Denver Broncos: Most intriguing competitions at offseason camp
By Sonny Cohen
Starting Quarterback
As it stands, the Denver Broncos will be rolling into training camp with Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater as their options at quarterback.
Vic Fangio has stated on a number of occasions that the two would be splitting reps 50-50 and both would have an opportunity to stake a claim to the starting role.
For Lock, this a career-defining moment. While Teddy Bridgewater has done a solid job in his career; he is not an elite quarterback in any sense, and one would hope that he would end up serving as a backup to Lock.
If that is the case, then it is a good sign for the former second-round pick, as he would have shown the necessary improvements to impress the coaching staff.
However, if Bridgewater wins this competition and comes out as the starter it is a terrible look for the former Missouri Tiger. It could signal the end of his run in Denver as it would not be a surprise if the front office looked elsewhere to get their franchise quarterback.
Lock’s clear advantage in this competition is his knowledge of the offense used by Pat Shurmur. It has been a rarity for Lock to enjoy such a commodity, but it is one that could help him make a serious jump this year.
When looking at last season’s stats for both men, it is not the most exciting of reads but Bridgewater edges out his counterpart.
According to Pro Football Reference, Bridgewater completed 340 of 492 passing attempts for 3,733 yards and 15 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. Lock in his 13 games completed 254 of 443 passing attempts for 2,933 yards and 16 touchdowns with 15 interceptions, via Pro Football Reference.
For Bridgewater, it will be about seriously improving in the red zone and in late-game situations. He ranked 26th in two-minute offense with three touchdowns and four interceptions ending the season 0-8 in game-tying or winning situations according to ESPN’s David Newton.
The red zone issues are glaring for the veteran as well, he led the league in 2020 in turnovers inside 20 yards. He coughed the ball up five times. This will need serious work, though he may benefit from the presence of tight ends Noah Fant and Albert Okwuegbunam.
Given Lock’s offseason work with Peyton Manning, and the acknowledgment by George Paton that Lock has always been in the building this offseason. He should have enough to secure the starting position and benefit from the veteran presence of Teddy Bridgewater.