4 takeaways from Broncos’ 23-20 win over Chargers

The Denver Broncos were able to get Drew Lock a win in his first career start in NFL with a 23-20 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.

You often hear that the NFL is a “week to week” league. That is a true statement.

In one week, you can go from feeling like your team is as bad as it gets to being quite excited after one small change. However, switching quarterbacks should not be considered a small change, particularly when the quarterback is a highly-drafted rookie.

Drew Lock took over as the Broncos quarterback on Sunday and his rookie debut was met with tempered expectations, mainly because the organization seemed hesitant to put him on the field.

He came through with flying colors against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 13, leading the Broncos to their fourth win of the season. Here’s what we took away from this game.

1. Drew Lock showed flashes

(Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

This is the obvious place to start. Lock wasn’t sensational by any means but he showed flashes while completing 18 of 28 passes and throwing two touchdowns. He did have one interception but for his first start, against a defense that features the likes of Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram and Derwin James, this effort was more than sufficient.

It’s also exciting for fans to see a quarterback that the team used a high draft pick on getting off to a good start in his career. This team is starving for a “quarterback of the future” and has been for years.

While that may or may not be Lock, this was a good way to start things out on the right foot.

2. Courtland Sutton is a star

(Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

Sutton is quietly having a tremendous season for the Broncos and is quickly blossoming into one of the game’s top young receivers. He really likes to play the Chargers too.

In two games against Los Angeles this year, Sutton has eight catches for 166 yards and three touchdowns.