The season is almost over which means the Broncos are going to have to start making some difficult decisions. They still need to figure out the quarterback situation for 2021 and they have several key players they have to find a way to retain.
In this article our experts will look at those looming concerns, before previewing and predicting the Broncos’ matchup with the Chargers.
Which QB would you like to see be brought in to compete with Lock for the starting job?
Zach Segars (@Zach_Segars): Sam Darnold, and he’s in first by a country mile. First, he might be the only veteran you can bring in that wouldn’t force you to punt on Lock. Most vets like Wentz or Stafford would be too expensive to acquire (in terms of draft capital and cap space) to justify playing them as a backup. Darnold on the other hand, you could play as a backup if Lock wins the competition. Second, adding Darnold nearly doubles your chances of a young franchise quarterback hitting, and that’s what it’s all about. Stafford guarantees you’ll be competitive for the next four years, Darnold or Lock hitting would guarantee it for then 12+.
Doug Ottewill (@Dottewill): If you can bring in Matt Stafford, great. But assuming that might not happen, I’d settle for Carson Wentz. I think Wentz could be a breath of fresh air for both player and team.
Rich Kurtzman (@RichKurtzman): Nick Foles is an option. He’s had his struggles, but he’s also a Super Bowl winner. His teams have gone 4-2 in the playoffs and playoff experience is crucial if a team wants to win once they’re in the postseason.
Outside of Justin Simmons and Shelby Harris, which Broncos that’s set to be an RFA or UFA, would you most like to see brought back?
Zach Segars: Alexander Johnson. The Broncos inside linebacking group isn’t great but Johnson is an above-average starter and one of my favorite players on the team. It would both break my heart and make the defense much worse if they let Johnson walk.
Doug Ottewill: Kareem Jackson would be at the top of my list. Simmons and Jackson are the best and most-reliable players on the Broncos defense. They bring intelligence and leadership to the secondary, which will be a must for a unit that will likely feature a lot of young cornerbacks next season.
Rich Kurtzman: Whoa, the list is long. Phillip Lindsay, Alexander Johnson, Tim Patrick, Will Parks. Even DeVante Bausby for depth would be smart. Don’t forget Jeremiah Attaochu and DeMarcus Walker should get a look too.
What is the biggest key to a Broncos victory this week?
Zach Segars: Take away Justin Herbert’s deep ball. He’s one of the most proficient deep-ball throwers we’ve ever seen, especially for a young quarterback, but on short and intermediate throws he’s below league-average analytically. If Simmons and Jackson can take away the deep ball, Denver’s odds of winning drastically improve.
Doug Ottewill: It’s two-fold: First, you can’t let the Chargers run game get going. Against the Bills, Josh Allen’s job became much easier because the Broncos had to play everything honest because Buffalo’s run game was clicking. The Chargers aren’t a great team, so making them one-dimensional should really help. And then second, along that line, you’ve got to get a push against Herbert. He’s good, but he’s infinitely better if he’s not dealing with pressure. The Broncos need to treat him a little like they used to gameplay for Tom Brady – pressure up the middle, keeping the young quarterback contained and forced to make quick decisions.
Rich Kurtzman: The Broncos need to run the ball with a purpose on Sunday. The Chargers are in the bottom third of the league and give up 123.7 yards per game on the ground. Plus, if Lindsay and Gordon get going, it should help take pressure off Drew Lock and the passing attack.
Who will be Denver’s player of the game?
Zach Segars: Simmons. He’ll have to be flawless to slow Herbert, and I think he will be. Plus, he was able to fool the young quarterback in their first matchup. He’ll do that again here.
Doug Ottewill: Melvin Gordon. He’s been playing well and what better team to stick it to than his former one.
Rich Kurtzman: Lindsay. Give the man the rock. That’s assuming his knee is ok from the hit late in lat week’s blowout loss.
What’s your score prediction?
Zach Segars: Broncos win 28-27.
Doug Ottewill: Chargers win 32-27. One of these days the banged up Broncos might give up the fight. Could very well be this week.
Rich Kurtzman: Broncos win 27-19