Broncos will start QBs Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater during preseason

The Denver Broncos are set to take their quarterback competition to the next level this preseason. Coach Vic Fangio confirmed to the media that his plan is to start Drew Lock in game one against the Vikings and Teddy Bridgewater in week two against the Seahawks.

Denver also plans to use both quarterbacks for more than a quarter in their starts because of the shortened three game preseason schedule, according to Denver7’s Troy Renck.

Current resumes

Lock enters the season as the incumbent starter but has struggled enough in his first two NFL seasons for the Broncos to warrant a competition. He was the No. 42 overall selection in the 2019 draft and the fourth quarterback taken in the class.

In his 18 professional starts, Lock has thrown for 3,953 yards with 23 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. He has three career rushing scores and 11 fumbles, giving him a negative touchdown to turnover ratio.

Bridgewater was originally taken No. 32 overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2014 NFL Draft. After an injury derailed Bridgewater’s promising NFL start, he has spent the past four years as a borderline starter who can provide good value as a backup. After starting 28 games in his first two seasons, Bridgewater has made 21 starts over the past four years.

He has 11,385 yards and 53 touchdowns and 36 interceptions in his career. Bridgewater has also run for 713 yards with nine touchdowns and 18 fumbles.

2020 comparison

2020 was the best statistical season for both quarterbacks, getting a full season at the helm of an offense. Here is a look at how they compared:

Drew Lock (with Denver Broncos)

• 13 games, 254-of-443 for 2,933 yards with 16 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. 75.4 quarterback rating and 48.8 QBR

Teddy Bridgewater (with Carolina Panthers)

• 15 games, 340-of-492 for 3,733 yards with 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. 92.1 quarterback rating and 64.2 QBR.

Upcoming schedule

Over the course of training camp, reports indicate that there has been very little separation between the two. Lock and Bridgewater have split snaps 50/50 throughout practice but the battle is expected to last through the third preseason start.

The Broncos open their regular season slate with a road game against the New York Giants on Sept. 12. Denver faces its second east coast game in as many weeks with a trip to Jacksonville before heading home for the first time against the Jets in week three.

Image courtesy of Hyoung Chang/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images