The Denver Broncos fell behind 10-0 early against the Detroit Lions on Sunday and momentarily, it looked like fans were in for a rough day. You could already see the headlines questioning whether or not Drew Lock was the “answer” or not.

Instead, the Broncos came back and outscored the Lions 27-7 from that point and got their sixth win of the season. If the season ended today, the Broncos would not even be selecting in the top 10 in next April’s draft. That can be looked at as a bad thing, but suddenly the 2019 season doesn’t even seem like it has been that bad.

1. Lock is a difference-maker

When you look at the box score, nothing about Drew Lock’s stats will jump off the screen. He attempted 33 passes and completed 25 of those. He threw for 192 yards and one touchdown.

But he is playing with the same guys that Joe Flacco and Brandon Allen played with and he is able to make the kind of throws that neither of them could. He also helps lead the offense to points.

Don’t believe me? Well here’s the stat of the day: the Broncos have scored over 25 points in two of the four games that Lock has started. Since winning Super Bowl 50, the Broncos have played 60 regular-season games. They only surpassed 25 points in 11 of those.

2. There is plenty to be excited about on defense

When you think of Denver’s defense, you think about Von Miller and maybe Justin Simmons. But this defense has some talented players.

Shelby Harris has had a career year. Alexander Johnson has been fantastic. Jeremiah Attaochu has been a terrific find. Todd Davis is among the league’s leaders in tackles. Dre’Mont Jones is growing into a terrific young player.

This isn’t the defense that won Super Bowl 50, but it could be. Vic Fangio could make this into the league’s top defense next season with the progression the unit as a whole has made.