What are realistic expectations for the Broncos in the 2021 season?

The 50/50 “battle” between Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater has been looked at every which way possible. Allow me to try a fresh approach.

What are your expectations for this Broncos’ season?

If we start with that, I believe the focus of this QB showdown becomes clearer.

Are you in the camp that believes this is a playoff-ready roster? Do you believe the winner of this competition can realistically guide this team into the playoffs?

Or, do you believe this roster is improving but is not playoff ready and neither QB is capable of lifting it into the postseason?

Here’s my take.

I like this defense’s potential. The secondary could be the best in the league. The defensive line is stout. Von Miller has looked like Von during training camp, which is all the evidence I need to believe he’ll have a good – if not great – year. Bradley Chubb is a wild card.

Since all these preseason exercises of trying to predict what can and will happen is based on the assumption of good health, I’ll bank on Chubb being 100 percent and forming a dangerous duo with the Vonster. I don’t like the Broncos linebackers compared to the raw jealousy I feel when I look at other teams, but I will compose myself with the understanding that no defense can be perfect (although the 2015 Broncos came pretty damn close!).

I like the defense. The offense besides the quarterback?

I’ll concede the offensive line is as good as any o-line the Broncos have had since the Super Bowl season. However, that’s not saying much considering how awful its been since ’15. Is this line capable of going out and dominating and allowing the Broncos to establish an above-average running game that is crucial no matter who the QB is? I am skeptical. The wide receivers and tight ends are a collection of highly drafted, high-potential guys who haven’t proven squat when it comes to the NFL.

I believe WRs and TEs play a dependent position. They’re only really as good as the QB they play with. Had Aaron Rodgers landed here, I think this could be a dynamic group of skilled pass catchers. With Lock or Bridgewater as the guy, I don’t harbor nearly as much optimism. Maybe this group can prove me wrong. Maybe they are so good they will run insane routes and create so much separation and be so open any run-of-the-mill QB can get them the ball and this offense takes off. Again, I am skeptical.

Boil it down, I don’t see this being a playoff team with Lock or Bridgewater. There may be a difference between the two, but it’s not much.

With Teddy, if he takes care of the ball and makes good decisions, it’s maybe a nine-win team. With Lock, maybe eight wins. Playing in a division with the Chiefs and in a conference where the eighth place team who missed the playoffs won 10 games in a 16-game schedule, nine wins for the Broncos out of 17 won’t cut it.

So we arrive back at my original thesis. How should your expectations influence your choice for the starting QB?

My answer is clear. With Teddy Bridgewater giving you everything he does as advertised, this isn’t a playoff team. They aren’t one with Lock either, but at least there’s a sense of something untapped with Lock. I’d prefer in a scenario like this you give Lock every opportunity to blossom and if he doesn’t then you start over for 2022 with a veteran like Rodgers or maybe Paton falls in love with one of the four or five QBs who will be projected to go in the first round of next year’s NFL Draft.

It all comes down to your perspective.

Follow @MikeEvans1043