NFL Rumors: Broncos Expected to Be Up for Sale in 2022; Jeff Bezos, Jay-Z Linked
Sep 13, 2021
Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon and space tourism company Blue Origin, participates in post launch briefing from its spaceport near Van Horn, Texas, Tuesday, July 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and rapper/entrepreneur Jay-Z are among the notable names reportedly interested in purchasing the Denver Broncos.
A.J. Perez of Front Office Sports reported that the Bowlen family is expected to sell the franchise next year for around $4 billion.
Bezos is the world's richest person, with a net worth of $200.8 billion. He could buy the Broncos like an average person buys a cheeseburger.
Jay-Z has a net worth of $1.4 billion, so he would likely be part of a group of investors looking to buy the franchise. His stake would probably be similar to the one undertaken by Alex Rodriguez with the Minnesota Timberwolves, though Jay-Z has a significantly higher net worth than Rodriguez ($400 million).
The ownership of the Broncos franchise has been in a state of flux since Pat Bowlen's death in 2019. Broncos president/CEO Joe Ellis said the team plans to go through an "orderly determination of ownership" before next season, which will likely set the stage for a sale.
A $4 billion price tag would dwarf the largest sale of a professional sports franchise in history. Joe Tsai's $2.4 million purchase of the Brooklyn Nets holds the previous record.
Report: Broncos' Jerry Jeudy Has High Ankle Sprain; X-Rays Negative on Injury
Sep 12, 2021
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy runs the ball during an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that X-rays on the injury were negative and that Jeudy was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain.
The injury occurred as Jeudy was being tackled by New York defensive back James Bradberry, who landed on Jeudy's right ankle as the two players went to the ground.
Prior to the injury, the second-year wideout was enjoying a strong start to the 2021 campaign. He piled up six catches for 72 yards before exiting the game.
The Broncos selected Jeudy with the 15th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft. He played well as a rookie with 856 yards and three touchdowns on 52 receptions.
Jeudy became Tua Tagovailoa's favorite target and one of the nation's most dominant wide receivers at Alabama in 2018. He won the Biletnikoff Award after registering 68 receptions, 1,315 yards and 14 touchdowns to help the Crimson Tide win the SEC title.
The Broncos passing attack is looking to get back on track this season with a healthy Courtland Sutton and Teddy Bridgewater stepping in at quarterback. Losing Jeudy does put a significant dent in Denver's plans, but there are enough skill-position players to pick up the slack in his absence.
Until Jeudy is able to return, Tim Patrick and Sutton should get more targets.
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (55) takes part in drills during an NFL football training practice at the team's headquarters Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, in Englewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Broncos linebacker Bradley Chubb took responsibility for his Tuesday arrest.
"It was an outstanding traffic issue I thought was already resolved after paying the ticket several months ago," he said in a message he posted on Twitter. "Regardless of the circumstances, I take responsibility and it won't happen again."
Mike Klis of 9News reported that Chubb was arrested because of a failure-to-appear warrant that was issued when he did not appear in court on Aug. 6. He was charged with misdemeanor driving under restraint and having license plates that were expired for at least 60 days on May 6.
Klis cited court records that showed the linebacker was ticketed in April 2019 for speeding 10-19 mph over the limit and again in December 2020 for the same reason. The first one was dismissed.
"Mr. Chubb was contacted late this morning for a minor traffic infraction by deputies from our office," Sgt. Jeff Miller from the Douglas County Sheriff said. "After contacting Mr. Chubb it was discovered that he had a warrant out of Arapahoe County for FTA (Failure to Appear) on traffic offenses and was taken into custody and transported to the Douglas County Detention Center and is currently in the process of posting a small bond."
The Broncos released a statement, saying "We are aware of the matter, which was related to an unresolved traffic citation that has now been addressed."
This comes as the Broncos prepare for Sunday's season opener against the New York Giants.
Chubb figures to be one of their leaders on the defensive side after making the Pro Bowl last season behind 42 tackles, 7.5 sacks and one forced fumble. The showing was all the more notable because he played just four games in 2019 due to a torn ACL.
Broncos' Bradley Chubb Detained on Failure-to-Appear Warrant over Traffic Infractions
Sep 7, 2021
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (55) takes part in drills during an NFL football training practice at the team's headquarters Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, in Englewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Broncos linebacker Bradley Chubb was reportedly detained Tuesday due to a failure-to-appear warrant.
According to Mike Klis of 9News, Chubb was scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 6 but did not. The scheduled court appearance stemmed from a May 6 incident in which the linebacker was charged with misdemeanor driving under restraint and for driving with license plates that expired for 60-plus days.
Blair Miller and Troy Renck of ABC 7 in Denver noted the warrant that was issued the day he failed to appear on Aug. 6 was canceled following Chubb's detaining.
