Clayton: Don’t read too much into Drew Lock starting against the Vikings
Aug 10, 2021, 4:22 PM
Don’t read anything into the announcement that Drew Lock will start the preseason opener against Minnesota and Teddy Bridgewater will start the next game against Seattle.
Lock has seniority on the Broncos and, as Vic Fangio said, he took the first snap with the first-team offense in the first training camp practices. As the start for the past couple of years, he should be getting the first start. Bridgewater came on the challenge Lock and that has worked well so far.
Remember, the Broncos didn’t want to replace Lock permanently, which is why they passed on Justin Fields and Mac Jones. The front office and coaching staff still believe he has the talent to be a decent starting quarterback. Last year was a major setback though with the 15 interceptions and the seven percent drop into the 57 percent completion area.
Fangio firmed up that the competition is “even Steven.” There is no separation between the two.
But this week should be interesting to see if one can get the edge on the other. The Broncos have a two-day joint practice against the Minnesota Vikings. Then, they have the first preseason game. Fangio get along well with Vikings coach Mike Zimmer, so the works should be fair and good.
Zimmer is trying to fix up a defense that slipped a lot last year. It struggled with the pass rush and was a little too young a cornerback. At least the Broncos will put their two best quarterbacks on the field.
A lot of coaches aren’t using their starting quarterbacks in the three preseason games. Aaron Rodgers won’t play. Tom Brady will do some. Not sure about Kirk Cousins and Russell Wilson.
What will be telling is who the starting quarterback is in the Broncos third preseason. Fanzio said he doesn’t know who will start. But that could be the quarterback who has separated a little bit.
