The Denver Broncos haven't been able to find a franchise quarterback since Peyton Manning retired following the 2015 season. However, it appears maybe that has all changed with 2019 second-round draft pick Drew Lock.

The expectation when the Broncos selected Lock was he would begin the season as the backup quarterback behind Joe Flacco. The course shifted after Flacco suffered a herniated disc in his neck and was placed on injured reserve as a result.

The injury that Lock suffered during Week 3 of the preseason originally added complication to when he could play this season. He suffered a sprained thumb and the Broncos decided to place him on injured reserve. It was a curious decision at the time but it looks like it's all working out now.

The Broncos activated Lock before the team's Week 13 game against the Los Angeles Chargers and he has put together a strong performance in each of the team's last two games. While on injured reserve, he was able to more easily adjust to life in the NFL without the pressure of having to lead the Broncos.

“I look at it another way,” Vic Fangio said post-game from Houston via Sports Illustrated. “I think we played it just right. If we had played him too early, it wouldn't have been this good. He needed the time.”

While the display Lock put together against the Chargers in his NFL debut was impressive, what he managed to accomplish against the Houston Texans is where he really opened up everyone's eyes.

Against the Texans, Lock completed 81.5 percent of his passes for 309 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. The Broncos were 5-8 on 3rd down with their rookie quarterback completing all five of his pass attempts on that particular down.

Fangio said he was impressed with the big jump that Lock was able to make from his first performance to his second.

“He played obviously very well,” Fangio said. “Made a great jump from week one to week two, which is what you’re hoping for. Thought he threw the ball much, much better than he did last week. Thought last week he missed at least four or five throws that he could have made. I don't think he missed many today. And to do that on his first road start against a team that's going to be in the playoffs, probably win their division, makes it even better.”

There is still a long way to go, but Lock doesn't play like he is a rookie. He looks comfortable and the moment doesn't seem too big for him.

With the impact the Broncos' defense typically provides, they could become a contender in the AFC if Long can continue to build off his performances.