Let me first come out and say this. Yes, it’s only preseason week one. Yes, the Vikings rested their defensive starters, and yes, it is probably too early to do this, but it’s time to call the quarterback competition.
That’s right. End it. Name Lock the starter and give him the starter reps from here on out to week one of the regular season.
.@DrewLock23 made the most of his start. pic.twitter.com/IJlEAJIFSM
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 14, 2021
I have and still am pessimistic that Lock can make that leap he needs to become the Broncos franchise quarterback, but today was a great first step towards that. His Training Camp from all reports was at best good, but today he really stood out.
First, he (and Javonte Williams) helped lead the Broncos down into the red zone. The Broncos had a chance to score but a pass to Jerry Jeudy in the end zone was deflected and they turned the ball over. It wasn’t a wonderful first drive, but he quickly rebounded. After a holding call in the end zone led to a safety, Lock hit the receiver, K.J. Hamler, for an 80-yard touchdown.
That’s the big play offense I am looking for.
Yes, it was a blown coverage, and yes it was a “gimme” play, but Lock hit Hamler in stride and it counted for six. A big play for Lock who needed to show that sort of thing.
His next touchdown drive was the more impressive one for me. On one play, he went through his progressions and hit an open Jerry Jeudy who used his explosiveness to YAC his way down the field. Later in the drive, he hit wide receiver Trinity Benson off a play-action bootleg pass for a beautiful touchdown. This ended his day, but it went about as perfect as it could have gone for Drew Lock.
He did everything he needed to do to take the reigns in this quarterback battle, and frankly, may have ended it already.
Brett Rypien time
— Ryan O'Halloran (@ryanohalloran) August 14, 2021
Teddy's day: 7 of 8, 74 yards, 1 TD, 144.8 rating.#Broncos
Teddy played well, but you can’t truly evaluate until his start next week if he even gets that start.
Prolonging a quarterback competition does no one any good. Lock comes out with the edge today, played great, and frankly, deserves to get the majority of the reps moving forward. This will build chemistry with the starters and give him the number of reps needed to potentially develop into a better starting quarterback.
I say, name Lock the starter on Monday. Stop splitting reps in practice and give Lock the majority throughout the rest of the summer and give him the start against the Seahawks. Build your offense around him and let Teddy be that reliable backup that he can be.
This might be an overreaction, but Teddy Bridgewater will need to have a career-like game to match Lock’s performance. Let's not prolong the inevitable and end it now. I have my concerns still but today was a promising step forward.
Poll
Is it too early to call the QB competition?
This poll is closed
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56%
No, Lock won it
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43%
Yes, give Teddy a fair shot