The Denver Broncos have desperately been searching for their next franchise quarterback since Peyton Manning rode off into the sunset following Super Bowl 50.
Broncos General Manager John Elway has drafted quarterbacks in both the high and low rounds, in addition to importing multiple veteran quarterbacks. While all quarterbacks have been given an opportunity to fill the void, they’ve all missed the mark.
Grinning ear to ear, and having some bounce in his step, it was evident that Lock has been preparing for his NFL debut his whole life. Sitting on the bench this year was a foreign role for Lock, who started his entire high school and collegiate career in the SEC at Missouri.
After being activated from IR (thumb injury), Lock completed 18 passes on 28 attempts for 134 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception while also avoiding being sacked.
In the first quarter, Lock utilized star wide receiver Courtland Sutton, who reeled in two touchdowns from the 2019 second-round draft pick (42nd overall).
On Monday, Courtland Sutton was quick to praise his new quarterback.
“He came in and he played with some confidence and some swag, It was awesome to see him put together what he put together,” he said. “He could be the future. He has the potential to be that guy for a long time here.”
While the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers was offensively conservative, Lock moved the ball downfield and drew (no pun intended) a pass interference call that set up a game-winning field goal from Brandon McManus.
Following the Broncos fourth victory (4-8 overall record) and season sweep of the Chargers, Broncos Country cant help but feel the energy and observe the potential that Drew Lock brings to this team.
While Lock enjoyed some success, there are plenty of improvements that he must make to clean up his game. Lock needs to consistently demonstrate pre-snap defensive reads and improve footwork while dropping back from under center. He must also learn to limit turnovers as he threw a fourth quarter interception in a tied game.
Lock is expected to remain the Broncos starting quarterback for the final four games of the season against the Texans, Chiefs, Lions and Raiders.
John Elway and Broncos Country are eagerly waiting to see if Drew Lock’s energy, skill set, and work ethic coincide with a franchise quarterback that is worth an organizational commitment.