Training Camp Observations: QB clue on the last day of Broncos Camp?

The Denver Broncos wrapped up their 2021 training camp on Thursday. It was largely a boring process as the team didn’t show the energy we’ve normally seen in the past.

Despite the boredom, I still enjoyed watching this team in preparation for the 2021 season. The Broncos are going with an “old school” approach as they want to run the ball and play great defense to win. In a day of high-powered passing games littered throughout the league, this is the way they’re going to try to compete.

Here are my five biggest observations from day 17 of training camp.

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Does “Damn Close” Mean Drew?

On the last day of camp, did we get a clue as to who is going to be the starting quarterback? That may have been the case for those watching closely. Teddy Bridgewater is going to start on Saturday against the Seattle Seahawks, but on Thursday there were quite a few drills where it was Drew Lock under center with the first-team offense.

Earlier in the week, Broncos head coach Vic Fangio said he was “damn close” to having enough information to make the call on a starting quarterback. Does that mean Lock is going to be the starter?

I think the team goes through the game on Saturday with Bridgewater starting and make an announcement next week. If Bridgewater performs at a high level, then perhaps he’s named the starter. If Bridgewater is average or below average, then the Broncos may go with Lock.

I think they should be leaning Lock because neither quarterback has run away with the job. Going with Lock as the starter means they can play to his potential and have Bridgewater as a trusted backup. At the end of the day, I think both quarterbacks end up starting this year – regardless of who sits atop the depth chart in Week 1.

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The Award Goes To

The MVP award in camp must go to safety Justin Simmons. He’s arguably the best safety in the league, and he played like it during training camp.

Almost every day, Simmons was picking off passes. It didn’t matter if Lock or Bridgewater was tossing the rock – they were well advised to stay away from Simmons. He showed up big time in coverage, and it didn’t matter who he was tasked with covering.

Simmons also seems more vocal this year. He’s already a well-respected veteran and leader on this team, but in camp you could see him more animated after making a big play. Simmons is an inspirational player, and getting his hands on those interceptions should be something se see continuing to the regular season.

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Defense Leads the Way

The Broncos defense is going to lead the way in 2021. The Broncos offense struggled in camp, and that can partially be blamed on poor quarterback play. It can also be blamed on the great defense.

Guys like Shelby Harris look better than ever. Harris got his big-money deal from the Broncos this offseason and he’s coming through making more plays on the defensive line. Having him up front is going to greatly help the defenders around him.

The secondary is the most-improved unit on the team. Rookie Patrick Surtain looks like the best cornerback on the team, but that’s only because he’s a phenomenal player with All-Pro potential. Free agent additions like Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller look really good as well.

The Broncos aren’t going to win in shootouts – but they may not even allow an opponent to run away with a game. This defense is strong – very strong – and might be the best defense in the NFL this season.

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Rising Stars

The Broncos have a few players I think are stars on the rise. They have established stars, and they certainly have better depth than they used to, but they do have some players who fans need to watch closely as they ascend.

Dre’Mont Jones sits atop this list of rising stars. He’s strong and quick off the line of scrimmage, and I think he can create the much-needed interior pressure that others on this team could not. He’ll help set the edge against the run, but his best assets are featured when he’s tasked with rushing the passer.

Dalton Risner is already a fan favorite, but this year is when he could take that next step forward in his career. He got a little banged up last week in the joint practices with Minnesota, but Risner is incredibly tough and shows that on the field. His hand work is improved this year, and he can be a dominant force inside for the Broncos.

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Biggest Concerns

As camp wraps up, I still can’t help but think about the biggest concerns that surround this team with the start of the 2021 season drawing near. Some things look to be on the upswing, but this Broncos squad is far from a Super Bowl contender.

Quarterback is the largest concern. Both guys looked to be “safe” with the football in camp, with Bridgwater throwing more interceptions than Lock. However, neither one of them looked to be a player who could make the guys around them better. When the chips are down, and they will be in this situation, the Broncos need a passer who can put the team on his shoulders and lead to a win. They don’t have that, and it’s something that could haunt them as they try to make a push for the playoffs in 2021.

Inside linebacker is still a concern. Alexander Johnson is always around the ball, and I’ve got zero problem with him as a run defender. However, in pass coverage both he and Josey Jewell struggle with tight ends. In a league where tight ends are weapons, and in a division featuring two of the best three tight ends in the NFL (Travis Kelce, Darren Waller) this is bad news for the Broncos. Justin Strnad got some more practice reps when Jewell was out for a couple of weeks, but he may not have done enough to earn a starting job even though I think he’s much better than Johnson or Jewell in coverage.

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