Denver Broncos: Buzz Lightyear to learn from the Sheriff

Drew Lock gave Denver Broncos a glimpse into the future at quarterback and now it is time to learn tricks of the trade from a legend.

Buzz Lightyear will meet up with The Sheriff in the 2020 offseason. The plan by Drew Lock to meet up in the offseason with Peyton Manning is a step in the right direction and a necessary one for the development of the Denver Broncos young quarterback.

Lock was 4-1 as the Broncos’ starting quarterback in the month of December, and from that point, he took center stage. He gave the Broncos something they have not had since Manning.

That is, he gave them hope at the quarterback position.

Lock’s next step is to learn from a future first-ballot Hall of Famer. Regarding Lock, he is willing to learn. He would not ask Manning if he was not interested in getting better.

Manning is well regarded as one of the best quarterbacks this league has ever seen.

The former quarterback had numerous seasons of success in Denver and is one who will give advice without hesitation. Even though he is retired, Manning is a film junkie and any opportunity that arises to talk about the game to help a new generation, he will be for it. Speaking of the future, it does seem bright for Lock.

As stated above, the Denver Broncos finished the season 7-9 with Lock leading the team to a 4-1 record in December. Lock’s presence in the locker room and on the field gives the team a possible player/leader this team has not had since Manning.

The former Missouri Tiger changed his game to be more conservative in his five starts, but still maintains his gunslinger mentality. One strong correlation between Manning and Lock is the ability to throw quickly to avoid pressure. Part of the reason Manning was so successful was due to his fast release. Lock’s shown this as well.

That quick release helped out the offensive line play. Even though the sample was only five weeks, the sack totals greatly went down under Lock compared to Joe Flacco and Brandon Allen. This is yet another reason the quick-release helped out Manning’s career.

The other shared trait between these two quarterbacks is the fact that Lock is a film rat. One of the strongest arguments for him playing so well was his time spent in the film room. This is in large part due to the injury he sustained in preseason sidelining him for 8-10 weeks.

Lock also dabbled in the virtual reality realm to gain a better understanding of defenses and how to read/react when those chances came. Manning made his living in the team film room. Lock has a ways to go before getting on Manning’s level, but he is heading in the right direction.

Lastly is one that is a hallmark of Peyton Manning’s career that Lock can learn in the off-season. Manning was like a computer on the field. He could process his reads and see the field with precision passing. Gunslinging is a habit, but Lock must show he can dissect and see the entire field making the necessary call before wide receivers make their break. If Lock can add a mental aspect of his game that is close to Manning’s, the Broncos will be sitting pretty.

The current Broncos quarterback has a long way to go before he even has a career like Peyton Manning’s. However, just the thought to talk with Manning is a step to becoming the quarterback Lock needs to be. One thing is certain.

When Buzz Lightyear and The Sheriff meet they probably won’t be talking “delicious hot schmo’s.” They will be talking ball.