The Denver Broncos and Drew Lock must find consistency. Not surprisingly, this has been an uncertain season for the struggling team, yet better than the seasons immediately following their Super Bowl 50 glory. There are still a few major issues holding them back and these must be addressed and quickly.
Denver Broncos Must Find Consistency
But it’s not all bad. However, consistency is seriously lacking with this team. Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers was looking like another disaster until Lock threw three touchdown passes. The 21-point fourth-quarter surge was needed to flip the situation around. That 31-30 comeback win was met with astonishment followed by relief and gratitude. It seems the Broncos are still capable of fighting back after all.
A Scoring Frenzy or Punt Overload
The Broncos haven’t been able to get into a steady rhythm as of yet. They’ve either relied on several punts in certain quarters, or periods of frenzied scoring in between dragged out minutes of nothing at all. Last Sunday Lock was 12-of-23 for 93 yards by the end of the third quarter, then suddenly topped 100 yards passing in the fourth. The team and Lock must find a way to be more consistent. They need to sustain successful touchdown drives at regular intervals if they hope to build a win streak.
They Need Bigger Plays
Jeff Legwold of ESPN voiced what many have wondered. Are they a run team, a play-action team or a throw-it-around team? As far as anyone can see, they are none of the above. The Broncos haven’t been making big plays when it matters the most. And their strongest drives only come when they’re desperate to turn things around. But good plays that always stem from desperation aren’t ideal in the long-term. Another disturbing trend for this team is their inability to gain first downs.
Lock Can Breathe Now, But Can He Keep This Up?
Drew Lock entered Sunday’s game last in the league in completion percentage and touchdown passes. He last threw one in the season opener against the Tennessee Titans which seems like a lifetime ago. But a 14-play, 81-yard drive, culminating in a one-yard touchdown pass to KJ Hamler was the mental lift that Lock needed. The 43-16 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs was a wake-up call for Lock. He’s been passing up easier completions, and instead taking risks with less-productive throws. He’ll have to think long and hard about the strategy he should take in the coming weeks.
Lock Is Capable of Finding His Own Groove
When Lock is facing pressure from the middle, his footwork and overall mechanics are too often going the wrong way. However, it’s clear he learns from his mistakes. If the coaching staff tries too hard to mold him into the type of player Denver expects, it will just restrict him. Allowing him to continue learning from his mistakes at his own pace will enable him to flourish. He doesn’t always play a beautiful game, but he’ll grow from every ugly error he makes.
While it’s a relief to see the Broncos aren’t complete disasters, there are some big areas of concern that still need work. They have talent. They just need to harness it.
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