2021 Broncos' Season, Quarterback

 


The NFL Draft is over, so it's time to re-visit the Broncos' position groups and see where the team is heading into the season. Today I'm continuing with the Quarterbacks.

This has been the hot topic this week, and will continue to be throughout the off-season and likely the rest of the 2021 season. As OTAs heat up, we're finally seeing the competition between Drew Lock, the third-year quarterback for the Broncos, and Teddy Bridgewater, the veteran who was added as competition.

And that's without considering the possibility that the Broncos could end up with reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers. If that happens, he'll be the starter. But, personally, I think it's a long shot due to the potential cost and the fact the Packers likely won't part with him. So, let's look at the quarterbacks we know we'll have.

Bridgewater is the veteran. He was once a First Round pick by the Minnesota Vikings, where he played for his first four seasons. He was once, for the Vikings, what Lock is for the Broncos, the potential franchise hope. But Bridgewater was more successful as a starter, going 6-6 in 12 starts as a rookie and 11-5 in his second season, leading the Vikings to the playoffs. During training camp in the run up to his third season, Bridgewater suffered a catastrophic injury. He missed all of the 2016 season and made just a brief appearance in 2017.

After that, Bridgewater took a backup job with the New Orleans Saints. In 2019, he had a stint starting as Drew Brees was injured, going 5-0. That earned him a big contract with the Carolina Panthers prior to the 2020 season. He started 15 games for Carolina last season, his first season as a starter since 2015. He went 4-11, throwing for 3,733 yards, 15 TDs and 11 INTs. Carolina moved on and Bridgewater came to Denver for a chance to compete.

Here, he faces Lock. The former Second Round pick started only a few games as a rookie, going 4-1 in that stint. That created excitement for 2020 as he became the full time starter. But he got off to a slow start, including an injury, followed up by an uneven season. He went 4-9 in 13 starts, throwing for 2,933 yards, 16 TDs and 15 INTS. It was his uneven play and turnovers, accompanied by the team's lack of success that cast doubt on Lock's future. 

Personally, I'm not ready to give up on Lock yet. He is 8-10 in 18 starts, but he's shown flashes. He needs better decision making in 2020. I think he can win the competition coming out of training camp, and he needs to show better. This team improved its offensive line and added strong offensive weapons. The defense is primed and this is the year. The Broncos have a playoff caliber roster, and whoever plays quarterback needs to justify that. If it's Lock, he has to be strong, or else he'll be replaced.

Bridgewater is a fine veteran and a solid backup, but I don't see him as a great answer. If the Broncos miss the playoffs again in 2021, I believe there will be a new coaching staff and a new direction at quarterback in 2022.

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