Denver Broncos: Latest on quarterback competition
Denver Broncos QB Competition Update
Drew Lock:
Incumbent starter, Drew Lock, came out of the gates launching in his preseason debut. Dicing a second-string Minnesota Vikings defense may not be as difficult as carving up the Baltimore Ravens starting unit, but nevertheless, Lock did exactly as he was supposed to.
That has kind of been the entire narrative that has been out on Lock, right? He isn’t consistent, or he doesn’t take or do what he is supposed to in relaxed or settled situations.
He did just the opposite Saturday afternoon and that is exactly what Broncos Country wants to see out of the third-year quarterback from Missouri. Lock seemed to really slow himself down, physically and mentally.
Coming from his outmanned days at Mizzou, playing a daunting SEC schedule, it is easy to understand why Drew Lock has always felt the pressure to make every play a big play. When you’re basically a four-year starter, playing the same type of ball all four years, those sort of mechanics and mannerisms become nasty habitual activities.
Drew Lock made many plays that impressed Broncos Country, not just the 80-yard launched rocket that hit speedster KJ Hamler in stride for a Denver Broncos touchdown. It is important to note that in that pass, the ball was dropped in the bucket.
As Russell Wilson would call it, a “moon ball.”
It truly was a thing of beauty. What was unfortunate is the cameraman either didn’t think the pass was going to be launched that far or he simply lost KJ Hamler due to his blazing speed. Seriously, the cameraman had to catch up to the play.
Drew Lock also didn’t“lock” in on his receivers throughout his entire quarter and change of play. He went through his progressions, seen the field, and distributed the golden football accordingly.
That is exactly what everyone needs to see from Drew Lock to consider him a franchise quarterback.
If Drew Lock could somehow intertwine Teddy Bridgewater’s knack to check the ball down in certain situations, he would be one heck of a quarterback. This area of Lock’s game certainly looked improved, could Teddy’s presence help progress Drew’s way of processing?
Could it be the continuity to have a second-year coordinator for the first time in years for Drew Lock?
It’s funny, Drew Lock really needs to incorporate parts of Teddy Bridgewater’s game for him to take the next step, while Teddy Bridgewater needs to incorporate part of Drew Lock’s aggressive mentality to mold him into a potential franchise quarterback.
For Drew Lock, he needs to go out in week two of the preseason against the Seattle Seahawks and have another strong performance to secure this starting job. When I say strong, I do not mean another 5/7 for 151 yards and two touchdowns. For example, if Lock is able to complete 11/15 passing attempts, for 150 yards and a touchdown, without any turnovers, Lock can secure this job.
It is all about consistency, progression, and a feeling of calmness and maturity that will make Lock this team’s next franchise quarterback in 2021 and beyond. Having another strong output against the Seattle Seahawks, will at the very least, give Lock a chance to prove he has taken that next step.
Drew Lock can not go out there and just lay an egg Saturday night. If he can play clean football, there is a very good chance Lock is the man in 2021.