Quarterback Drew Lock Earns Win In His First Career Start For The Denver Broncos

By Jordan Long

The Denver Broncos beat the L.A. Chargers on Sunday 23-20, improving their record to 4-8.  Denver Broncos’ rookie quarterback Drew Lock started his 1st NFL game.  This was Denver’s 3^rd starting quarterback to be under center this season.

                Lock was drafted by the Denver Broncos 42^nd overall in this years’ NFL Draft.   In the preseason, he was in position to be the backup to Joe Flacco.  Unfortunately, Denver had to place him on injured reserve due to a sprained thumb in his throwing hand.   

                This past week in practice, Lock received the majority of the 1^st team reps.  Denver Broncos’ Head Coach Vic Fangio wasn’t going to name a starter until late in the week, but all signs pointed to Lock being the quarterback.  Early Sunday morning, Lock was announced as the starter.

                Lock looked adequate in his NFL debut.  He threw for 134 yards and 2 touchdowns but was picked off 1 time.  Lock was able to read the defense for most of the game to find his open receivers even if it was only a 3 or 4 yard gain.   Lock even showed off his arm with a 26-yard toss to Cortland Sutton for a touchdown. The only pass he wanted to have back was his interception.  On that play, his eyes were on his receiver and he threw the ball.  Lock didn’t see Danzel Perryman drop into coverage to pick it off.

                Denver scored 17 points in the 1^st half and Lock had them advancing the ball.  In the second half, Denver only managed 6 points.  The lack of scoring wasn’t all on Lock.  The play calling was conservative with a run on 1^st down and short passes on 2^nd and 3^rd down.

                The biggest play of the game wasn’t even a completion.  With 9 seconds left in the game and the score tied at 20, it looked like the game was going to head into overtime. All Denver had to do was kneel to kill the rest of the clock.  The Broncos had other plans.  Lock dropped back to pass and threw it up to Sutton who was clearly interfered with.  The ball was placed at the Charger’s 35 yard-line.  That gave Broncos’ kicker Brandon McManus a chance for a 53 yard-field goal to win the game which he did with no time left.

                Lock might be the future for the Denver Broncos at the quarterback position.  Lock was able to move the Broncos’ offense to score points.  He needs to start reading defenses better.   Now that Lock has tape, teams will figure out how to slow him down.  He must make in-game adjustments.  Right now, Lock can enjoy this win and prepare for the Houston Texans this upcoming Sunday.