DREW LOCK

A vast majority of the quarterback changes made in the offseason have not worked out for NFL contenders looking to stabilize the position and win right away.

The Eagles, Jets, Giants and Seahawks are among the biggest surprise success stories at the midway point of the NFL season.

Russell Wilson has played 84 regular season and playoff games at Lumen Field in Seattle.

The three NFL teams that had been the models of stability at quarterback have new signal-callers in 2022.

Geno Smith did little to distinguish himself in his battle with Drew Lock for Seattle’s starting quarterback job as the sloppy Seahawks fell 27-11 to the Chicago Bears in the second preseason game for both teams.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss the team’s preseason game against Chicago.

This year's quarterback class isn't as heralded as last year's or even next year's.

Baker Mayfield was once the No. 1 overall pick.

New Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson says he aims to play 10 to 12 more seasons and win three or four more Super Bowls.

Russell Wilson to Denver, Carson Wentz to Washington, Amari Cooper to Cleveland.

With two brush strokes over the span of about 10 hours, the Seattle Seahawks said goodbye to giant foundations of their Super Bowl history.

Two people familiar with the negotiations tell The Associated Press that the Seattle Seahawks have agreed to trade star quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a package of draft picks and players.

Nathaniel Hackett brings charisma, energy and enthusiasm to the Denver Broncos, who have schlepped through five straight losing seasons.

The Denver Broncos have agreed to terms with Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as their head coach.

Vic Fangio's future with the Denver Broncos will soon be decided after Year 3 for him drew to a close with a 28-24 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Denver Broncos 28-24 on Saturday thanks to an 86-yard fumble return by linebacker Nick Bolton in the fourth quarter that put them ahead for good.

Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was strapped down on a body board and carted off the field in the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

Rookie cornerback Pat Surtain II had a pair of interceptions to lead the Denver Broncos past the Los Angeles Chargers 28-13.

Broncos starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater returned to practice Thursday for the first time since he was knocked out of Denver's game against Baltimore last weekend with a concussion.

The Denver Broncos are going with Teddy Bridgewater over Drew Lock as their starting quarterback.

Teddy Bridgewater made another strong statement in his case to be Denver’s starting quarterback, leading a pair of touchdown drives in the Broncos’ 30-3 preseason win over the Seattle Seahawks.

Poor air quality in Denver forced the Broncos to scuttle a stadium practice.

Aaron Rodgers and Deshaun Watson appeared on the field at their teams’ first training camp practices.

History dictates that it’s likely at least a couple of the five first-round quarterbacks won’t fulfill the hopes of the teams that drafted them.

The league is pressing forward with its goal of playing the Super Bowl as scheduled in Tampa on Feb. 7. What often seemed improbable during the COVID-10 pandemic has become quite achievable. "Contact tracing is the thing people are not talking the most about, but it is foundational to our success," said Sills. The league presses forward with its goal of playing all 256 scheduled games in 17 weeks and the Super Bowl in Tampa on Feb. 7. The trio works with the league’s three-member team consisting of a contact tracer, an epidemiologist and a physician.

Herbert has led the Chargers on winning drives in three straight games while continuing to rewrite the rookie quarterback record book. Herbert set the mark for most rookie touchdown passes in a season in the Chargers' 19-16 victory over the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Herbert's 9-yard screen pass to Ekeler in the second quarter was his 28th touchdown throw of the season, surpassing the 27 that Baker Mayfield had for Cleveland in 2018. “You are so busy doing the extra things that you really don't have time to realize some of the special things we have done on offense this season,” Herbert said. Badgley also connected from 43 yards late in the second quarter to extend LA’s lead to 13-0 at halftime.

