ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is conflicted.
For years now, Reid has kept an eye on the son of one of his former players, watching and rooting for a young quarterback as he made his way to the NFL. But now, that kid — Drew Lock — has become the starting quarterback for one of Reid's division rivals, and after an impressive two-game run, they'll face off for the first time.
"I'm pulling for him," Reid said Wednesday. "The problem is, we're playing him."
Lock's father, Andy, played for Reid as a senior at the University of Missouri when Reid was the Tigers' offensive line coach. Over the years, the two stayed in touch, and Reid followed the younger Lock's football career, including the previous two weeks, when Drew won his first two starts in the NFL.
"I just think he's done a heck of a job," Reid said. "I think it's great for the National Football League that they've got these young quarterbacks. It's a beautiful thing."
Reid has also been impressed with one of Lock's favorite targets, tight end Noah Fant. The rookie has caught five passes for 118 yards and a touchdown in two games with Lock at quarterback.
"He was so gifted coming out of Iowa, with [his] speed, and he's smooth, a smart kid," Reid said. "And that's what he's doing now. He's in good hands. They have a nice scheme."
And though Reid got the best of the Broncos in the two teams' Week 7 matchup, Reid added that he thinks the Broncos are on track to once again compete in the division after the Broncos' hiring of Head Coach Vic Fangio.
"I thought it was a great hire," Reid said. "I love the defensive personnel there. I got to know some of those guys at the Pro Bowl, their attitude and everything. They like to compete, and they play hard. And then I thought John [Elway] did a phenomenal job — and Vic — of drafting Drew. … [Elway] said, 'Listen, I've got to fix this.' And he did. That's not an easy thing to do in this league with you guys [the media] and the pressure that's put on by outside sources. He didn't let any of that get in the way, and he attacked the issue.
"This is good for the AFC West, it's good for the National Football League. We're all in it to compete, and this is a good thing."
