In the next episode of the Denver Broncos fanzone, I chat with Leora Ruzin as the Broncos prepare to face off against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Riding a two game winning streak against the Los Angeles Chargers and Houston Texans, the Denver Broncos currently sit at 5-8. The good news is that the team will not match or finish worse than when Hoodie Jr. was head coach back in 2010. There seems to be some hope as this team progresses into the next few years.
Rookie quarterback Drew Lock has elevated his game from week to week. Against the Chargers was a bit of a trial run. Last Sunday against the Texans, he showed the world what he could do. That alone gave him the Offensive Rookie of the Week award for Week 14.
Have the Denver Broncos found their quarterback of the franchise? It remains to be seen. He will need to play a lot more games to give that kind of title. But so far, so good.
He will get the chance to play in front of his hometown as he makes the return to Missouri to face off against the Kansas City Chiefs. I am looking forward to what this team can do against a team that has now won four straight division titles since Peyton Manning retired.
For this game, I have asked Leora Ruzin to return to the Broncos fanzone. Whenever the Broncos face off against the Chiefs, she has been there to help answer the tough questions. Here is what she had to say about the state of the Denver Broncos.
The Denver Broncos got a huge win against the Houston Texans. What stood out to you in the win?
For the first time this season, it really felt like the team was a unified unit. When other teams might be looking at draft position at this point in the season, the Broncos chose to rise up and make a statement that they are still able to compete. The Texans are questionably one of the hottest teams in the AFC, but the Broncos bested them in every category. It was the most complete game the Broncos have played this season.
Drew Lock has played solid over the last two games. What has impressed you the most in those games?
He looks like he is having fun, and is out there to win. He doesn’t care about the fame, the accolades, or being the “Buzz Lightyear” word in Denver. He has a love for the game that makes anyone want to root for him, and that is so refreshing. It still boggles my mind that he was held out from playing as long as he was, given the fact that (albeit a long shot) the Broncos have not been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
There is a little hope for playoffs, but if they don’t end up making it, what would you like to see from the team in the final three games?
Nothing annoys me more than teams that throw in the towel when they have been eliminated from the playoffs, in hopes for a better draft position. I want to see more of the team with Lock at the helm, and getting a feel for what next seasons team might look like. I still have major concerns about Rich Scangarello as the Offensive Coordinator, but I think the team has a unique opportunity to let Lock run the plays from the huddle and see what he can do. Is he the future of this team? It is too soon to tell, but what I do know is that there is a level of excitement amongst the fans that has been missing for quite a while.
The Broncos face off against the Chiefs. What will it take to get the win?
While Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is not posting up the stats he did last year, he is still dangerous. The Broncos need to not only get points on the board early, the defense needs rush Mahomes as much as possible. The Broncos have had very little problem with getting the lead early, but holding onto the lead has been a different story. 4th quarter points will be the determining factor. Stop with the prevent defense, already!
Which player on the Broncos roster do you believe has made the most impact in 2019?
Call me a homer (as a Colorado native, I can’t help it), but I absolutely love Phillip Lindsay. His love for his home state, and the Broncos, is infectious, and his story is one that strikes hope in others. As an undrafted free agent, he continues to carve his own path, breaking records along the way. His speed and versatility brings a new dynamic to the offensive scheme, and he is just a fun player to watch.
Thank You Leora for taking the time out to chat with me! Here is hoping the Broncos can get another big win!