Drew Lock’s fast start with Broncos draws rave reviews from national NFL writers
Drew Lock couldn’t have scripted a worse start to his time with the Denver Broncos after injuring his thumb in August and landing on injured reserve.
But Lock also couldn’t have hoped for a better beginning to his playing career.
In his first two NFL starts, Lock has completed 72.7% of his passes for 443 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions. The Broncos, who won three games in the season’s first three months, are 2-0 in December with Lock starting.
Lock, the former Lee’s Summit High School and Mizzou star quarterback, has caught the attention of NFL writers across the nation with his fast start (and his Buzz Lightyear celebration). Next up for Lock is a game at Arrowhead Stadium against the Chiefs on Sunday.
Heading into that game, here is what’s being said about Lock by national NFL writers.
Sports Illustrated’s Kayln Kahler wrote a story with the headline, “After not rushing Drew Lock, the Broncos’ patience is paying off.” Here is an excerpt: “Yes, two wins in two starts is a tiny sample size, but it looks like the Broncos’ plan has set Lock up to develop at a decent pace. The significant amount of time on the bench this season, and his extensive experience in college are a good combination.
“A few weeks ago, with Lock’s future totally uncertain, Denver seemed like a team that might be in the quarterback market again in the upcoming 2020 draft. That’s looking a lot less likely now. The Broncos are out of the playoff hunt, but the rest of this season will be an important evaluation of their rookie quarterback’s potential. “
Frank Schwab of Yahoo Sports wrote a column with a headline, “John Elway might have finally gotten it right at QB with Drew Lock.” Here is part of what he wrote: “When Lock was given his shot, it was with strange trepidation from the Broncos. It’s another lost season for Denver, and the only thing that could give the Broncos an enormous boost into the offseason was Lock showing he is the potential answer at quarterback.
“Consider it done. Lock could be terrible over the final three games and the outlook changes, but his first two starts will carry into the offseason. The Broncos can use their available resources at spots other than quarterback. They can supplement what have been a couple of good drafts in a row with help at receiver, offensive line and defensive depth too. They should and will believe Lock can be the guy.”
Riley McAtee of The Ringer wrote a story with the headline, “Drew Lock might be the NFL’s best rookie quarterback.” Here is an snippet of what he wrote: “The 2019 NFL season has shaken how we think about quarterback evaluation. Former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield has disappointed, while Lamar Jackson, the fifth quarterback taken in that draft, is the front-runner for the league’s MVP award. The much-derided Josh Allen has shown flashes of being the passer of the future for the 9-4 Bills. In Jacksonville, sixth-round afterthought Gardner Minshew II has outplayed expensive free agent addition Nick Foles. Some young passers have conformed to fans’ preconceptions (Kyler Murray has shown promise, for example), but there have been plenty of head-scratchers, and Lock can be added to that second category.
“Two games into his career, Lock is outplaying two passers — Daniel Jones and Dwayne Haskins — who went a round above him. If Sunday’s dismantling of the Texans is any indication of Lock’s future, he’ll have a long career with the Broncos.”
CBS Sports called Lock the top performer from last week’s games:
Adam Stites of SB Nation wrote a story headlined “Drew Lock might be the one quarterback prospect that John Elway got right.”
This is an excerpt: “Lock sat on injured reserve for the first 12 weeks of the season after suffering a thumb injury in August. In that time, the Broncos slogged their way to a 3-8 record. Joe Flacco complained about the painfully conservative Denver offense before he was sent to injured reserve for a neck injury. He was replaced in the lineup by Brandon Allen, who posted a 68.3 passer rating in three starts.
During the time Flacco and Allen were under center, the Broncos’ offense looked the opposite of what it did in Week 14. A week after a so-so performance in his debut, Lock was nothing short of spectacular against the Texans.”
