Ask Aric: How does Drew Lock's performance vs. Carolina stack up to his big day in Houston?

[Miles]

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Welcome to a Drew Lock edition of "Ask Aric."


After Lock threw for four touchdowns and no interceptions against the Panthers, many members of Broncos Country wanted to know how Lock's performance stacked up against the other games early in his career and what it may mean for his future.


We'll also delve into questions about Phillip Lindsay, Netane Muti, John Lynch and more.


If you'd like to ask a question for a future mailbag, click here.


After a career game [for Drew Lock] against the Panthers, how would you compare it to the game last year against the Texans? - Cordaleray B.


This one is more impressive, in my eyes. From a statistical perspective, Lock posted a better game against the Panthers as he threw for four touchdowns and no interceptions after throwing for three scores and an interception against the Texans. His yardage total was slightly higher in Houston, as he threw for 309 yards against the Texans compared to 280 yards in Charlotte. His 149.5 quarterback rating, though, was higher than his 136.0 rating in Houston. I also think the quality and consistency of his play was better in Carolina. The game in Houston was truly a first-half explosion, as the Broncos scored 31 of their 38 points before the break. The Panthers' defense was also slightly better, as they ranked 16th in scoring defense and 19th in passing defense heading into the game. The Texans, meanwhile, were 17th in scoring defense and 28th in passing defense. Finally, I think there was more pressure on Lock in Carolina. The Houston game was his first road start, and the expectations weren't unreasonable. The Texans were heavily favored and few outside of the Broncos' building expected Lock to go out and win the game. Last weekend against Carolina, Lock faced the pressure of needing to prove himself for 2021. His response was impressive. Regardless of which performance you choose, it's clear Week 14 is good to Drew Lock.


Now that Drew Lock has revealed some of his potential, what will it take for him to stay consistent? Any specific stat line other than giveaways? - Dave B.


Completion percentage. Lock had completed just 55.4 percent of his passes heading into Sunday's win, and he bumped that number all the way up to 77.8 percent for the team's Week 14 game. More completions means more opportunities for the Broncos' playmakers to get the ball in their hands, which leads to a higher time of possession, more first downs and — ultimately — points. The jump in completion percentage wasn't by accident, and it doesn't have to be an outlier. Lock took advantage of the screen game and short passing game to get the ball to his weapons in space, and that later opened up plays down the field. On the play before his 49-yard bomb to Hamler, he found Melvin Gordon on a dump-off that became a 20-yard gain. It's clear his plan of quick passes with an occasional deep ball kept Carolina off guard, and he should be able to replicate that moving forward. Taking care of the ball, as you mentioned, remains just as important.


What are [Lock's] thoughts about the Bills coming to town and what kind of game will they need to have to win? - Chris F.


You can find Lock's thoughts from Wednesday's press conference on DenverBroncos.com, but his game plan should be similar to the one from this week: avoid throwing interceptions, take the short passes and try to connect deep when possible. That won't be as easy against a Buffalo defense that has given up only 37 passes of at least 20 yards this season. That ranks 21st in the league, so Lock may need to show even more patience this week. Lock will also see a defense that is among the league's best at taking the ball away. Buffalo ranks fourth in takeaways and ninth in interceptions. Against the league's 10th-ranked scoring offense, Lock will need to help his team keep pace. He can't, however, stray away from what helped him find success against Carolina.