed recently. So Brandstater hopes to be the opening day starter if the Broncos don’t sign another quarterback who is more experienced and ready for the Bengals than the two available QBs.
To contact Chhun Sun, e-mail csun@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2041.