DENVER – Donning gray caps that declared them AFC East champions for the first time since 1995, the Buffalo Bills acted like this was old hat. “To be the team and to be the quarterback on the team that does it, obviously feels really good. “But there’s still a lot on the table.”Buffalo coach Sean McDermott said he received a congratulatory email from Marv Levy, the last Bills coach to win the AFC East. He also missed the 51-yard field goal attempt way to the right on Denver’s opening drive. Broncos: visit the Los Angeles Chargers, who they rallied from a 21-point deficit to beat on Nov. 1 with a touchdown as time ran out.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws against the Denver Broncos in the second half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel )KANSAS CITY, Mo. Hill never argued when it was called incomplete, nor did Chiefs coach Andy Reid throw the red challenge flag. Instead, he quickly sent his punt team out and tried to pin the Broncos deep in their own territory. Chiefs: CB Antonio Hamilton had to be helped off the field after blocking on a punt return early in the fourth quarter.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – Many viewers cringed at Denver’s ugly loss to the Saints behind a rookie receiver pressed into duty because every Broncos quarterback was barred by the NFL over coronavirus concerns. A three-year starter at Vanderbilt, Shurmur spent last season on the Chiefs’ practice squad. After Driskel’s positive test, a league investigation deemed Lock, Rypien and Bortles as high-risk close contacts and ordered them into quarantine Saturday. Hinton returned to catching passes, not throwing them, when he went back to the practice squad Wednesday. Miller has made it his goal to play this season after a freak ankle injury six days before the opener.

Denver Broncos quarterback Kendall Hinton (2) is hit after the throw by New Orleans Saints defensive end Marcus Davenport during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Denver. The NFL denied Denver's request to push the Saints game back 48 hours, which would have allowed their QBs to return to action. So they turned to Hinton, a former quarterback in college, and sprinkled in some direct snaps to running backs Royce Freeman and Phillip Lindsay. Lock, Rypien and Bortles were removed from the reserve/COVID-19 list after testing negative Tuesday for a fifth consecutive day. Lock and Rypien return to the Broncos’ active roster, and Bortles returns to the practice squad.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws a pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)The AFC doesn’t lack for drama or star power even though Tom Brady has taken his talents to Davis Beach. WEST: The Chiefs (8-1) are still the class of the conference despite a hiccup against the resurgent Raiders (5-3), who won 40-32 at Arrowhead Stadium on Oct. 11. Mahomes became the fastest quarterback in NFL history to reach 100 TD passes, doing it in 40 games, four fewer than Dan Marino. The Broncos (3-5) have been waylaid by injuries and COVID-19 opt-outs, exposures and infections and Drew Lock went 45 drives without a TD pass.

Patrick Mahomes piled up some very big numbers at Arrowhead Stadium last week. Five days before throwing for four touchdowns and nearly 400 yards in the Kansas City Chiefs’ 33-31 victory over the Carolina Panthers, Mahomes helped turn his home stadium into a giant polling place on Election Day. Chiefs president Mark Donovan and head coach Andy Reid were among the first to vote at Arrowhead on Tuesday. “Don’t be mad at paying customers when the product stinks and they are upset about what they’re watching. Not just one half.”___Follow Arnie Melendrez Stapleton on Twitter: http://twitter.com/arniestapleton___More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage (83) misses the catch against Denver Broncos defensive back Essang Bassey (34) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Matt Ryan took advantage of Denver's thin secondary to throw three touchdown passes and the Falcons turned back Drew Lock's bid for a second consecutive comeback to beat the Broncos 34-27 on Sunday. The Broncos' fourth-quarter comeback attempt gave Ryan and the Falcons a scary reminder of blown leads this season. Lock threw two touchdown passes and ran for a 10-yard score in the final quarter that made it 34-27. Lock answered with a 9-yard scoring pass to Tim Patrick with less than four minutes remaining. We'll get them next time.”CATCH THISZaccheaus beat Davontae Harris for a 51-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter.

