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Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O鈥橦alloran posts his Broncos Mailbag weekly during the season.

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Just ask yourselves, and — is hurt in the second quarter of the Seattle opener, who do you hand your season to? It’s either聽 or a backup vet to be determined. It’s not , so bite the bullet and do what needs to be done.

— Dan, St. Louis, Mo.

Ryan: Since you鈥檙e asking me, the Broncos鈥� lean should be exploring other avenues for a backup quarterback. For the fans who did not attend any of the open practices in camp — Lynch played Saturday night like he had been practicing. Tentative. Indecisive. Unsure. Kelly has earned the right to get some second-team reps this week, particularly in the practices against Chicago. But even if Lynch struggles against the Bears, I would have my list of available quarterbacks at the ready.

I think Chad Kelly is probably not ready to be a No. 2 QB right now. Do the Broncos carry three QBs and keep him? Is it three QBs wth Kelly or two QBs without?

— AJ Struyk, Canada

Ryan: If Kelly makes the 53-man roster, it will be as the third quarterback and if they carry two, it抖阴ap because they have tried to slide Kelly through waivers and onto the practice squad.

How are ‘s chances of making the team looking? He balled out against the Vikings.

— Sandra, Littleton

Ryan: Emerging players at receiver could impact Lindsay鈥檚 chances, but he is doing the right things (like scoring a touchdown) to make his case. I think there is a place for him on this offense. But if the Broncos keep as the punt returner and keep six receivers ( or being the sixth), that may mean only three tailbacks (, and De鈥橝ngelo Henderson) are kept. I would put Lindsay at making the initial roster at 59.2 percent.

Let’s say Paxton Lynch gets cut. Is there any big — or even just capable — names in free agency who we can sign to come in as the backup?

— Max P., Commerce City

Ryan: Not including (because that抖阴ap not happening), the top available name is , formerly of Miami. That would be the only free agent I consider. On the trade front, do the Broncos really want to give up a late-round pick for ? Not ideal, but circumstances may force their hand.

So what the reason behind sitting out the Vikings game? Is he hurt?

— James, Denver

Ryan: Yeah, that was interesting. On Thursday, Vance Joseph said Miller would play since he was healthy. Miller went through warmups, but was then told he was not playing. Why not tell him before the game? He鈥檚 a tenured player who deserves that consideration. The bottom line for him not playing: They want him healthy for Week 1.

What is it going to take for John Elway to swallow his pride and cut Paxton Lynch? Most all agree Paxton is a bust and will never get it. Additionally, by not giving Chad Kelly more of a chance (e.g. playing with the second team), the Broncos won’t get a good feel for if he could have a significant future with the team or not! Elway is making a big mistake by railroading Paxton into the backup role without earning it. If it comes to a point where Keenum gets hurt and Paxton has to play both players and fans alike will be disgusted, me included! I would rather see the Broncos cut their losses with Paxton now, sign a veteran backup and focus on developing Kelly as a potential future QB (or at least truly better understand if has a future or not). We know already Paxton has no future here! Your thoughts?

— Bob Terwilliger, Frederick

Ryan: Bob got on a roll, didn鈥檛 he? For Elway to swallow his pride and give up on Lynch — a minimum of two more lousy games. I kind of agree on your theory that Kelly鈥檚 development this month may be stunted because he鈥檚 stuck on the third team..

Should we be concerned about the Broncos’ run defense? ran wild on us…

— James Wilkins, Cheyenne, Wyo.

Ryan: Not exactly a great first impression, that抖阴ap for sure. The first big Murray run was a missed downfield tackle by linebacker . The second big Murray run, a few Broncos couldn鈥檛 get off their blocks. Not concerned yet, but something to monitor. Keep in mind, inside linebacker and outside linebacker Von Miller did not play.

Ryan, here are my realistic observations/expectations this year. 1. Case Keenum is the QB the NFL knew in Houston and Los Angeles. 2. Vance Joseph WILL be fired during the season. 3. Our defense will struggle at crucial times (2015 this ain鈥檛). 4. It抖阴ap time to move on from Paxton Lynch (whether they do or don鈥檛 remains to be seen). 5. Chad Kelly deserves additional time, and work with the 2s. 6. and will be crowing in the media they need more balls week by week. 7. This team is unfortunately destined for six wins max. 8. I hope I鈥檓 wrong about all of this (but I have a bad feeling I鈥檓 not). Thoughts?

— Greg S., Castle Pines

Ryan: Greg and Bob need to meet up to talk Broncos football. Responding to your thoughts. 1. The Broncos are banking on Keenum being the quarterback they saw in Minnesota. 2. It will take a lot for an in-season coaching change. 3. The defense will struggle if their depth is tested at cornerback and inside linebacker. 4. You sit in the majority of fans about Lynch. 5. Agreed on Kelly deserving time with the second team. 6. If the season falls apart, many players will be crowing. 7. I would still bet the “over” on six wins. 8. Vance also hopes you鈥檙e all wrong.

Ryan, I’m trying to stay positive, but that first half was brutal to watch. Is the Broncos offense any better than last year? Case Keenum had two 3-and-outs and Paxton was, well, garbage. Royce Freeman looked pretty good, but overall it seemed like Denver kept running terrible conservative plays like they did last year. What says you?

— Mike M., Denver

Ryan: Agreed, the first half was a tough watch. Imagine trying to write about it. Like putting lipstick on a pig. The Broncos offense will be better than last year 鈥� a lot better. I say that with confidence. Fans should want to see Freeman as the Week 1 starter. Conservative plays is the nature of the preseason. is clearly saving some tricks for Seattle.