Denver Broncos schedule: Predicting the first loss on 2021 schedule and why it will happen

The Denver Broncos actually could be a competent team, but nobody really knows their quarterback situation at the moment.

The only real question there is when it comes to the Denver Broncos is what to do at quarterback. The team still has Drew Lock, and is hopeful he can turn his career around following a sophomore slump. Broncos GM George Paton also added Teddy Bridgewater as insurance before the 2021 NFL Draft.

Denver elected to pass on the gunslingers in the NFL Draft to instead bolster its secondary with the addition of Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II. After upgrading almost the entire secondary from a season ago, there are a few holes on both sides of the football for the team in the Mile High City.

As the 2021 season approaches, Denver could make a push for the playoffs if Lock or Bridgewater is a competent option under center. Then again, neither will start if the team adds disgruntled Green Bay Packers superstar Aaron Rodgers.

For now, let’s just look ahead at the roster at hand. If that’s the case, one could expect Denver’s first loss to come in Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Ravens defense might match well against Denver’s offense

The Broncos have faltered to an 0-7 start in September over the past two seasons. The New York Giants could be a struggle in Week 1, but if Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton and Noah Fant and play up to par, it’ll be up to Lock to lead the way.

Denver’s next two games are against Jacksonville and the New York Jets, both of which should be easy “W’s” on paper. Albeit a home game, the Broncos’ September struggles could be a problem against the Ravens if the additions on both sides are well into midseason form for the flock.

Lamar Jackson cannot rely just on his legs take care of the offense. Baltimore still has a quality run game with J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards as a 1-2 combination to build off a league high from last year. The hope though is John Harbaugh can expand the passing game with the addition of two high-end receivers now expected to play the outside.

Sammy Watkins has proven when healthy that he’s at quality No. 3 option. That is his expected role for 2021 with Marquise “Hollywood” Brown expected to be the vertical option and Rashod Bateman likely the at No. 2 spot.

The Minnesota product is a physical receiver that does wonders after the catch and uses his hands to win most contested catches against weaker cornerbacks.

The Ravens’ secondary will be the reason for a loss in Mile High. All five defensive backs can match up evenly with the high-end receiving options for Denver. Add in still a pretty solid pass rush against an offensive of line with a hole on the right side, this could force Lock to struggle connecting with his targets and throw into double coverage downfield.

There’s a good shot Denver enters Week 4 at 3-0. The Broncos also have won the last four games against Baltimore when playing on their home turf. In reality, this comes down to quarterback play for both parties.

It’s hard to fully trust Jackson, but there’s still far too many red flags for Lock and Bridgewater to give the edge to Denver as September ends.