Drew Lock progressing as Broncos 'had hoped,' has room to improve ahead of test vs. Chiefs

[Miles]

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Drew Lock did what he was supposed to do.


In his second career start, he put together a better performance than he delivered in his first regular-season snaps.


That’s all Head Coach Vic Fangio wanted to see.


“I do think he played much better yesterday than he did the week before,” Fangio said Monday. “I thought his passing was more accurate and more crisp than it was the week before. He made some plays with his legs, which was good. I think overall he’s had a good two-week start to his career.”


It just so happens that Lock took a big step forward. In the Broncos’ 38-24 win over the Texans, Lock became the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to throw for 300 yards and three touchdowns in his first road start.


But with the Chiefs looming in Week 15, that’s all it is.


“It’s two games,” Fangio said. “Who’s [looking] long-term right now? He’s doing good. He’s done well for two games. That’s about all it is.”


Fangio said he hopes to see “more of the same” from Lock as the rookie prepares for his third start — and his first against the team for which he grew up cheering.


“Maybe be clean and not throw a pick this game,” said Fangio when asked how Lock can improve. “Really, he’s just progressing the way we had hoped — better in Week 2 than he was in Week 1. I thought he felt comfortable out there. I think it was good that we got him his first start at home so when he got his first start on the road it wasn’t his overall first start. We have to go play another really good team this week. He’s going to have to deal with the hometown stuff that you guys and they will want to write about. I feel good [with] where he’s at.”


Lock showed particular promise on third down. He helped the Broncos convert five of their first six third downs, as he completed 5-of-5 passes for 81 yards and two touchdowns on third down. Lock scrambled for another first down. The Broncos also picked up a new set of downs via a third-down defensive holding penalty.


The Broncos finished 5-of-8 on third down, as Lock took a fourth-quarter sack on third-and-16 and then Denver elected to hand off to Royce Freeman on a third-and-6 on their final possession.


“He did a good job of seeing what they were in and where to go with the ball and made good throws,” Fangio said. “That’s what helped keep drives going. Third down is a big down in the NFL.”


Three of Lock’s eight longest throws of the game came on third down.


As Lock continues to play and defenses have more film from which to prepare, Fangio said the Broncos must stay balanced as an offense.


“Just having good balance,” Fangio said. “Balance just doesn’t mean run and pass. Balance means types of passes, types of formations, where you’re looking to throw the ball. Balance has a multitude of meanings, not just run and pass, but what kinds of runs, what kinds of passes, formations, when you’re throwing, when you’re not, etc.”


At some point, the opposing defense will likely find success against Lock — and that’s when he must respond. Fangio, though, thinks Lock has the right attitude for when things aren’t going perfectly.


“Just go move on to the next play,” said Fangio of what he hopes to see from Lock when facing adversity. “Don’t let a negative play have a hangover and don’t let it affect the next play. One bad play doesn’t need to be proceeded by a future bad play.


“I think he’s got that mentality. I hope so.”