Broncos Starting Quarterback
June 18, 2021 8:00 pm EDT
The Denver Broncos haven’t made the playoffs since 2015, coach Vic Fangio is on the heat seat and there’s a quarterback competition going on. Mainly between Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater, the Broncos will have a decision to make that will play a big factor in the direction their season goes.
Let’s breakdown the odds and predict who starts at QB for the Broncos.
Drew Lock, +145 – Lock has started 18 games the last two years for the Broncos, going 8-10 while throwing for 3,953 yards, 23 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. He’s shown promise at times and has a ridiculously strong arm, but he’s also struggled for long stretches. Lock has thrown at least one interception in 11 of his 18 games. He needs to be better with his decision making if he’s going to have a long term career. It’s all about consistency with Lock and putting everything together in terms of his talent.
Teddy Bridgewater, +145 – Bridgewater has 49 career starts and is 26-23 in those games. He was 4-11 with the Carolina Panthers last year, throwing for 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. For his career, Bridgewater has 11,385 passing yards, 53 touchdowns and 36 interceptions on a 66.5 completion percentage. Considered a legit starter before his injury, Bridgewater has shown flashes of getting back to that level. He also signed a one-year contract with the Broncos for $11.4 million with 10 million guaranteed, so there’s a financial reason for him to see the field this season.
Any Other, +220 – These odds are pretty much for a possible Aaron Rodgers trade. While the Broncos would be in the running for his services and John Elway is aggressive with his moves, this feels like a pipe dream with the season rapidly approaching.
Brett Rypien, +1600 – Rypien played three games last year and started one of those games. He completed 67.5 percent of his passes for 295 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions. At almost 25 years old and not a skill set that knocks your socks off, it feels like Rypien is going to be a career backup.
Pick: While Lock has more potential and could be the future of the position for the Broncos, this is Bridgewater’s job to lose. He’s more experienced, takes better care of the ball and received a hefty one-year deal. Contracts usually play a piece in the decision and you don’t often see guys making 10-plus million riding the bench.
Lock’s arm is intriguing, but Bridgewater gives the Broncos a better chance to win games right now.