Hamler (13) celebrates his game-tying touchdown with teammates during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. “Division rival, close game,” Chargers running back Justin Jackson explained, adding, “We weren’t too happy with 22′s hit on Buster,” referencing safety Kareem Jackson’s unflagged blasting of running back Troymaine Pope in the second half. “I’ll never watch something weak like that happen to a defenseless teammate and not defend him,” Anderson added. Saints cornerback Janoris Jenkins jumped on Wims and soon players from both teams rushed in to break up the ruckus. Wims emerged from the pileup clapping and smiling as he was ejected and escorted to his locker room.

Denver Broncos wide receiver K.J. Hamler (13) celebrates his game-tying touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)DENVER – Drew Lock hit rookie KJ Hamler from a yard out and no time on the clock and Brandon McManus nailed the extra point to give the Denver Broncos a shocking 31-30 win over the hard-luck Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. The Broncos (3-4) overcame a 24-3 deficit and rallied after being held to just 60 first-half yards, including 2 on the ground. The Broncos got the ball at their 19 with 2:24 remaining and Lock drove them 81 yards in 14 plays, helped by two defensive flags.

Nonetheless, coach Dan Mullen expects his team to be rested and rusty when it hosts Missouri on Saturday night in the Swamp. It begins against the Tigers (2-2), who have won two straight in varying fashion, and continues against rival and No. “We’re itching to prove ourselves that we’re still the same Florida Gators. The Southeastern Conference rescheduled two games because Florida would not have had at least 53 scholarship players available to play. SWAMP SUCCESSThe Gators have won nine straight at Florida Field, celebrating every game at the Swamp since Mizzou thumped them two years ago.

Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Devin Bush (55) is helped from the field after he was injured in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Pittsburgh. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said in the post game news conference that Bush suffered a significant injury to a knee on the play. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said in the post game news conference that Bush suffered a significant injury to a knee on the play. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)Pittsburgh second-year inside linebacker Devin Bush sustained what coach Mike Tomlin called a “significant knee injury” in Pittsburgh’s 38-7 rout of the Browns on Sunday. Board has movement in his limbs after suffering a concussion and neck injury in the team’s 20-19 win over Washington. Bush, who had not missed a defensive snap all season, injured his left knee in the second quarter when he took an awkward step while attempting to break up a pass. Also, Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes suffered a neck injury in the game.

Denver Broncos offensive tackle Garett Bolles, left, congratulates kicker Brandon McManus in the second half of an NFL football game after his sixth field goal against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. – The Denver Broncos waited two weeks to finally play again and they were rewarded with their biggest win of the season. He was steady early, but had back-to-back interceptions in the fourth quarter to let the Patriots back into the game. It was the first game back for Newton, who returned after missing New England’s Week 4 loss at Kansas City. McManus, who connected on field goals of 52 and 54 yards, now has six games with multiple 50-yard field goals.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – Denver Broncos running backs coach Curtis Modkins has tested positive for COVID-19 and won’t accompany the team on its trip to New England. “We will take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our team, opponents and community,” the team added. On Friday, the Broncos held running back Melvin Gordon out of practice because of what coach Vic Fangio said was an illness unrelated to the coronavirus. The Patriots canceled practice Friday and later placed center James Ferentz on the reserve/COVID-19 list. On Saturday, the Broncos announced they had elevated defensive lineman Sylvester Williams to the active roster along with running back Jeremy Cox and linebacker Josh Watson.

“Yeah, we compete like hell on Sundays to beat each other, but ultimately we’re all in this thing together,” Fangio said. The Broncos (1-3) were supposed to host the Chargers that week, and that game was moved up to Nov. 1, which was originally Denver’s bye. So, the Broncos will have had a 17-day break between games and won't get another break all season. The Patriots wouldn't be nearly as inconvenienced, simply having to flip-flop their bye week with their game against Denver. “What makes it harder for us compared to baseball is we can’t go and play doubleheaders and we can’t make a nine-inning game and seven-inning game,” Fangio said.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Former Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles is back in the NFL. According to multiple reports, Bortles is signing a one-year contract with the Denver Broncos. Bortles was a backup with the Rams last season, but wasn’t brought back in 2020 as Los Angeles went with John Wolford as the backup. Bortles was a five-year starter for the Jaguars after being drafted No. He was 24-49 as a starter in Jacksonville and remains another high draft pick whiff of general manager Dave Caldwell.

