After experiencing their first dose of optimism since before Week 1, Broncos Country was sent hurtling back down to earth by a 43-16 beatdown at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs.
With a matchup against the Chargers on the horizon, our experts Rich Kurtzman, Ronnie Kohrt, Doug Ottewill, and Zach Segars answer your Broncos questions and preview the upcoming matchup.
If you were given the option to do so, would you trade Drew Lock for Justin Herbert right now?
Rich Kurtzman (@RichKurtzman): 100 percent yes I would trade Lock for Herbert. The Chargers QB stepped in and has been superb immediately.
Broncos fans should definitely worry about Lock. It seems clear he has the raw strength and speed needed for the position and he’s earned the respect of his teammates. But, he needs to work diligently on the small things, the nuances of the position. Either way, he should be given another chance in 2021 to fully see what he’s got.
Ronnie Kohrt (@RonnieKRadio): If you could do the trade straight up, who wouldn’t? Herbert is playing better football right now at a fast pace than Lock. It doesn’t mean you don’t believe in Lock, but Herbert has been better.
Doug Ottewill (@Dottewill): I think any wise GM would Lock has shown some signs, but in a shorter amount of time, Hebert has shown more. Statistically, Hebert is on pace for the greatest rookie quarterback season of all time. Looking at anything other than the tangible results – stats, wins, etc – is just pure speculation. Anyone would make that trade right now.
Zach Segars (@Zach_Segars): Absolutely. Herbert isn’t perfect, but he’s started five games and he’s looked like a future star at the position in nearly all of them. On the other hand, Drew Lock has started and finished eight games, and has looked like a future star in exactly one of those outings.
What are your expectations for the Melvin Gordon/Chris Harris Jr. revenge game?
Rich Kurtzman: I expect both of them to be hungry to make plays, certainly. It would be somewhat poetic if Harris enjoyed a pick and Gordon ran a touchdown in.
Ronnie Kohrt: If Phillip Lindsay plays, he gets the bulk of the snaps. I’m done with Melvin Gordon getting a workload until he can prove he can provide the basic fundamental of holding onto the football.
Doug Ottewill: If I’m coaching the Broncos, and Phillip Lindsay is cleared to play, Melvin Gordon shouldn’t have too many expectations. As long as Lindsay is healthy, he should be getting the bulk of the snaps.
Zach Segars: Melvin Gordon should see a very limited workload if Lindsay is healthy, but I think he’ll make the most of his opportunities especially after his grizzly performance last week. As for Harris, his decline has continued with the Chargers one bit.
What is the biggest key to a Broncos victory this week?
Rich Kurtzman: Denver needs to convert drives into touchdowns. Defensively, they’ve been solid. Special teams is always a mess. But if the offense can even play mediocre, Denver has a shot of winning.
Ronnie Kohrt: Pressure on Herbert. Herbert has shown he’s not afraid to throw deep, which is exciting, but also demands time in the pocket. Pressure on Herbert disrupts accuracy and timing on balls that demand it and Denver could have a strong day against the rookie if they get it.
Doug Ottewill: This one is on Fangio. Here’s a great defensive mind going up against a red hot – but rookie – quarterback. This is where the coach has to shine.
Zach Segars: Taking away Herbert’s deep ball. He’s hit the ground running in his NFL career as one of the league’s best and most accurate throwers of the deep ball, but he’s been very reliant on it. Nearly one-third of his yards have come on deep throws and while he has an 8:1 touchdown:interception ratio when launching the ball deep, that ratio drops to 2:1 on short throws.
Who will be Denver’s player of the game?
Rich Kurtzman: Bradley Chubb. He’s on a tear lately and if he can strip-sack Herbert, that would be huge.
Ronnie Kohrt: This is the second time this year I expect Shelby Harris to shine again. Not only with the chip on his shoulder, but to burn off the steam from last week. A sack or two and throwing them hands in the air could go a long way to making Herbert’s life miserable on Sunday.
Doug Ottewill: Shelby Harris. He’s playing with a chip and he’s not pleased. I suspect Fangio’s defense will throw a lot of different looks at Hebert, which should allow the defensive line a lot of opportunities.
Zach Segars: I’ve got two for you. On offense, I think Drew Lock will have a bounceback game against a vastly overhyped Charges defense. On defense, Fangio is well aware of the fact he needs to take away the deep ball, and Justin Simmons is one of the best at doing just that. I expect him to bait the inexperienced rookie into at least one interception.
What’s your score prediction?
Rich Kurtzman: Broncos win 23 – 20
Ronnie Kohrt: Broncos win 26 – 24
Doug Ottewill: Chargers win 28 – 26
Zach Segars: Broncos win 27 – 13