Denver Broncos: Important decisions are ahead at quarterback
The Denver Broncos have committed to Brock Osweiler as their starting quarterback the rest of the way as they prepare for the NFL Playoffs. Bigger decisions are already on the horizon for the position.
The Broncos already have their ticket into the NFL Playoffs and are now ready to have their season finale against the San Diego Chargers. Should they beat the Chargers, the Broncos would clinch the No. 2 seed which includes a first-round bye week. An extra week of rest and preparation is always a good thing to have in the playoffs.
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At this point in time, quarterback Brock Osweiler has the full support of head coach Gary Kubiak being his starter for the team. So far, Osweiler has impressed with his poise, pocket presence and high football IQ. Even though Peyton Manning will be active for Sunday’s finale against the Chargers, for the first time ever in his prolific career, he will be listed as a backup.
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It’s not easy to go from being a starting quarterback for about 18 seasons in the NFL and now be in a supportive role but being the class act that Manning is, he does whatever is best for the overall success team. There is no question Manning is a future Hall of Famer but the truth of the matter is, his time is coming to an end of being an effective starting quarterback in the NFL.
Kubiak knows that at this point in time, Osweiler is handling starting duties well and has the Broncos’ offense clicking on all cylinders. He brings a better dimension on offense than Manning in that he’s a more mobile quarterback and can extend plays with his legs.
Barring any injury to Osweiler, the Broncos might have very well seen the last of Manning as their starter as he prepares to more than likely play the final few years of his contract as a backup/mentor. Manning is currently signed until 2017 with the Broncos.
The success of Osweiler can easily be traced to the years he spent learning under Manning. It’s a testament to the fact that if you develop a quarterback the right way through the guidance and mentoring of a proven veteran, once their time comes they’ll be ready to deliver.
Dec 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning on the field before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Unfortunately for Manning, a moment like this is bittersweet. On one hand, his apprentice is now in a starting position and is actually doing well enough to win football games. On the other hand, the writing is on the wall that now he’ll be entering a different phase of his career to finish Osweiler’s development until he decides to call it quits once and for all.
With a new leadership regime in place, Osweiler is clearly the best option for the Broncos both now and in the future. To go back to Manning just because of his legendary career and namesake would be heading in the wrong direction. The Broncos need to continue sticking with Osweiler and do their best to keep Manning around since a quality backup is incredibly hard to find as many NFL teams learned the hard way during the regular season.
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Manning simply isn’t the same quarterback he use to be as now it’s time for Osweiler to become the next new face of the franchise. He has the skill-set and abilities, now it’s just a matter of the Broncos making that important decision for the future at quarterback final and continue doing their best to be contenders on a consistent basis.