After starting the 2019 season on injured reserve with a thumb injury, Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock started the final five games of the year and played well.
“One of the really good things that happened last year is he was able to play the last five games,” offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said during a Zoom conference call with reporters on June 11. “You really judge a quarterback by his ability to help the team win games. To be 4-1, that’s a really good start.”
Shurmur pointed out that Lock wasn’t perfect last year, noting that he fell into some common rookie mistakes. Lock used those mistakes as learning opportunities and now — in theory — he could be less prone to make the same mistakes in 2020.
Shurmur also joked that he has heard a “rumor” that Lock has organized unofficial practices at a Denver area park.
“It’s been awesome to work with him,” Shurmur said. “Unfortunately, it’s been remote. I think he’s embraced what we’re planning to do on offense. There’s a rumor that he’s working with the players by himself. That’s a rumor that I heard. Also, along with that rumor, I heard it’s going well.”
After completing 64.1 percent of his passes for 1,020 yards with seven touchdowns against three interceptions last season, Lock will aim to help Denver return to the playoffs this year for the first time since 2015.