Start with running back, where Giants star Saquon Barkley is believed to have torn the ACL in his right knee early in their loss at Chicago. The 49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo tried to play through a right ankle injury before Nick Mullens took over for the second half. Tevin Coleman also left San Francisco's win over the Jets with a late knee injury. Along with Lock and Sutton, the Broncos lost defensive end Dre'Mont Jones to a knee injury in their defeat at Pittsburgh. Washington guard Brandon Scherff, who left early in Arizona with a knee injury, was among the offensive linemen hurt around the NFL on Sunday.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) crosses the goal line for a touchdown on an 84-yard play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)PITTSBURGH – A game seemingly in hand suddenly on the cusp of slipping away, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin didn't overthink things. Needing a stop to turn back the surprisingly resilient Denver Broncos, the Steelers dialed up one final blitz in an afternoon filled with them. So the Broncos (0-2) hung around despite losing starting quarterback Drew Lock (right shoulder) in the first quarter. The Steelers recovered and went downfield for a touchdown while Lock was in the blue medical tent getting evaluated. Still, he wasn't exactly thrilled on a day the Steelers never trailed but struggled to put the Broncos away.

All the vacant seats at Gillette Stadium had Patriots star Julian Edelman reminiscing about his time in junior college. That gave viewers a more natural audio experience and at least those streaming or watching the game could hear the referee explain calls. It’s just super quiet in there.” The silence Sunday was especially eerie when a player got injured and the piped-in crowd noise was cut off “and it was just crazy quiet,” he added. “Honestly, it reminded me of the times I was back at the College of San Mateo, my junior college,” Edelman said. That energy and getting to go out there in front of 75,000 people is amazing, but it ... brought me back at least to high school, junior college, college.

Tennessee Titans kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) celebrates his game winning field goal with teammates during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in Denver. The Denver Broncos coach was taken to task on television and social media for his late-game clock management Monday night after a 16-14 loss to Tennessee. Struggling kicker Stephen Gostkowski made a 25-yard field goal in the closing seconds after missing three attempts earlier in his Titans debut. One, their field goal kicker had obviously been having his problems. It would have put us in field goal range and given us a first down.

Denver Broncos inside linebacker Josey Jewell (47) celebrates his stop of Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)DENVER – New kicker Stephen Gostkowski avoided a disastrous debut with the Tennessee Titans in the nick of time. The Titans escaped Denver with a 16-14 victory Monday night on Gostkowski’s 25-yard field goal with 17 seconds left after he’d missed four kicks, one in each quarter. Gostkowski missed three field goals: wide left, wide right and a block, and he missed an extra point. And Gostkowski became the first kicker to miss three field goals and a PAT in the same game since Mason Crosby missed four field goals and a PAT for the Packers against the Lions in 2018.

Denver Broncos tight end Jake Butt takes part in drills during an NFL football practice in empty Empower Field at Mile High, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)ENGLEWOOD, Colo. Star-crossed tight end Jake Butt felt better this summer than ever before. On Saturday he joined Washington quarterback Alex Smith as one of the NFL's biggest feel-good stories on cutdown day. Im really happy I stuck with it because I do feel really, really good out there. Bad days are going to come and tough days are going to come, but you cant quit.

After injuries shortened his last two seasons, Flacco is now in New York with a new role: as a backup to Sam Darnold. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)NEW YORK Joe Flacco has hoisted the Lombardi Trophy and been the Super Bowl MVP. Now with the New York Jets, Flacco is merely a 35-year-old backup coming off an injury and tasked with helping Sam Darnold achieve the kind of success he has enjoyed in his pro career. I think in the role Im in now, you can definitely have a good, positive effect on the team." Listen, I dont think there are any backups in this league that dont have aspirations to be a starting quarterback," Flacco said.