A $250 bond was set in his case Tuesday.
Miller and Renck pointed out court records also revealed the North Carolina State product was found guilty in January of speeding 10-19 miles per hour over the limit.
On the field, Chubb is coming off his first Pro Bowl season in 2020 when he tallied 42 tackles, 7.5 sacks and one forced fumble. It was an impressive bounce-back effort after a torn ACL limited him to four games in 2019, although he was unable to replicate the 60 tackles and 12 sacks he had as a rookie in 2018.
He is working his way through an ankle injury, although Klis reported he returned to practice Monday and worked out on the side.
Broncos head coach Vic Fangio believes Chubb will play the season opener against the New York Giants on Sunday.
Broncos Donate Bikes to Area Youth to Honor Former Coach Greg Knapp
Sep 3, 2021
Denver Broncos quarterbacks coach Greg Knapp during drills at the team's NFL football training camp Monday, Aug. 1, 2016 in Englewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The Denver Broncos honored former quarterbacks coach Greg Knapp on Friday with a charitable endeavor.
The Broncos tweeted that several members of the organization assembled and donated 75 bicycles to underresourced second graders locally:
GM George Paton, Coach Fangio and our entire football operations staff spent the morning putting together 75 bikes for under-resourced second graders at a local elementary school.
Among those who took part in the initiative were head coach Vic Fangio and general manager George Paton.
According to ESPN's Jeff Legwold, the donations were made through Wish for Wheels, and each of the children who receive one of the bikes will also get a helmet and take part in a bicycle safety course.
Knapp, an avid cyclist, died last month at the age of 58 after being struck by a car while riding his bicycle in San Ramon, California.
The Broncos employed Knapp from 2013-16 as their quarterbacks coach, and he was part of the coaching staff for the team that won Super Bowl 50.
Knapp then spent 2018-20 as the Atlanta Falcons' quarterbacks coach and was hired by the New York Jets as a passing game specialist in January.
Earlier in his coaching career, Knapp spent time on the staffs of the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks and Houston Texans as well.
Knapp was a quarterback at Sacramento State University and served as an assistant coach at the school from 1986-94 before making the leap to the NFL.
Broncos GM Calls Teddy Bridgewater 'a Winner' After Being Named QB1 over Drew Lock
Aug 29, 2021
Teddy Bridgewater of the Denver Broncos smiles during the game against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Bart Young)
Denver Broncos general manager George Paton has full confidence in Teddy Bridgewater after Bridgewater won the preseason quarterback battle against Drew Lock.
“Teddy’s a winner,’’ Paton said Saturday on 9News/Channel 20. “He’s won everywhere he’s been. Obviously, Carolina was a tough spot for him. He’s a winner. He’s poised. He has quite the confidence about him. We have a young offense. I just thought Teddy would fit with this young offense, help stabilize it, and take it to the next level.”
Bridgewater threw for 3,733 yards and 15 touchdowns against 11 interceptions last season with the Carolina Panthers. While it was a rough campaign for the veteran, he was still better than Lock, who was among the NFL's worst starting quarterbacks in 2020.
The Broncos are something of a sleeping giant with young, high-quality skill position players but have the biggest glaring flaw on their roster at quarterback.
If Bridgewater can be an even league-average starter, Denver could be a playoff team.
Teddy Bridgewater Named Broncos' Starting QB over Drew Lock for Week 1
Aug 25, 2021
Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) and Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) taking part in drills at an NFL football training camp at team headquarters Saturday, July 31, 2021, in Englewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Head coach Vic Fangio announced Wednesday that the 28-year-old has won the starting job over Drew Lock.
Both players have been impressive through the first two preseason games. Lock has completed 14 of 21 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns. Bridgewater is 16-of-19 for 179 yards and two touchdowns.
Neither quarterback has turned the ball over, though Lock had two fumbles in Saturday's 30-3 win over the Seattle Seahawks.
The Broncos created competition at quarterback when they acquired Bridgewater from the Carolina Panthers in April. He played well in his lone season there, throwing for 3,733 yards and 15 touchdowns with a 69.1 completion percentage in 15 starts.
Some speculated Denver might try to add another quarterback, either with its top pick in the 2021 draft (No. 9 overall) or in a trade if the Green Bay Packers decided to move Aaron Rodgers.
Instead, the Broncos selected Alabama cornerback Pat Surtain II with its first-round pick, and the veteran quarterback returned to the Packers.
General manager George Paton told reporters in August the team was very happy with both quarterbacks' performances during training camp.
"We're happy with both," he said. "You can see: Some days it's Drew, some days it's Teddy. These guys are working hard, they embrace the competition, which I really like and I know Vic likes as well. So I think we're on the right track with both these quarterbacks."
