Vic Fangio’s words after the game point to exactly what the Broncos should do at quarterback

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Smiles, jokes and compliments weren’t in abundance in Vic Fangio’s post-game press conference on Sunday afternoon. And rightfully so after the Broncos fell to the Bills 20-3.

No one was safe from Fangio’s criticism after Vic’s defense allowed 244 rushing yards, and the offense put up a season-low three points.

In the past, Fangio’s protected his new starting quarterback, despite rough patches in his first two career starts. But not on Sunday. Not after Brandon Allen threw for 82 total yards while only completing 40 percent of his passes.

“Obviously, we had a tough day on offense. As the quarterback, it’s going to look tough for you too,” Fangio said, beginning his evaluation of Allen’s third start. “He was under some duress. I think the wind affected the throwing a little bit. It wasn’t good enough.”

Allen’s 82 passing yards were the fewest for a quarterback attempting at least 25 passes in a game since Charlie Whitehurst in 2014. And if that wasn’t bad enough, Allen’s interception at the 8-yard line gave away Denver’s best shot at a touchdown all game.

“It was critical, obviously,” Fangio said on the interception. “We were in field-goal range with the wind at our back. It took points off the board. At least three.”

Allen took the blame for the pick, admitting he made the incorrect read on the play leading to a poor decision.

“Actually, early on, it was kind of okay,” the head coach said, evaluating the offense. “At some point there, we just stopped moving it totally, and they kind of smothered us.”

The offensive struggles can’t be blamed on the run game. Denver averaged five yards per carry. But despite that, the Bills’ defense—a very respectable one—“whipped” the Broncos’ offense, as Fangio put it.

“We weren’t able to get anything going in the passing game,” Fangio said, piling on.

In Allen’s first six quarters of ball, the Broncos’ offense was getting it done. They were playing winning football as they scored 44 total points—a pace of 29 points per game.

Since then, in the past six quarters, they’ve scored a total of six points. Six. That’s a pace of four points per game.

“[The offense] was a problem obviously and one that we need to get rectified somehow,” Fangio said.

The good news is the Broncos have a potentially lethal answer just sitting in their back pocket. His name is Drew Lock.

Is it possible the rookie second-round pick is not the answer the offense needs? Sure. But, as Fangio admitted, the offense is a problem, and they need to get it fixed somehow. The 6-foot-4 quarterback with a rocket arm is unquestionably Denver’s last hope at rectifying the mundane group.

But despite the remarkably-poor offense, Fangio said after the game he “hasn’t even thought” about who his starting quarterback will be next week when the Broncos take on the Chargers at home.

While Fangio didn’t explicitly say there would be a quarterback change coming, his own words should be all he needs to make the switch.