This week the Panthers host the Broncos, who they haven’t played since Week 1 of the 2016 season. Obviously, a lot has changed since then.
To get to know Denver better, we spoke with Broncos Wire managing editor Jon Heath. Here are a few questions he answered about his team.
We haven’t seen much of Drew Lock this year, but his numbers don’t look great. What’s your impression of how he has played?
Not good. As you mentioned, the numbers just aren’t good. With the exception of Week 1, Lock has thrown at least one interception in every game that he’s thrown a touchdown pass. Some of his interceptions have cost the Broncos games. Denver will give him the final four games of the year, but Lock might be playing for his job.
A follow-up to that, do you think Lock is the franchise QB or should Denver keep looking?
I think they should and will keep looking. If nothing else, I think the Broncos will at least bring in some competition for Lock to compete with next summer. If he can’t step up and beat out someone to win the job, it’ll be clear that he’s not the long-term guy.
How has rookie WR Jerry Jeudy looked?
Jeudy has had flashes of brilliance but he’s been a little inconsistent, has had a few drops and hasn’t really been involved much on offense lately. He’s also posted some cryptic tweets that might have been directed at Lock or offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur (or both). The talent is certainly there, but it seems that Jeudy will have to wait at least until Year 2 to truly break out.
Defensively, who is somebody we may not know about to keep an eye on?
Alexander Johnson emerged as a solid inside linebacker last year and he’s continued to play well this season. On the defensive line, Shelby Harris continues to knock down passes at an impressive rate. In the secondary, journeyman De’Vante Bausby will be asked to step up at cornerback with all three of Denver’s top CBs sidelined. Bausby played well last year when filling in for injured starters.
Competing in the AFC West is obviously tough right now. What do the Broncos have to do to catch up with the Chiefs?
Trade for Patrick Mahomes? Seriously, though, the Broncos probably aren’t going anywhere until the quarterback situation is sorted out. Last week, they had a chance to score a touchdown and beat the Chiefs on the road. Instead, Lock threw an interception to end the game.
Predictions for Sunday’s game?
It’s hard to pick Denver to win — especially on the road — but it looks like Carolina will be without Christian McCaffrey again, and the Broncos’ defense has been playing well. I expect a low scoring defensive struggle. Broncos, 20-17.
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