Denver Broncos: 5 ways the team can keep on winning in 2020

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Oct 1, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur hugs quarterback Brett Rypien (4) after a touchdown pass during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Play Blake Bortles until Drew Lock is ready

I think a number of people might be surprised by this, but let me explain.

It’s become abundantly clear that Drew Lock is the QB1 in Denver and is worlds better than anything else the team has on the roster.

Jeff Driskel played okay in relief of Lock against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but was horrendous against the Buccaneers and ended up taking way too many hits and sacks than was really necessary.

Brett Rypien got his first start on a short week in prime time TV on the road against the New York Jets, and managed to help lead the Denver Broncos to a victory. Rypien showed some nice things against the Jets, including some gutsy throws downfield and some big-time plays under pressure.

With that being said, Rypien threw three interceptions in the game, and his touchdown pass to Jerry Jeudy could have easily been a fourth if Jeudy hadn’t put on his cape and made a heroic play.

Combine that with the fact that Rypien fumbled and threw an interception on his lone drive against the Buccaneers as well, and how can you reasonably expect him to go into New England and beat the Patriots?

I would not expect him to do that if I were Vic Fangio.

If Drew Lock can’t play in either of the next two games, the clear choice should be Blake Bortles at quarterback.

First and foremost, Bortles has the most experience of any QB on the Broncos’ roster. That doesn’t always mean much, but now you’ve got to go to New England and play Bill Belichick, who always gameplans well.

The Patriots have no film on Bortles running Pat Shurmur’s offense, and if Bortles is able to get up to speed quickly enough, he’s got 10 days to prepare for the Patriots and it’s possible the Broncos have already had him doing so since he was inactive against the Jets.

There’s still a chance Drew Lock is able to play against the Patriots, but there’s no guarantee of it. If Lock can play, he’s the easy choice. If not, there should at least be a discussion about inserting Bortles into the lineup.

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