Denver Broncos: 4 players that must step up to beat the Browns

Denver Broncos: 4 players that must step up to beat the Browns

1. The quarterback (Teddy Bridgewater or Drew Lock, maybe both)

It seems obvious, but the quarterback desperately needs to step up for the Broncos in this game.

Bridgewater played quite well through the first through weeks of the season. He started to look off in Week 4 against the Ravens before getting hit hard and going down with a concussion.

Since coming back from that concussion, Bridgewater has put up two absolute clunkers. He’s holding onto the ball too long, he’s become reckless with the ball in general, and the Broncos’ offensive efficiency has plummeted.

Given the fact that Bridgewater is not long removed from a concussion and is also dealing with a foot injury, it might not be the worst idea to start this game with Drew Lock at quarterback.

Who knows? Maybe Lock will finish this one out.

One way or another, Vic Fangio stated he had two quarterbacks he felt he could win with. If that’s the case, why should Bridgewater have a long leash?

He shouldn’t, and if Lock were playing the same way, the same would be true.

A quarterback change is not ideal, but it might provide a spark.

Even if there isn’t one, Bridgewater has to play better and keep the offense on schedule. He has to find a way to connect on his longer throws downfield where he has simply been off-target most of the season.

The Browns have a top-10 pass defense in terms of yards, but they have given up 14 touchdown passes in six games, fifth-worst in the league.