Denver Broncos: No pouting for Drew Lock after losing starting QB battle
Yesterday was a tough day for Drew Lock, as it was revealed that he lost the Denver Broncos quarterback competition to Teddy Bridgewater. However, Lock is taking it in stride, opting to face the disappointment head on.
“No finger-pointing, no negativity,” stated Lock, via the team’s website. “It’s going to be about me finding ways to still make this team great, whether that’s in practice, working with Teddy, trying to find ways for him to get better. Whatever he needs me to do, that’s pretty much my goal.
“Look in the mirror, see what I need to get better at. Figure out what it is to keep progressing, keep getting better. Not taking any steps back, just keep taking steps forward without taking some of the reps.
“It was disappointing, but I’m going to do everything I can for this team, for Teddy and keep the momentum going forward as far as my play goes.”
Furthermore, Lock’s view on the situation is refreshing to see. Instead of pouting and blaming external factors, the former Missouri quarterback is choosing to take the respectable route.
While it may not be the former second round pick’s final opportunity, it’s a golden one that slipped through his fingertips. Still, Lock will be ready if his name is ever called for the Broncos again.
“What could I have done different?”
In his search for answers, Lock is attempting to improve. After the news was dropped to him, the quarterback simply wanted to know what he could do to improve.
“When we were in there and we were talking, you obviously ask, ‘What could I have done different? What do I need to keep working on?'” Lock said. “It was extremely close. It was the timing deal. As nice as that is to hear it was that close, it’s still tough.
“I’m going to be myself every day I’m out here. I’m going to get better . . . going to have fun. Bring energy to this practice, bring energy to this team and just keep being myself.”
Smartly, Lock will do whatever it takes to improve while he waits in the wings. In the long run, his humility and willingness to listen may be what gets him his next opportunity.
Teddy Bridgewater on Drew Lock
While the two quarterbacks were embroiled in competition this summer, it’s evident that Bridgewater and Lock grew close. While Bridgewater may not want Lock to replace him in Denver, the NFL veteran is looking forward to the possibility of growing together.
“Hopefully four or five years from now, I’m turning on the TV watching Drew play,” Bridgewater said. “He’s calling me on Saturdays, ‘Hey, whatchu doing, man?’ And I’m [like], ‘Hey, I’m going to be watching you tomorrow. Hopefully we can just continue to grow, that way I can be that guy in his corner when he has questions throughout the course of his career.”
Drew Lock may have lost the starting job in Denver, but he gained Bridgewater as a mentor, friend and inspiration. Time will tell if the former Missouri Tigers quarterback can use the situation as motivation to rejuvenate his NFL career.