You often hear that the NFL is a “week to week” league. That is a true statement.
In one week, you can go from feeling like your team is as bad as it gets to being quite excited after one small change. However, switching quarterbacks should not be considered a small change, particularly when the quarterback is a highly-drafted rookie.
Drew Lock took over as the Broncos quarterback on Sunday and his rookie debut was met with tempered expectations, mainly because the organization seemed hesitant to put him on the field.
He came through with flying colors against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 13, leading the Broncos to their fourth win of the season. Here’s what we took away from this game.
1. Drew Lock showed flashes
This is the obvious place to start. Lock wasn’t sensational by any means but he showed flashes while completing 18 of 28 passes and throwing two touchdowns. He did have one interception but for his first start, against a defense that features the likes of Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram and Derwin James, this effort was more than sufficient.
It’s also exciting for fans to see a quarterback that the team used a high draft pick on getting off to a good start in his career. This team is starving for a “quarterback of the future” and has been for years.
While that may or may not be Lock, this was a good way to start things out on the right foot.
2. Courtland Sutton is a star
Sutton is quietly having a tremendous season for the Broncos and is quickly blossoming into one of the game’s top young receivers. He really likes to play the Chargers too.
In two games against Los Angeles this year, Sutton has eight catches for 166 yards and three touchdowns.
3. Let him kick it!
Just before the half, Brandon McManus was heated after it looked like he was going to be able to attempt a field goal just before the break and then was asked to come back to the sideline.
He was justifiably upset.
There was one second on the clock and it was about a 65-yard field goal. The only risk you run is the kick being blocked and returned for a touchdown or it comes up short, the Chargers field it and run it back over 100 yards.
That’s a risk that Vic Fangio, at 3-8, needs to be willing to take. In addition, if McManus, who does have the leg strength, were able to make it, it would be a new NFL record.
4. You have to like the aggressive play at the end
Maybe Fangio realized he should have been aggressive before the half because he definitely was at the end of the game. With eight seconds left on the clock and sitting at your own 28-yard line with the score tied, how many coaches would just take a knee and settle for overtime? Probably 31.
Instead, Lock looked at the play chart on his wrist and came out in shotgun formation with several wide receivers spread out. He loaded up and threw the deep ball to Sutton, who was interfered with by Casey Hayward.
The result was a 37-yard penalty that set up the game-winning field goal on the very next play. Had he settled for playing overtime, we might be having a very different conversation right now.
Good on Vic for taking a shot.
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