Insiders Give Drew Lock Edge in Broncos QB Competition Despite Co-Starter Designation
By Peter Dewey
Drew Lock is going to get another chance to prove he can be a starting quarterback in the NFL, as Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio announced Lock will start the team’s first preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday.
However, the Broncos are going to start veteran Teddy Bridgewater in the second preseason matchup, and the team is currently listing the two quarterbacks as co-starters on its unofficial depth chart.
Lock, who the team selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, could solidify himself as the starter with some strong showings in the preseason, and WynnBET already has him favored to take the job.
Lock has better odds to lead the NFL in passing (+12500) than Bridgewater (+20000) this season, signaling that he's expected to play the majority of the time for the Broncos this season.
The 2020 season was a trying one for Lock, as he dealt with injuries early in the season before missing a game due to a COVID-19 close contact later on in the campaign. He ended up starting 13 games and threw for just 16 scores to 15 interceptions (which led the NFL).
His struggles led to new general manager George Paton bringing in Bridgewater this offseason, and while Fangio claimed that Lock is getting the start in the first preseason game because he’s the incumbent starter, it makes more sense for Denver to give him a chance than Bridgewater.
Bridgewater’s contract expires after this season, and if he and Lock are as even as Fangio has claimed they are, then starting the younger Lock, who still has two seasons left on his rookie deal, makes the most sense going forward.
If Denver is looking like a contender and Lock stumbles, then Bridgewater taking over would be the logical progression.
"I have confidence in both those guys," Fangio said. "I really do.
"Obviously I think the games, these practices we have coming up, we had a really good practice the other day where it was upscale a little bit — they all factor in," Fangio said. "There is no grading scale. Ultimately we have to go by what we see. We're keeping track of things, statistically — some more detailed stats than what you guys will do. They'll be there for the information."
Saturday’s matchup with the Vikings will be the first test, and it is possible that one of the quarterbacks could shift the odds in his favor with a strong performance.
Who will be the Broncos quarterback in 2021? Make your pick now on WynnBET.