RECAP AND HIGHLIGHTS: Trevor Siemian impresses in return to Chicago

The last time Trevor Siemian quarterbacked as a part of the Chicago area, it was a 38-14 win over Purdue in 2014, a game that would cost Siemian the end of his senior season with a kneee injury.

This time, he was at Soldier Field with the Denver Broncos playing as QB 1b as he battles against Mark Sanchez for a starting job. And last night, neither quarterback did much to separate themselves. Sanchez threw a touchdown but also an interception, which head coach Gary Kubiak noted can’t happen for a team that depends on ball control. Siemian, playing in the second quarter, looked very sharp in running the offense, going 7 for 12 for 88 yards.

Siemian made a couple of great throws, including a terrific skinny post completion to Indiana product Cody Latimer in his first drive. Unfortunately, his first drive ended in a field goal after two incompletions in the redzone, including a perfect back shoulder fade that Bennie Fowler should have reeled in.

Here’s another play Denver likes to run, and Siemian was on time with the easy throw to Latimer.

Siemian's best throw of the day, however, was to Jordan Taylor at the end of the half. He escaped the collapsing pocket, directed traffic, and threw a strike on the sidelines for a 22 yard completion to set up a field goal attempt. Siemian got to showcase his mobility, also running for 16 yards on a play that was negated by offsetting penalties.

Here's part of what Siemian had to say after the game.

His full comments can be found here.

Although it's hard to imagine Denver coach Gary Kubiak saw enough in either quarterback to name him the definitive starter, he did speak highly of Siemian in his post-game press conference.

“I thought Trevor was good, put some deep balls in some good places, some plays we should have made for him.”

Kubiak also praised Siemian for his play in the dying moments of the second quarter, when he was able to use his speed to make some plays and get the team into field goal range.

Kubiak added that he’s not sure who he’ll start next week, but the next week or so will be telling when the team has two practices against the 49ers as well as a game against them on Aug. 20.

But here’s the most definitive stat of the day.

Really good stuff from Touchdown Trevor in his quest to take the lead for the defending Super Bowl champs.