Peyton Manning has sound advice for Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater
Aug 4, 2021, 1:20 PM | Updated: Aug 5, 2021, 6:28 am
On Wednesday, someone who knows a little something about playing the quarterback position was at Broncos training camp. Peyton Manning, just days away from induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, was on hand to watch practice.
Like everyone else, he was checking out the QB battle between Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater. It was another day where it was anyone’s guess as to who “won” the day.
After practice, Manning joined “Stokley and Zach” to chat about this weekend in Canton, his memorable moments in the NFL and the 50/50 competition transpiring this summer at Dove Valley. When it comes to Teddy vs. Drew, The Sheriff had some interesting thoughts.
First, he believes it’s important that one of the QBs is named the starter sooner rather than later. Splitting reps aren’t good for anyone involved.
“I’m sure if you talk to Drew, Teddy or any quarterback, they would like to tell you that all the reps are important and they would like to have as many as they can,” Manning explained. “At some point, somebody probably will start getting more than the other.”
One would think that’d be the best option. But for now, the Broncos seem content to keep splitting first-team snaps evenly, a plan that seems to be set in stone.
That being the case, Manning had some advice for Lock and Bridgewater. With limited opportunities, it’s crucial to not try to do too much.
“The one thing that I tell quarterbacks when they do have a limited amount of reps is, ‘Don’t feel like you have to do something really special in those limited reps,'” Manning explained. “That’s a mistake that a lot of young quarterbacks make. If they’re only getting a few reps in a red zone team period, the think they need to throw touchdowns as opposed to making good decisions, throwing in some check downs, showing the coaches, ‘Hey, I know what to do. I’ll make good decisions down here.'”
On Wednesday, both quarterbacks could’ve heeded that advice. Toward the end of practice, Lock and Bridgewater each threw an interception at the goal line. They were pressing to make something happen.
“That’s kind of my advice when you’re on a rep-sharing deal – try to make them quality reps and don’t try to do something special every single time you’re out there,” Manning added. “Both of them are just going to take advantage of the reps that they have and make them count.”
On Wednesday, that didn’t happen. The ongoing battle between Lock and Bridgewater remained at a standstill, as both made a crucial mistake.
It’s time that one of them take Peyton Manning’s advice. As tough as it is to do when trying to “win” the job, don’t try to be a hero on every rep.
