Denver Broncos training camp: Day one notes and observations
Denver Broncos training camp 2021 (Day 1)
1. QB competition – Day 1
The Denver Broncos’ quarterback room doesn’t include league MVP Aaron Rodgers, although following that story has been an absolute blast and got even juicier as Rodgers addressed the media in Green Bay on the same day the Broncos opened camp.
For now, enough about Rodgers.
Drew Lock, the incumbent, took the first snap of 2021 training camp and from what little we could see in the online broadcast, he made some solid plays, including arguably the biggest pass play of the day to Trinity Benson (featured in the reel on the previous page) as well as this one to Jerry Jeudy.
https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1420470614628847622
Lock undoubtedly has higher upside than Bridgewater, but perhaps a lower floor. Bridgewater may not have the upside of Lock, but he has proven he can play at a pretty high level on good teams he’s been on.
On day one of camp, it was Lock who stood out the most.
Lock wins round one today, if we are scorecarding practices with no pads
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) July 28, 2021
Again, the entire practice was not available for fans to watch online and the Broncos protected even some of the visible portions of practice so their offense is not out there for the whole world to see.
With that said, Bridgewater also had a decent day throwing the ball.
Lock with better downfield throws against and with 2s, but the whistle blew on him twice. Bridgewater was steadier, had a nice pocket climb under pressure, some nice placement on passes near the sideline. Today’s a push.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) July 28, 2021
It’s crucial not to overreact to one day of training camp. Everyone’s got to learn to see the forest through the trees and this is a battle that is not going to be over in a matter of five days. Perhaps by mid-August, someone will have separated themselves.
For now, each of these guys will be trying to take things one day at a time and just keep improving. Since Lock got the first reps on day one, it stands to reason that Bridgewater will get them on day two.
Drew Lock talks about playing weight
After a shoulder injury he suffered last season, Lock noted that his playing weight was down in the 218-219 range. This offseason, he bulked up to 230 pounds, or at least that is what he weighed before practice.
Having that additional strength and body mass will hopefully allow Lock to better absorb contact and avoid freak injuries like he’s suffered two years in a row.
Teddy Bridgewater with the quote of the day?
Incredible quote from Teddy Bridgewater on why he believes he can be the long-term answer here:
— Aric DiLalla (@AricDiLalla) July 28, 2021
“I’m a survivor. You can throw me in the jungle and I’m gonna come out with a fur coat and a headband I made with some leaves.”
Someone needs to get us a visual of that ASAP.