The 2020 season did not go as planned for the Denver Broncos.
General manager John Elway was active this offseason, acquiring cornerback A.J. Bouye and defensive tackle Jurrell Casey to fortify the defense while using the team's first two draft picks on wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler, respectively.
Elway also went out and signed running back Melvin Gordon, giving the Broncos a two-headed monster in the backfield.
The offensive additions were supposed to help quarterback Drew Lock, who went 5-1 as Denver's starter at the end of the 2019 season. But Lock has struggled tremendously, resulting in the Broncos' 5-10 record heading into Week 17.
Still, Gordon said Lock's teammates are confident in their quarterback's abilities, adding he is the piece that will define the team's chances of competing in the next few years:
“We have a window for this team, and he's the piece that's going to make or break us,” Gordon said, via Broncos beat writer Aric DiLalla.
Gordon added he feels Lock simply needs to develop more confidence:
“He still has a lot to learn. I see him throwing the football everyday,” Gordon said, via Troy Renck of KMGH. “He has got what it takes. It's the mental part of it. … He just needs to believe more in himself.”
Lock has not been afraid to take downfield shots this year, but to little avail. The 24-year-old has thrown 15 interceptions in 12 games, and is also completing just 57 percent of his passes.
Denver still hopes it has the roster to be competitive in the coming years. Lock should also be helped by the return of top wideout Courtland Sutton.
Ultimately, however, the Broncos' success (or lack thereof) rests squarely on Lock's shoulders.
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