The Broncos acquired Bridgewater in part because of Lock's struggles in 2020. The quarterbacks also played a similar style of football with their teams last year.
After showing promise in five starts at the end of his rookie campaign, Lock regressed last season. He ranked last among 35 qualified quarterbacks in completion percentage (57.3) and was tied with Carson Wentz for most interceptions thrown (15).
The Broncos have a wealth of talent on the roster around the quarterback position. If they can get consistent play from that spot, they could challenge for a playoff spot in the AFC.
Bridgewater isn't the most dynamic quarterback in the league, but he's steady from week to week. He doesn't make the mistakes that Lock did last season.
As Denver tries to reach the playoffs for the first time since winning Super Bowl 50 in the 2015 season, getting steady play out of the quarterback position is a huge positive.
Bridgewater and the Broncos will open the 2021 season Sept. 12 against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio looks on as players take part in drills during an NFL football training camp at the team's headquarters Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, in Englewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio told reporters Wednesday that he is "pretty damn close" to naming the team's starting quarterback to begin the 2021 season.
"Pretty damn close, but you know we have more information coming, OK?" Fangio said, per Troy Renck of Denver7, when asked if he had enough facts to make a decision at this juncture.
The race is between incumbent starter Drew Lock and newly acquired Teddy Bridgewater, who was QB1 for the Carolina Panthers last year.
Denver is set to begin its season at the New York Giants on Sunday, Sept. 12.
The 24-year-old Lock, who the Broncos selected 42nd overall in the 2019 NFL draft, completed 57.3 percent of his passes for 16 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 13 games. The pick mark tied for the league lead with Philadelphia Eagles signal-caller Carson Wentz.
The former Missouri Tiger finished 32nd out of 35 qualifiers in quarterback rating and 29th in QBR, per Pro Football Reference.
The 28-year-old Bridgewater completed 69.1 percent of his passes for 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He finished 22nd in quarterback rating and 17th in QBR.
He had signed a three-year deal with Carolina before the season, but the Panthers opted to go in a different direction following the campaign and traded him to Denver for a sixth-round pick.
Renck gave his take on the current quarterback race.
It feels like this QB derby is talking longer than the last day of school. The media, myself included, crave an answer, even though I have the competition graded as a 7-7-2 in the viewed workouts.
The past two days, however, reinforced why Fangio is not pressing the gas pedal. Neither quarterback has played particularly well. Tuesday was a mess of drops and poor plays, and Wednesday Lock played well early before ending with a series of incompletions, and Bridgewater started slowly but finished with a long touchdown connection to Trinity Benson.
The eventual QB1 will have a bevy of weapons at his disposal, especially with Courtland Sutton returning to the mix after missing nearly all of last year due to a torn ACL.
He, Jerry Jeudy, Tim Patrick and KJ Hamler make up a dynamic quartet at wideout, and the explosive Noah Fant is capable of making big plays at tight end.
Melvin Gordon returns at running back, and he'll be flanked by an impressive rookie in UNC's Javonte Williams, who Denver selected in Round 2.
Drew Lock Has More to Prove in Preseason to Win Broncos' QB Job
Aug 17, 2021
Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
With all the buzz around rookie quarterbacks following Week 1 of the preseason, it may have fallen through the cracks that third-year Denver Broncos signal-caller Drew Lock also put on a show.
Now, he needs an encore presentation to win the Broncos' quarterback battle.
Lock came close to perfection in Saturday's game against the Vikings, showing poise, moving the pocket and throwing accurate strikes downfield. He finished 5-of-7 passing for 151 yards and two touchdowns with a 153.3 passer rating.
Teddy Bridgewater, who is also competing for the starting job, had an efficient performance, too, finishing 7-of-8 passing for 74 yards and a score with a 144.8 passer rating.
The Broncos routed the Vikings 33-6 with a strong offensive showing that resulted in 387 total yards.
After the game, head coach Vic Fangio didn't favor either quarterback in the ongoing competition:
"I thought that they both played well. ... They both were helped by the overall play of our offense; we ran the ball well early that sets up our play-action game. ... And then Teddy gets in there and moves the team well. I don't think any separation happened in this game, if anybody's looking for it. ... I'm thrilled they both played well. I want it to be a hard decision.''
So, what does Lock have to do in order to top Bridgewater in the next couple of weeks?
Following Denver's first preseason matchup, the 24-year-old talked about the idea of a perfect game with reporters:
"I incompleted two balls but that'll always go back, watch those because you're not always going to be perfect. Perfect game's still out there. Coach [Mike] Shula talks about quarterback test is a perfect test still out there, and there's a perfect game still out there. We want to try and be perfect and learn from it when we're not."
