Vic Fangio, Denver Broncos' coach, said that his team's quarterback competition was "evensteven" going into Saturday's preseason opener versus the Minnesota Vikings. He then watched Drew Lock, Teddy Bridgewater and all the other players do their best to keep it that manner.
The Broncos won 33-6 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis thanks to the leadership of both quarterbacks.
Fangio stated that he thought both players played well after the game. "... Both were helped by our overall play in the offense. We ran the ball well before the play-action game so they both had the chance to benefit from it. ... Then Teddy steps in and moves the team around well. If anyone's looking, I don't believe there was any separation in this game. ... They both did a great job. It should be difficult.
Lock opened the game by introducing a few starters around him, including wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, tight end Noah Fant, centre Lloyd Cushenberry III, and guard Graham Glasgow. He displayed a calm and determined demeanor while going 5-of-7 passing for an impressive 151 yards and two touchdowns. Lock caught and ran for an 80-yard touchdown to KJ Hamler.
Lock thrived in an offense with larger personnel groups most of the time. Lock had at least two tight ends and two backs in every one of his 19 snaps. The Broncos also moved the ball well on all three of their possessions.
On the Vikings' first possession, the Broncos drove to their 4-yard line. However, they turned the ball over when Lock and Jeudy failed in their attempts to score.
The Broncos scored on Lock's two other possessions. A quality look was taken in the run game. Javonte Williams, a rookie running back, had 29 yards on three of his carries.
Lock was tied for the NFL's lead in interceptions and was also last in completion percentage. This was exactly the type of performance the Broncos wanted from Lock.
Lock has had moments during training camp when he threw an interception against the Broncos second- and first-team defenses. He did not throw a ball in harms way on Saturday.
Lock stated, "It was good feeling." ... It makes me feel so much happier.
Bridgewater kept the momentum going with 7-of-9 passes for 74 yards, and a touchdown. Bridgewater, like Lock, was not sacked. Bridgewater also had a rushing touchdown called back due to a penalty on Cameron Fleming.
Bridgewater stated, "To go out and execute at an high level with all of the units, it was great to see." "... We don't care who's behind the scenes; we want to win football games.
Both Bridgewater's drives were scored by the Broncos. The Broncos were able to score on four of five possessions that Bridgewater and the other top quarterbacks had combined.
The Broncos didn't punt even though Lock and Bridgewater were present in the game. They finished 12-of-15 passing for 265 yards and three touchdowns.
Bridgewater will be starting next Saturday's preseason match at the Seattle Seahawks.
Lock stated, "If you aren't punting the ball you're clearly doing something right and that gives Teddy and me, as well as the entire offense, a lot confidence."
Denver quarterback Brett Rypien entered the game with just under two minutes left in the third quarter. He then closed the contest.
