Broncos' Joseph: Lynch must play better to escape boo birds

Paxton Lynch was showered by boos during the Denver Broncos' 24-23 loss to the Chicago Bears on Saturday, but head coach Vance Joseph made it clear that there's only one way to quiet critics.

"I feel bad for Paxton, but our fans want to win. That's what it's about," Joseph said, according to ESPN. "It's about passion, I should say. But I feel bad for Paxton. He has to ignore it and go play. It's professional football. No one is going to hold your hand, so he has to go out there and perform."

As was the case in the Broncos' first preseason contest, Lynch struggled to find any sort of rhythm against the Bears. He finished the night 5-of-11 for 39 yards, digging himself into a deeper hole behind Case Keenum and Chad Kelly on the depth chart.

The former first-round pick was also booed in the preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings, where he went 6-of-11 for 24 yards and one interception.

"I just haven't been playing well," Lynch said postgame. "It's not acceptable, especially playing quarterback here. You have to play well and give (the Broncos) an opportunity to win every week."

Lynch hasn't reached the potential the Broncos saw when they selected him 26th overall in 2016. After the departure of Peyton Manning, the Memphis product was expected to be the quarterback of the future in Denver.

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