As many of you know, I’m not a stat guy per se.

But I do like looking at stats that help clarify my thoughts on my team and lend perspective to why I have the opinions I do that I share with Broncos Country.

To lead off the NFL news today I linked two great articles from over at footballoutsiders.com (who I’ve been a big fan of for years).

Opinion #1: the Broncos offense is too passive

Looking at the aggressiveness index stats we get to see that many of us share this opinion because plainly Vic Fangio is not aggressive at all in his decision making for the team.

That alone doesn’t point at Fangio as the problem though and this is why I don’t like stats taken at face value. Why would Fangio be so passive? Is it because he’s a defensive coach and he wants his defense doing the work? Is it because he’s cut from conservative cloth dating back 20 years or so in his tenure in the NFL? Or could it be that he doesn’t feel comfortable making those decisions with a half-baked QB who is just as likely to put the ball in the hands of the opponents in pressure situations than he is to put it on the money and make a big play?

I’m honestly not sure. I could argue either way very easily. But I’m looking forward to looking at the Broncos this season with a different QB under center to see how aggressive Fangio is as that will help clarify the issue for us.

Opinion #2: Drew Lock throws too many interceptions

At first blush, this is me just calling water wet. But what we see in the adjusted interception article is a breakdown of things I like to keep in mind when I do my game reviews. Interceptions on hail mary’s at the end of half or game don’t matter. Interceptions that were dropped by defenders do matter. This adjusted stat takes these kind of things into consideration.

And it ends up that Lock isn’t arguably the most interception-prone QB in the NFL. He’s tied with 3 QBs for 9th worst in the NFL. There’s a win for the Drew Lock fans out there in Broncos Country!

Broncos News:

Teddy Bridgewater eager for fresh start as he joins Broncos amid quarterback competition
“I’m just glad to be a part of what they’re doing around here and what we’re trying to build here,” Bridgewater said.

Roundup: Broncos signing OT Ryan Pope, working out veteran linemen
The Broncos have been in search of depth in the trenches after losing a projected starter last week. Help might be just around the corner. Denver is signing young OT Ryan Pope following a Tuesday tryout and plans to work out a few veteran linemen Wednesday

Other NFL News:

Aggressiveness Index 2020 | Football Outsiders
Football analytics is slowly winning the battle over fourth downs, as 2020 was the most aggressive season in NFL history for go-for-it decisions. Thirty-three of 35 head coaches had an Aggressiveness Index above 1.0 last year! Find out who came out on top, with names both expected and unexpected.

Adjusted Interceptions 2020 | Football Outsiders
Officially, Denver’s Drew Lock and Philadelphia’s Carson Wentz led the league in interceptions thrown last year, but one of them was much luckier than the other. Ben Roethlisberger, Nick Foles, and Tua Tagovailoa were also lucky, while fortune was not as kind to Russell Wilson and especially not to Kirk Cousins. We explain, and also wonder why defenders are dropping so many footballs these days.

Expanded season strength of schedule rankings
Ranking every team by strength of schedule following the announcement of an expanded 17-game season.

Jaguars HC Urban Meyer convinced by 'competitive maniac' Tim Tebow's workouts to give 'it a shot'
Tim Tebow is expected to be signed by the Jaguars as a tight end and though it's not official yet, Jacksonville head coach Urban Meyer said it was Tebow's

NFL players to root for in 2021: One selection from each team
Poring over all 32 NFL teams, Adam Rank identifies one player to root for on each roster in 2021. Why does Dak Prescott have his support? Which rookies made the list?

Proud of 'connection' with QB, Green Bay Packers WR Davante Adams would do 'extra thinking' on future if Aaron Rodgers leaves
Speaking on a national radio show Monday, Green Bay receiver Davante Adams mentioned potential concern for his long-term future with the Packers should Aaron Rodgers leave, saying they've "built up a special connection over the years."

Indianapolis Colts find new starting LT, reach deal with ex-Kansas City Chief Eric Fisher, source says
Pro Bowl left tackle Eric Fisher is signing a one-year, $9.4 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Jaguars, Falcons to host NFL games in United Kingdom in 2021 - Sports Illustrated
The Jaguars will reportedly most likely play the Dolphins in the United Kingdom this upcoming season.