Broncos staying committed to Drew Lock as their starter

Drew Lock will stay put as the starting QB for the Denver Broncos

Despite putting up his worst performance as a pro quarterback, Drew Lock has been given the green light to continue with his audition for the franchise.

After going 23-of-47 passing for 257 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions in an embarrassing loss against the Las Vegas Raiders, Lock’s future seems to be in doubt.

Throughout a competitive first half of football, Lock was able to push the ball downfield to his receivers. But his four turnovers on the day overshadowed any of his positive play, each one pushing the game further out of reach for the Broncos.

Lock’s biggest concern continues to be his habit of forcing the ball into tight spaces, often attempting to make something out of nothing. While his arm and mobility give him the ability to do so, it has not done him any favors this season. What used to work so often for him in his college days is now limited against faster and smarter players in the NFL.

Lock’s most critical mistake in this game came on an interception after forcing the ball to Jerry Jeudy in the endzone with five seconds left before the half. What stung the most, aside from killing their momentum going into halftime, is Lock had previously run for a touchdown to take the lead, but it was called back due to a holding call on Noah Fant.

After the game, Fangio acknowledged Lock’s play to be a bit concerning. Throwing four interceptions won’t win many football games at any level, much less the NFL.

But a degrading loss like this one requires more than just poor play from a single player. Mistakes were made in all aspects of the game by the Broncos, as Vic Fangio told the media.

"“Everyone’s fingerprints are on that performance, coaches, and players. And we all have to take a good hard look at it”Vic Fangio (via Broncos PR)"

Fangio also went on to voice his support for Lock, shutting down any speculation of possibly benching his young quarterback.

"“We are committed to Drew, the more he can play the better he’ll be. He’s got to fight through this, like most young quarterbacks do in some point in their career.”Fangio"

Like it or not, it is imperative that Lock finishes out the season. Judging him off individual games just isn’t a fair way to evaluate someone who may or may not be a franchise quarterback. The Broncos need to find out what they have in their second-year starter and it won’t happen if he’s riding the bench.

With seven more games left on the schedule, Lock and Shurmur still have time to get things clicking on both ends. If not, it’s possible we see some moving pieces this offseason.