The Denver Broncos are hosting one of the few legitimate quarterback battles this offseason, and Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater have had good and bad days through the first few sessions. The former has experience with the Broncos’ system while the latter is a journeyman that calls himself a “survivor” who will come out of the jungle with a fur coat and headband he made with some leaves. Yes, that’s a real quote.
Broncos offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur was asked on Tuesday if he could see some separation between Lock and Bridgewater yet, and it appears the third-year player out of Mizzou has really made some strides.
“I’ve seen both guys getting better. This is the best version of Drew I’ve seen. He’s done a really good job,” Shurmur said, according to Mike Klis of 9News. “And I expected Teddy to come in … Teddy’s got experience, he’s got experience in multiple offenses.”
After a few impressive showings in the five games he started as a rookie, Lock disappointed in 2020. Despite a solid offensive line, an emerging star at tight end and a talented wide receiving corps, Lock went 4-9 as the starter while completing 57.3% for 2,933 yards with 16 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Bridgewater didn’t have a 2020 to be proud of either, as he completed 69.1% of his passes for 3,733 yards, 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while going 4-11 as the starter with the Carolina Panthers. Despite inking a three-year, $63 million extension last offseason, Carolina opted to trade him away and start anew under center.
Bridgewater does have experience when it comes to learning and adapting to new offenses quickly, but Lock’s familiarity could rule the day when it comes to this competition. According to Shurmur, it looks like Lock is ready to take another step forward as an NFL quarterback in 2021.
