Denver Broncos: 5 consequences if they miss the playoffs in 2021

Denver Broncos consequences if the team misses the playoffs

2. More turnover at the QB position

If the Denver Broncos don’t make the playoffs in 2021, it’s likely the play at quarterback will be a major reason why.

Even with as many injuries as the Broncos suffered in 2020, the defense still played well enough for most of the year to keep the team competitive in games.

It’s been the offense that has been the primary reason for the Denver Broncos not being able to compete for the playoffs in the last four seasons.

When George Paton and Vic Fangio decided to pass on the quarterback class in the 2021 NFL Draft, it was assumed that Paton took more of a liking to Drew Lock in 2020 than many thought that he would, but that apparently wasn’t the case.

Lock lost his starting job to Teddy Bridgewater, who was acquired the day before the 2021 NFL Draft.

Bridgewater taking the reins as the starter away from Drew Lock is a clear message from the team that they don’t buy Lock’s ability to be the quarterback of the future for this team. At least, that’s the message many in Broncos Country have received.

The Broncos have continued to say positive things about Lock and Lock is just 24 years old, but the team has been adamant that he made improvements and that the competition was “close”. If that was the case, why did you not go with the younger guy who you drafted?

The fact that the Broncos saw improvement from Lock in 2021 and still decided not to start him not only says everything about Lock’s future with the team but also calls into question the process during the 2021 NFL Draft.

Why not take Justin Fields or Mac Jones when you had the chance?

The likely reason for that is the fact that — again — jobs are on the line. These coaches aren’t staking their immediate future with the team to a rookie quarterback and they feel Teddy Bridgewater gives them the best chance at long-term (meaning the 17 games ahead) success.

Beyond this season, however? Even if the Broncos make the playoffs, there’s no guarantee that Teddy Bridgewater will be back. It’s also not 100 percent a guarantee that Drew Lock will be gone after this season, either, that’s just the way it seems things are trending.

Without a playoff appearance in 2021, it’s all but guaranteed the Denver Broncos will be back to the drawing board at QB.

Many in Broncos Country may view that as a good thing anyway.