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Denver Broncos: Key individual matchup vs Tennessee Titans

By Nicholas Manning

ENGLEWOOD, CO - AUGUST 21: Cornerback A.J. Bouye #21 of the Denver Broncos catches a pass on the field during a training session at UCHealth Training Center on August 21, 2020 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
ENGLEWOOD, CO - AUGUST 21: Cornerback A.J. Bouye #21 of the Denver Broncos catches a pass on the field during a training session at UCHealth Training Center on August 21, 2020 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 01: Quarterback Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High on December 1, 2019, in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 23-20. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 01: Quarterback Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High on December 1, 2019, in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 23-20. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

Matchup one: Drew Lock versus Kevin Byard

Kevin Byard is one of the NFL’s best safeties. He is a Pro-Bowl talent who seems to find the ball each and every game. His ability to match up with wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs brings a unique challenge to any offense.

Byard will most likely be keyed on Denver’s tight ends Noah Fant, Nick Vannett, and Jake Butt. With Drew Lock’s affinity for Fant, this will be a matchup that is crucial for either team’s success.

Byard is a ball hawk who is athletic enough to close on the ball and make plays, often turning the tides of the matchup.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1170783995220508672

Byard is going to try and lure Lock into making a throw he shouldn’t and is fully capable of changing the game.

For the Broncos, Drew Lock must own the middle of the field to win this matchup.

With Courtland Sutton out, Lock will most likely rely on Fant and rookie sensation Jerry Jeudy over the middle.

He must avoid Byard with his eyes to capitalize on making key throws through the air.

We saw it on display throughout the season when Lock made key throws down the sideline after looking off the safety against the Houston Texans.

Lock also beat safety help to Fant in the middle of the field for a beautiful touchdown.

For the Broncos to put up points, Lock must be on point and avoid the big mistake at the hands of Byard to win this key matchup.

Lock’s success against Byard may be the difference between a close win or a tough loss.

It will be important for Denver to utilize multiple formations to create traffic in front of and behind Byard in an attempt to free up each matchup for Lock to key on.

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