Former Broncos Number One Pick Benched In XFL After Embarrassing Debut

Ever since Peyton Manning retired back in 2015, a cavalcade of quarterbacks came through the  Denver Broncos’ facility. One such name was Paxton Lynch. Lynch was drafted by the Broncos with the 26th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft,  trading their original first-rounder and another selection in the third round to the Seattle Seahawks. But things didn’t work out as Paxton Lynch was let go after just two years.

Even though it felt like it, that wasn’t the end of Lynch’s footballing career as he made his XFL debut with the Orlando Guardians on Saturday. Misfortune has however, been following the 6’7 QB as a couple of costly plays got him benched in the late third quarter.

Another missed opportunity?

As per CBS sports, the opening game of the XFL started with a touchdown pass by Paxton Lynch. But it ended with Lynch covering a 136 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 21 passing. Even though these stats do not look that awful, the problem lay with his consistency.

Lynch was sacked four times and found himself unable to convert on multiple fourth downs as Orlando found themselves 21-6 midway through the game. Houston’s Tavante Beckett made on interception on Lynch as the Guardians found themselves down by double digits. That particular play ended up being the sealing deal for Lynch, as he spent the rest of night on the bench.

This is, however, not the first time that Paxton Lynch has let go of an opportunity.

During his rookie year with the Broncos, he got his start only during his fifth week in the league. Despite having a semi-decent game, Lynch found himself spending most of his time on the sidelines. 2017, was another challenge as Paxton found himself injured during the preseason and wasn’t active until the 11th week.

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His time with Denver was however a short one, as the Broncos decided to let go off him in 2018. Sept. 2, 2018. He then spent time on the Seahawks’ and Steelers’ practice squad (and eventually the Steelers’ active roster) before finding himself in Saskatchewan.

A chance at redemption?

Paxton eventually found himself as one of the last sixteen quarterbacks ever drafted in the USFL. Picked by the Michigan Panthers, he split most of his time with former University of Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson. It seemed like Lynch was back to making a name for himself until another injury sidelined him.

Now, spending time in his third league Paxton Lynch has another opportunity to prove that he has a lot of quality football left in him. Despite having a rocky start in the XFL opener game, Lynch has to keep his head up and come back stronger.

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