Drew Lock is on a mission

By: Jordan Anders

The Denver Broncos had their first preseason game on Saturday against the Minnesota Vikings. The Broncos only started two regular-season starters: quarterback Drew Lock and wide receiver KJ Hamler. The Broncos offense started off hot in the first half scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter and defense holding the Vikings to only 6 points at the half. Big plays by the rookies in the second half held the Vikings at 6 points until the end of the game. Broncos won 33-6, all players played a role in them winning however three, in particular, shined this week.

Drew Lock

We have to give credit where it’s due, Drew Lock did not have an easy off-season with new rumors every week of the Broncos looking for a new quarterback. Not a lot of people had faith in the kid after a rough 2020 season, he didn’t let the noise stop him though. He put in the work and it certainly showed in this game. In the first 5 minutes, Drew Lock threw a deep pass up the middle to wide receiver KJ Hamler, 80 yards to be exact for a touchdown. Later that same quarter, Drew Lock had a short pass to Trinity Benson for a touchdown.

Teddy Bridgewater came in to take over after that. Lock finished with 151 yards and 2 touchdowns on just five completions and had 0 interceptions. Overall, it’s looking up for the Broncos’ offense and being able to put this whole “who’s going to be the quarterback?” situation to rest for now. Drew Lock on Saturday got an 84.3 PFF offensive grade and a 153.3 passer rating.

Patrick Surtain II

Patrick Surtain made his rookie debut during the Vikings game on Saturday and he did not disappoint. He played 11 coverage snaps and allowed 0 catches. But that’s not the only thing exciting thing that happened. In the second quarter, Vikings quarterback Jake Browning intended a short pass to Ihmir Smith-Marsette but it was picked off by Surtain at the 30-yard line. Patrick ran it in for a touchdown putting the Broncos up 26-3.

Patrick Surtain received a 94.5 PFF Grade, which was the highest amongst all cornerbacks. After the game, teammate Teddy Bridgewater talked about Surtain and said, “he doesn’t play no games.” Might be too soon to say, but Patrick Surtain is already making a great case for rookie defensive player of the year.

Caden Sterns

With rookie safety Caden Sterns, he was already a great player but he’s also in great hands working with one of the best safeties in the league, Justin Simmons. Sterns played 54 snaps on Saturday, which was the most by any Broncos rookie out there. Caden finished with 6 solo tackles including a big one late in the third quarter.

Vikings quarterback Kellen Mond stepped out of the pocket and passed the ball to an open Whop Philyor, who was looking for his first career NFL pass for a touchdown. Too bad Caden Sterns had other ideas, as he hit Philyor forcing him to drop the ball and Vikings were forced to kick a field goal. Which ended in a turnover on downs and the Vikings would not score again the rest of the game.