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Denver Broncos: 3 reasons to be excited about Drew Lock starting in Week 16

By Travis Wakeman

Oct 17, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) on the sideline in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) on the sideline in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Drew Lock, Denver Broncos
Nov 15, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) looks to pass against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

When the Denver Broncos face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 16, Drew Lock will be making his first start of the season as the team’s quarterback.

That news was likely met with mixed emotions from Broncos Country but with Teddy Bridgewater still recovering from the concussion he suffered last week, the team is left with no choice.

But that should not be seen as a bad thing. In fact, there should be plenty of optimism surrounding Drew Lock making his first start of the year. After all, the coaching staff did say it was a razor-thin competition in training camp, so it shouldn’t be a problem, right?

Lock’s last start came in the season finale last year and just happened to be against the Raiders as well, a 32-31 loss. He completed 25-of-41 passes on the day for 339 yards and two touchdowns. A solid performance to be sure.

There are reasons to be excited for Lock to make the start this Sunday. Three of them, to be exact.

Lock should bring a different energy

Drew Lock, Denver Broncos
Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos reacts in the second quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field At Mile High on November 28, 2021, in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

Lock has been prone to mistakes in his short career, but he is much more exciting to watch play quarterback than Bridgewater. The Broncos could potentially translate the energy that he brings into a much more dynamic offense.

As I discussed earlier in the week, it is time for Lock to throw caution at the wind, look at this opportunity for what it is, and let it all hang out.

The Broncos could rally behind Lock if he is able to play with that type of loose approach. It was understandable as to why the coaching staff chose to go with Bridgewater’s approach of not making mistakes, but it’s led to a far too conservative offense.

Lock needs to come in and ramp things up. Does that open the potential for mistakes and turnovers? Sure it does. But it also opens up the possibility for many more big plays and points on the scoreboard.

The 339 yards Lock threw for against the Raiders last year was a career-best. His QB rating of 103.6 in that game was the third-best rating he has had in a game in his career.

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