In what was probably the most enjoyable game of the season, the Denver Broncos went into Houston and showed the professional football universe that Denver is not a team to be overlooked. What happened on Sunday was a Broncos statement.

Drew Lock ain’t like those other Broncos quarterbacks.

After last week’s win over the Chargers, I was reserved and wanted to see what Lock looked like against a, well, not-Chargers team. What would happen against a team that wasn’t constantly shooting themselves in the foot to lose football games? Well, we saw just what that looked like on Sunday. Lock connected on 22 of 27 passes for 309 yards (81.5%) and 3 touchdowns. His yardage total was the third highest in franchise history behind John Elway and Marlin Briscoe, but his passer rating of 136.0 obliterated both those guys (Elway 101.0 and Briscoe 95.5).

While numbers are fun to look at, especially in this case, what can’t be overlooked is what else Drew Lock brings to the Denver Broncos:

Hope.

Throughout Broncos Country and, yes, even here on Mile High Report, the suckitude of the 2019 season has been suffocating. As the losses piled up under Joe Flacco and Brandon Allen, there wasn’t much of anything to be positive about on the offensive side of the ball.

How times have changed.

Under Drew Lock, the offense appears to finally have direction (it also needs to be said that Rich Scangarello called one hell of a game on Sunday). Confidence has returned to Denver and we saw it infect and radiate through the defense on Sunday. When both sides of the ball are pulling in the same direction, great things happen. Great things like a 38-24 victory over the playoff bound Houston Texans.

The great news is that with three games left in 2019, the Denver Broncos don’t look like they’re going to wilt into offseason oblivion. While the playoffs are all but statistically improbable, Denver stands to make a lot of noise these next few weeks. Fans should be excited to watch this kid sling the ball in the coming weeks and for for what looks to be years to come. Say it with me:

The Denver Broncos have finally found their quarterback.

HORSE TRACKS

A rock star? Buzz Lightyear? Drew Lock earns win, acclaim in first road start
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Cover 4: Broncos race past Texans in 38-24 win
Drew Lock made history in the Broncos' win in Houston.

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Here are the Week 14 grades for every team that played on Sunday and Monday

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Al Riveron says it’s “clear and obvious” Nik Needham interfered – ProFootballTalk
Whatever Brian Flores thought about expanded replay for pass interference before Sunday, it's probably a safe bet he's ready for it to go away after Sunday. The Dolphins almost had their fourth victory.

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Ravens not celebrating 'expected' playoff berth
The Ravens had a muted reaction to clinching a playoff berth after beating the Bills on Sunday.

Aaron Rodgers doesn't mind Packers 'winning ugly' - NFL.com
How Aaron Rodgers and the 10-3 Packers have come across their last few victories hasn't been as attractive as their record. Not that Green Bay cares, as long as the Pack keep stacking wins.

'Game-changer' Marcus Peters comes up big as Ravens top Bills - NFL.com
The Ravens are heading back to the playoffs and midseason acquisition Marcus Peters is a big reason why. Michael Silver details the boisterous cornerback's impact on Baltimore's defense.

Ron Rivera will have strong market for his services, but his two ideal landing spots may not open up - CBSSports.com
Rivera was fired from his longtime post leading the Panthers this week

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Baker Mayfield says he didn't intend to 'throw medical staff under the bus' with comments on Beckham injury - CBSSports.com
Mayfield said Beckham's injury 'wasn't handled right' following the Browns' win over the Bengals