Drew Lock lost his biggest fan in Dove Valley when John Elway chose to step down as general manager of the Denver Broncos. The young defender’s long-term outlook with the organization has been blurred in the past 72 hours, as Lock is now at the mercy of a fresh-blooded tsar who has no loyalty to the 24-year-old.
But coach Vic Fangio does not believe that the change should bring about changes in this instance. Fangio, part of the committee in charge of choosing Elway’s successor, spoke about the possibility that the next GM would form a different opinion about Lock in relation to his predecessor – a possibility for which he is free.
“This is not a challenge. It is a new pair of eyes that is sometimes a good thing, “Fangio told reporters on Tuesday.” Often, when you are the guy and the technician who is working with someone, you feel a commitment and determination to make it work. Sometimes a new pair of eyes comes and sees differently, or he can see more. He can say, ‘This is the guy, let’s go.’ I think a new pair of eyes and a new perspective will only be beneficial for that position and all of our positions. “
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Lock did not make the quantum leap forward that many within the organization anticipated in 2020, throwing for 2,933 yards, 16 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 254 of 443 passes (57.34%) in 13 presentations (4-9). He was often erratic, inconsistent and prone to turnover, raising doubts about his future.
But the choice of the second round of 2019 left without a doubt his best effort for the final. Lock completed 25 of 41 balls (60.98%) for 339 yards, two TDs and zero INTS amid Denver’s 32-31 loss to Las Vegas at the end of Sunday’s regular season. He was balanced, in control and, best of all, he took charge of the game, keeping the Broncos decimated by injuries afloat until the final shot. It was a performance that supposedly encouraged the team’s decision makers to play it in 2021, with Lock in the center and his loyal Elway watching from above.
This expression about assumptions has never been more appropriate, however.
Instead of preserving the status quo, ensuring the continuity they regretted, the Broncos are facing the closest thing to a housecleaning that anyone could reasonably expect after finishing 5-11. Elway leaves. Does the lock go out?
Fangio hardly endorsed him as the knowledgeable QB.
“He can be. He can be. He will have to improve, what he knows, and we all know,” he said on Monday. “We have to eliminate negative moves and become more efficient throughout our operation as a defender, he is the leader of that unit. ”
Whether Lock will not be disturbed at the top of the depth chart depends on who Denver hires as GM. Someone like 49ers executive Adam Peters can defend his continued development, while a candidate like Chicago’s Champ Kelly can look for the free agent or the recruitment market in this off-season.
The logic points provisionally to Lock receiving the first notes as the guy, regardless of the potential competition being added. The new chief may be led to understand that the Broncos remain committed to their progress.
Emphasis on “provisionally”. And “could”.
Follow Zack on Twitter @KelbermanNFL and @MileHighHuddle