Lock doesn't need a flawless outing, but he still strives for better results even after an eye-opening performance. With that mentality, he will find consistency, which is what he needs to put a stronghold on the lead role.
Last Saturday, Lock showcased his willingness to push the ball downfield. He threw an 80-yard touchdown pass to wideout KJ Hamler:
According to Pro Football Focus, Lock completed three of four passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns on 10-plus-yard attempts. Clearly, his aggressiveness paid off.
As a more conservative quarterback, Bridgewater doesn't have a lot of those wow plays for chunk yardage. He's hasn't averaged more than 11.3 yards per completion in a single season, which dates back to his 2014 rookie campaign. Lock averaged 11.5 yards per completion in 2020.
Lock doesn't have to show flash, but his tendency to threaten defenses over the top makes the Broncos offense dangerous with the speed of Jerry Jeudy and Hamler on the perimeter. If he continues to successfully go deep, Fangio would likely start the quarterback who can bring out the explosiveness in the passing attack.
Albeit against backups, Lock scanned the field and made decisive throws. On the first play of the second quarter, he went through his progressions and threaded the needle on a pass to Jeudy, which went for 33 yards:
There's another side to aggressiveness, though. Last season, Lock made some head-scratching throws, with many leading to turnovers. His 15 interceptions were tied with Carson Wentz for the most in the league.
The Broncos have a stacked pass-catching group that includes Jeudy, Hamler, Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick and Noah Fant. Lock can optimize the collective talent in that unit with better decisions in the pocket.
Lastly, Lock must take advantage of the ground attack when it's clicking on all cylinders. As Nick Kosmider of The Athletic points out, the Broncos signal-caller excelled with play action last year.
"The third-year quarterback had the league's 11th-best passer rating on throws that originated out of play-action calls last season," Kosmider wrote. "Lock threw seven of his 16 touchdown passes and none of his league-high 15 interceptions when playing off a run fake."
Against the Vikings, the Broncos rushed for 138 yards. For his second touchdown pass, Lock faked the handoff, rolled out to his right and threw a well-placed ball to wideout Trinity Benson:
Denver doesn't need to run for 100-plus yards to execute on play action, but Lock should have a discussion with offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur about incorporating those play designs so the offense caters to his strengths.
Lock isn't going to outrun many defenders, but he can make plays with his arm on the move, especially if linebackers and safeties crowd the box.
In his second year under Shurmur, Lock should have a better grasp of the Broncos' offensive scheme. With two preseason games to go, he can show his mastery of the system.
Lock checked multiple boxes in a short period in his first test. In the next outing, Bridgewater will start the game against the Seattle Seahawks, but if Lock remains aggressive and decisive with an accurate arm, he can still outshine his competitor and win the job.
Teddy Bridgewater, Drew Lock Still Even After Preseason Week 1, Broncos HC Says
Aug 15, 2021
ENGLEWOOD , CO - AUGUST 2: Drew Lock (3) of the Denver Broncos and Teddy Bridgewater (5) work through drills during training camp on Monday, August 2, 2021. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Drew Lock passed for two touchdowns against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, Teddy Bridgewater threw for another and Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio is no closer to naming one of them his Week 1 starter.
Following a 33-6 victory in the Broncos' preseason opener, Fangio said his quarterbacks are still "even" when it comes to winning the job.
"I thought that they both played well,'' Fangio told reporters. "They both were helped by the overall play of our offense, we ran the ball well early that sets up our play-action game. ... And then Teddy gets in there and moves the team well. I don't think any separation happened in this game if anybody's looking for it. I'm thrilled they both played well. I want it to be a hard decision.''
Lock completed five of seven passes for 151 yards and a 153.3 rating, while Bridgewater went 7-of-8 with 74 yards and a 144.8 rating.
The 28-year-old out of Louisville is attempting to win his spot with the first-string offense after agreeing to a one-year, $11.5 million deal over the offseason. Bridgewater certainly proved he's still a starter with 15 games as a Carolina Panther last year. He completed 69.1 percent of his pass attempts for 3,733 yards, 15 touchdowns and 11 picks in an offense that only had All-Pro tailback Christian McCaffrey available for three games.
Lock, meanwhile, struggled in his sophomore season out of Missouri with 2,933 yards, 16 touchdowns, 15 interceptions and four fumbles in 13 games. He completed just 57.3 percent of his passes for a 48.8 QBR.
Fangio, who's coached Lock in Denver for the last two years, is still giving him a chance to show improvement and keep his job. Bridgewater didn't make that task any easier Saturday.
"To go out there and execute at a high level with all three units, it was good to see,'' Bridgewater said after the win. "No one really cares who's back there; we just want to win football games.''
Even if that weren't the case, Fangio has yet to give much of an indiction about which way he's leaning under center.
One of the quarterbacks will have to force his hand.
