I will get right to the point today.

If the Denver Broncos had a very good chance of winning the Super Bowl, John Lynch would still be here.

Through his 15 (possibly 16) years in the NFL, the guy has proven to be the quintessential teammate. Yes, he has almost always been a starter but when you get to the stage Lynch is at now, you have to ask yourself a question: Would I rather take my skills to a struggling team team that could give me more reps or go to a contender, which would result in playing less but winning more? Most veterans, trying to quench the thirst of success, as they see their career head into its twilight, would take the latter.

John Lynch has already won a Super Bowl and that more anything drives this decision to leave. If he only has a few seasons (if even that much) left, he is going to a place where winning at the highest level, is not only paramount but feasible. There may be no owner in sports more passionate about winning than Pat Bowlen, but it seems like a stretch that the Broncos can somehow represent the AFC in the Super Bowl this season. Therefore, if Lynch does play this season, it is unlikely it would be for anybody but a contender.

Trying to earn significant playing time on a elite roster after 15 years in the NFL seems like a stretch. He would most likely have to take a supporting role-----which I think, despite his comments, would be fine with him. I know this contradicts exactly what Lynch said on Thursday, but look at it like this: If the Colts or Chargers, two teams with very good secondaries (as well as Super Bowl aspirations), made him an offer to come and earn a spot, would he say no? Would he rather get a chance for another ring with one of those teams or more playing time with a rebuilding team?

Lynch is a man of his word so it remains tough to doubt his comments from yesterday. That being said, this is the same guy who embraced his lesser role early in camp. Situations change and I think if Lynch had his same situation as he had in Denver (reduced reps), but with a different team (AFC Title Contender), he continues to play.

If that was indeed the case here this season, Lynch would be on the roster. Sure, Marlon McCree may have gotten many of his snaps but Lynch's presence in the locker room------especially after last season chemistry problems------ would have been valued just as much.

Lynch says he wants to play but I just can't shake the feeling he doesn't feel privately as confident about the Broncos as he does when he speaks publicly. After all, most players are trying to come----not leave-----an organization that wants to raise the Lombardi Trophy.

See you on Monday. Have a great weekend everybody.

-"z"