Mile High Monday: Two flashy returns and a promising debut

Oct 19, 2020, 6:27 AM

Denver Sports Analyst

The Broncos have now won two games in a row. On Sunday, they finally played against the Patriots after the game had been moved back twice – first by one day and then by one week. Throughout these interesting circumstances, Denver was able to come out on top by a score of 18-12 in Week 6.

I like when the Broncos get on a roll. They have a tough game against the Super Bowl champion Chiefs in Week 7, but that is followed up by two winnable games against the Chargers and Falcons. Nothing is a given, but after eight games, we might see the Broncos with a 4-4 record. That’s not great, but I’d consider that a “win” with the state of this team and the way this 2020 season has started.

I also like contemplating life and sports when driving around with the top down on my old Jeep TJ! The following is a result of those trips during the week.

Buckle up, let’s take a ride through my thoughts.

***

Football 101

The Patriots have had a tough defense in the 2020 season. Entering Week 6 against the Broncos, New England had not yet allowed a 100-yard rusher or 100-yard receiver in a single game. The Patriots did not have an unblemished record, but they had yet to let any one player – runner or receiver – go off on them.

On Sunday, that all changed as both running back Phillip Lindsay and wide receiver Tim Patrick each eclipsed the century mark against the Patriots. More precisely, Lindsay and Patrick went for 101 yards each in their respective category. This was Lindsay’s first game back after missing three contests with a turf toe injury and he made an immediate impact. Patrick now has back-to-back 100-yard receiving games and plays with tons of intensity and little regard for his body. Simply put, both players put it on the line each week they’re out there and bring energy to the field that others can draw inspiration from.

going back over the #Broncos game, writing for @1043TheFan – entering Week 6 the #Patriots had not yet allowed a 100 yd rusher or 100 yd receiver in 2020 – DEN got one of each! (Phillip Lindsay, Tim Patrick)

— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) October 19, 2020

Going forward, we need to see more from these two. I wouldn’t mind if Lindsay was the primary running back for the Broncos. Melvin Gordon was cited for a DUI last week and he’s been a solid-yet-unspectacular starter for the Broncos while Lindsay was out. Lindsay can make an impact as a runner – and he could be dangerous as a receiver out of the backfield.

Without Courtland Sutton, Patrick has really elevated his game. While guys like rookie Jerry Jeudy struggles with adapting to the pro game, Patrick does nothing but comes through and makes plays for his quarterback – no matter who has been tossing him the rock. He’s the No. 1 receiver for the Broncos and can use his size/speed combination to attack a defense in a multitude of ways.

***

Mostly Good, Some Bad

All eyes were on Drew Lock as he returned to the starting lineup on Sunday. The box score won’t truly show how he played against the Patriots. Lock went 10-of-24 passing for 189 yards with zero touchdowns and two interceptions. What is not accounted for in those stats are the multiple drops Lock’s receivers had on Sunday with more than a few of them occurring in the end zone.

Broncos offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur found a rhythm with Lock. Not everything was perfect, and Lock certainly should not have thrown those two interceptions – especially the second one which was incredibly egregious. Lock is a gunslinger with a big arm and athleticism to keep plays alive with his feet while keeping his eyes downfield. Shurmur crafted a game plan that mostly catered to those skills, and Lock responded with several attacking throws down the field.

In addition to Lock, we finally got to see his favorite target from college get activated for the first time this year. Rookie tight end Albert Okwuegbunam caught 17 touchdown passes from Lock in two seasons at Missouri. On Sunday, Lock wasted little time in trying to find “Albert O” in the end zone. In fact, four of the six targets thrown at Okwuegbunam were passes that were aimed at the end zone.

🔥@DrewLock23 & @AOkwuegbunam are heating up 🔥 #BeatThePatriots | 📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/zCZtpoG8yn

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 18, 2020

Lock must keep working to improve and I trust that he will. Shurmur needs to continue building an offense based on Lock’s strength – and that’s something I’ll be watching closely. The dirty secret in the NFL is that it’s all about fit. Shurmur found some plays that fit Lock – and certainly throwing to Okwuegbunam fits the young quarterback – and they need to continue crafting an offense that is custom made.

***

Free Agent Disappointment

I felt the Broncos made a good move in free agency when they added guard Graham Glasgow. He’s a mean and nasty veteran who I felt would help shore up the right side of the offensive line. It looked like the interior of the offensive line was going to be a strength of the Broncos offense – largely because of the addition of Glasgow.

Instead, Glasgow has performed poorly and does not look like the player he used to be for the Lions. Against the Patriots, Glasgow had perhaps his worst day as a member of the Broncos. He’s still mean, nasty and strong, but Glasgow is getting out of position and letting defenders get by him with strength and/or speed.

Graham Glasgow has disappointed in 2020. I felt that was a strong addition for the #Broncos this offseason…and it hasn't worked out as planned. Hope he improves as the year goes on. @1043TheFan that sack on Lock was not a good play for Glasgow as he was tossed like a rag doll

— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) October 18, 2020

We’ll see if Glasgow can improve as the season goes on. I believe in his natural skill set, and working next to a rookie center has to have challenges. Glasgow is a seasoned veteran who can be an asset for this team.

I also believe in offensive line coach Mike Munchak. He has his work cut out for him with injuries, inexperience and a lack of talent at certain positions up front. Glasgow has experience and talent, so it’s just a matter of getting used to what is being asked from him in this new system. Things have looked rough so far, but I trust that things will turn around as improve as the season rolls on.

***

How to Deal with Negative People

All of us have to deal with negative people on a near-daily basis. The way you interact with these people can either bring you peace of mind or an infection of negativity.

This video I found is from an interview with actor Kevin Hart and world-famous podcaster, actor, comedian, MMA commentator Joe Rogan. The language at times is NSFW, so be warned if you’re listening online. However, the message is clear, concise and very positive.

Social media is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it gives us all a great tool to reach out and communicate with others we normally would not be able to get in touch with. For me, social media gives me a chance to interact with fans and keep people up to date on my work and various projects in football and comic books.

Not every interaction is positive, and when I get negative responses, I don’t lose sleep. Instead, I just take the high road and remember what is important to me. Others may try to “burn” people online for some sort of “Twitter flex,” but it is complete folly to me. I think it’s a giant waste of time when people do that. It’s quite small to be so narcissistic that one must blast people from behind a keyboard rather than either not responding or extending some positive words instead. More people need to take the high road – spend less time on social networking – and remember what is most important in their life.