Denver Broncos coaches have implied the backup quarterback competition between Josh Johnson and Brett Rypien is still close, but actions speak louder than words.
The Broncos are expected to start Johnson against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, marking his second-straight start in preseason. That presumably means he’s the current favorite to win the backup job behind Russell Wilson.
“I think Johnson did a really good job [last week],” offensive coordinator Justin Outten said Thursday. “From practice to the game, he expedited everything with his feet, his progressions, putting people in the right spots, being accurate, throwing the ball down the field, protection adjustments. I was very pleased with Josh.”
Johnson went 16-of-23 for 172 yards with two touchdowns and no turnovers against the Cowboys. Rypien went 8-of-18 for 113 yards. Rypien didn’t throw any interceptions, but he had several turnover-worthy plays, and that might be part of the reason why Johnson’s getting another start.
“The idea is who can we get the most consistent?” coach Nathaniel Hackett said Thursday. “We want to be sure that we’re not turning the ball over, we’re making smart decisions and moving the chains.”
Saturday’s game will be nationally televised on NFL Network.
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