With Joe Flacco Out, What’s Next For The Broncos?

Joe Flacco has been officially ruled out for this weekend’s game against the Cleveland Browns. It is listed as a herniated disc in his upper back. Flacco was getting his neck worked on by trainers during the Broncos 15-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. This news comes after Flacco criticized the Broncos offensive play calling late in the fourth quarter of the game. In case you were wondering, no…the two are not related.

So, the question remains. What is next for the Broncos offense? At 2-6, this team is at an important crossroad. Backup quarterback Brandon Allen is going to start for the team against Cleveland. Head coach Vic Fangio said that the team will decide between activating undrafted rookie Brett Rypien from the practice squad or second-round pick Drew Lock off of injured reserve.

Here’s a look at some options the Broncos can take after this news:

Starting Allen and Keeping Rypien as Backup

If Flacco’s injury isn’t as bad as it sounds and he is only missing a couple of weeks, promoting Rypien and keeping him on until Flacco is ready is the best option. While Rypien flashed some decent traits in the preseason, he is most likely not where he needs to be as a starter in the NFL. Brandon Allen has been around and has some experience behind him. If he can play well under Scangarello in Flacco’s absence (see Nick Mullen is San Francisco), Allen might work himself into a backup role either in Denver or somewhere else next year. It gives Drew Lock more time to practice and it gives Rypien some much needed reps.

Starting Allen and Keeping Lock as Backup

Let’s say Brett Rypien isn’t where the team needs him to be in the backup role, but Lock isn’t ready to assume the starting role. Starting Allen and keeping Lock ready on the sideline is one option to consider. Lock needs the reps, but if he isn’t ready, there’s no need to push him into failure. Allen has athleticism and has played in a similar offense to what the Broncos run now. He has also been sitting on the bench for the past eight weeks soaking up knowledge.

Starting Lock and Keeping Allen as Backup

Trial by fire. Drew Lock hasn’t been able to practice at all, but he has been seen throwing the ball pre-game. It looks like he’s been fully healed. If what people tell me is true, Drew has been taking plenty of mental reps during his time off. Do I think it’s a good idea to start Lock without the physical reps? Absolutely. Are a lot of Broncos fans getting antsy to see what he has to offer? Yes. The important thing to remember is you’re literally throwing Lock into: Myles Garrett, Danielle Hunter, Ed Oliver, and Joey Bosa in the next four weeks. Yeah, not exactly ideal for a rookie who hasn’t practiced in eight weeks.

Put Flacco on IR, Start Allen, Rypien/Lock Backup

A herniated disc might be enough to end Joe Flacco’s season in Denver. If that’s the case, the team likely rolls with Brandon Allen and Rypien until about Week 14, then they activate Lock and let him play the last 2 games getting reps. This is honestly the best option for Denver. Flacco hasn’t been working well at all and Lock still needs time to practice. Putting Flacco on IR would allow Allen to start and Rypien to get some reps until Lock is ready to play.

Flacco may or may not be a part of the Broncos’ long term plans after this season, but it’s clear the Broncos need a breath of new life into the quarterback position. Flacco’s inability to get out of the pocket have made life difficult for the Broncos and has killed a few of their games when it mattered the most. Whether Lock is ready or not next season, the Broncos need to change on offense or they will continue to struggle on offense.

UPDATE: The Broncos have announced they will be promoting Brett Rypien from the practice squad to serve as backup