The concussion that hospitalized Teddy Bridgewater will sideline him for the Broncos’ Week 16 game. Vic Fangio confirmed Drew Lock will start against the Raiders.
While the third-year coach said Bridgewater remains Denver’s starter when healthy, via 9News’ Mike Klis (on Twitter), Lock will make his first start since facing the Raiders in Week 17 of last season. The third-year passer has made multiple relief appearances this year but will be asked to start in what amounts to an elimination game for the Broncos.
Demoted after being Denver’s starter for a season and change, Lock has been erratic in his relief outings. He lost a crucial fumble in the red zone in Sunday’s 15-10 loss to the Bengals and threw an interception late in the first half against the Chargers last month. Lock also did not play earlier this season against the Browns, when the Broncos deployed a hobbled Bridgewater. The Mizzou product has ties to this coaching staff but not GM George Paton, who took over this year.
Fangio left the door open to Bridgewater returning for the Broncos’ final two games, but the resilient passer has suffered two concussions this season. The Broncos’ Week 15 loss to the Bengals reduced their playoff odds to 5%, per FiveThirtyEight.com. The team falling out of the race could open the door to more Lock starts, but beyond that, its quarterback situation will be murky going into another offseason.
The Broncos’ actions this year do not present much confidence in Lock, though the strong-armed QB has shown flashes. He also led the NFL with 15 interceptions last season, despite missing three games. One year remains on the ex-second-rounder’s contract. With the team expected to chase another quarterback upgrade in 2022, Lock stands to be in limbo going into a contract year.
I felt like Lock should’ve been given the chance to prove himself this season. The Broncos are a few pieces away from contending, would’ve served them better to see if Lock has something worth holding on to or if they need to re-address the QB spot in the draft next season
Full agree. Lock has talent. The Covid protocols last year were tough on him and his ability to better understand the playbook.
I think we know that despite his talent, his mechanics, judgment and skills are just not good enough. People love his personality and big arm. It takes more than that to be a plus-NFL QB or a star. Fangio’s job was on the chopping block. Teddy was the smart choice for him and the team. Lock has to earn playing time. All this said I hope he crushes it this week, either for a future in Denver or elsewhere. Lock is a likable guy. I want him to succeed. He has another opportunity to be effective and less sloppy.
Say What Dawg is spot on. Lock has great competitive fire, is loved by his teammates, and is extremely tough. His judgement, however, is incredibly poor on the football field. His footwork is extremely inconsistent as well. When he gets into a rhythm and completes a string of passes or doesn’t feel pressure, he can show off his great arm strength.
However, he doesn’t give up on bad plays and hasn’t grasped when to throw the ball away or to take what a defense gives him. He’ll throw it deep to a double covered receiver with his back foot unset while trying to evade a pass rusher and end up with an INT or a near INT quite frequently. The problem is that, off-season or not, he continues to make the same mistakes and that unfortunately may just now be a permanent characteristic.
I guess they might as well see more of Lock, but I think we’ve seen what he is. He’s got talent that flashes sometimes, but upside flashes don’t matter all that much if they’re not all that frequent and you’re turnover prone. He was worth a shot, and it’s no great shame for a second round QB to turn out to be a backup. But I can’t see him starting for a contender, and this team could certainly be one with a better QB situation.
Good comment. Agree.
So Drew is a LOCK to start !!
Cry me a River Donkeys
Did you create an account just to post this?
It has never been a matter of arm talent with Lock. His decision making is what gets him in trouble. He needs to KNOW the playbook in and out to be successful. Look at his college resume, as the years went on he got better(didn’t matter the talent around him).
I would start Rypien over Lock. Lock is a proven loser. He panics every time he feels pressure and makes horrible decisions.
Two concussions in a season… I’d think Bridgewater should be financially set. He might want to really consider moving to the next phase of his life before he’s unable to remember his name…
It doesn’t matter who starts at QB, as the Broncos have the worst OC in the league.
This may be true, but it’s also compounded by the fact that they also have an awful QB coach.
I completely agree. Lock looked great as a rookie. Took a slight step back in his second season which could be contributed to a shoulder injury. Elway is always way to quick to pull the plug on a young QB. Not every QB will come out of the draft playing like Herbert or Mahomes. Some take time to develop….Look at Josh Allen as a perfect example. Was terrible his first two years in the league, but took a major step forward in year 3.