Payton Hints at P.J. Locke's Future as a Starter When Kareem Returns

The Denver Broncos have a big decision to make next week when veteran safety Kareem Jackson returns from his four-game suspension. As a team captain and veteran leader, it might sound like a no-brainer to immediately put Jackson back on the field, even with his suddenly high-profile standing in the minds of NFL officiating crews, but it's not.

P.J. Locke's play in relief of Jackson has been absolutely indispensable for the Broncos' surging defense. Thank the Football Gods that Locke got healthy right when Jackson began having his run-ins with the NFL front office.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton was asked what his plan is for that moment when Jackson returns, which will be following the Broncos' Week 15 tilt at the Detroit Lions.

“It is a good problem to have," Payton said via conference call on Monday. "It seems like it’s still a ways away yet. We’ll have to deal with it when it gets here... Certainly, we’ve noticed how he’s been playing—P.J.”

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Indeed, Locke became the first Broncos safety ever to notch a sack in three straight games. He's been an absolute playmaker for the Broncos, appearing in eight games this season with four starts and totaling 30 tackles (18 solo), two tackles for a loss, three QB hits, three sacks, two forced fumbles, an interception, and three pass break-ups.

One of the hallmarks of a true game-changer is the penchant for saving his biggest plays for the most critical situations, whether that's on third down, the red zone, or in the clutch of the closing moments. Locke has been that guy for the Broncos, which may complicate the Broncos' decision on what to do with Jackson upon his return.

Then again, there's one stat that surely won't be lost on Payton and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, and that's the Broncos' record in games played with and without Jackson. This season, the Broncos are 3-4 in games Jackson has played in, which includes the two games he was ejected from.

The Broncos are 4-1 in games without Jackson. So, with all the hard work and sacrifice the Broncos have put in to overcome that ignominious 1-5 start and inexplicably be within one game of the AFC West lead, it might be asking too much to expect Payton to mess with a good thing.

I don't have a crystal ball, but my bet is that Locke will remain in the starting lineup next to Justin Simmons. Jackson will have a role, certainly. But his starting days in Denver are likely over.

“He’s been an exceptional blitzer for us in the last couple weeks," Joseph said of Locke last Thursday. "Some guys have a knack for timing and a knack for gaining speed quickly and making left and right turns quickly. He has that knack. He hits his target, and he doesn’t miss too many opportunities when he blitzes clean. It’s been fun to watch him do it. He wants to do more of it. Gameplans change, but he’s been a good blitzer for us.”

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