Drew Lock, Vic Fangio face potential final performances vs. KC Chiefs

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 25: Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos passes against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first quarter of a game at Empower Field at Mile High on October 25, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 25: Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos passes against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first quarter of a game at Empower Field at Mile High on October 25, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 27: Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos looks on before playing against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 27: Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos looks on before playing against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images) /

Is there any merit at all to the idea that Drew Lock could still be the guy at quarterback for Denver?

You are asking a person who has believed in Drew Lock for a really long time. I’m not going to sit here and lie to you by saying that I would forsake the chance to go after a big-time veteran because Drew Lock is on the roster, but I think there is a path to Drew Lock being the starter in 2022 and I don’t think it’s all that unrealistic.

Until something crazy like Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers or Deshaun Watson coming to Denver actually happens, the most realistic scenario for the Broncos in 2022 might be a dart throw draft pick and Drew Lock, to be completely honest.

I’m sure other scenarios will present themselves, and I know many in Broncos country do not agree with me at all on this, but I personally like the idea of hiring a competent offensive-minded coach and seeing what Lock could do with good coaching in house. It’s become abundantly clear that Pat Shurmur stunted his growth and ability to grow on the job.

Are you surprised by how the season has turned out for the Broncos based on preseason predictions?

The way the 2021 season has gone is not surprising at all. I think after the team started 3-0, if you had told me they would finish 7-10, I would have probably slapped you in the face (and then give you a hug, of course). But that’s the optimist in me.

Before the season, I would have been much more on board for 10-7 predictions than 7-10 or even 8-9 if they can get something done this weekend, but being in this position is not surprising at all. My expectation was that this team would be playoff-relevant and for most of the season, they were.