After losing two fumbles in Saturday’s preseason game, Broncos quarterback Mark Sanchez was hard on himself, saying, “It’s difficult playing like crap on two plays and ruining an opportunity.” But Sanchez says he’s still feeling positive.
Asked about those comments on Wednesday, Sanchez said he doesn’t think he ruined his opportunity to become the Broncos’ starting quarterback. Instead, Sanchez just thinks he ruined two opportunities for the Broncos to score in their preseason game against the 49ers.
“I squandered an opportunity that game,” Sanchez said. “It wasn’t like, ‘OK, that’s it, throw in the towel.’ I think a lot of people interpreted it that way, but that’s never been my attitude. I don’t quit. I’ll take this thing down to the wire if that’s what it takes, and that’s what it looks like, so let’s go.”
Sanchez may not have ruined his opportunity to earn the starting quarterback job, but he certainly didn’t help his chances. Trevor Siemian has clearly taken the lead in the quarterback competition and will start the third preseason game. And Sanchez may have even fallen behind rookie Paxton Lynch for the No. 2 job.
The Broncos can save $3.5 million in salary by cutting Sanchez, and they would also save the seventh-round draft pick they traded to the Eagles because the trade is conditional on Sanchez making the team.
If Sanchez doesn’t make the most of his opportunities this week, he could be gone next week.