Denver Broncos: Is Brock Osweiler the next Steve Young?

Can Denver Broncos QB Brock Osweiler’s career trajectory follow the same path as Steve Young?

The Denver Broncos have clinched the number one seed in the AFC along with a first round bye and home field throughout the playoffs.

Normally with that being said, one would not think there would be a quarterback controversy surrounding that team, but entering the Broncos playoff bye week, that is what we have in the NFL’s newest installment of Manning v. Osweiler.

Osweiler has been Manning’s backup since the start of the 2012 season, Osweiler’s rookie year. His biggest opportunity has come this season, when Manning went down with plantar fasciitis, leaving the offense and Super Bowl contender, in Osweiler’s hands. In eight games this season, Osweiler has shown ability to be an established quarterback in this league, finishing the year with 1,967 yards on 170 completions, with 10 touchdowns to only six interceptions, and a QBR of 86.4.

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Not bad at all for only eight games.

However, the elephant in the room is Manning with his health, and would he be the starter when he became healthy?

That question was answered going into week 17 when Manning was officially listed as the backup QB – first time since September 12, 1994, his freshman year at the University of Tennessee (starter for that team was of course, star first baseman for the Rockies, Todd Helton).

Playing host to the San Diego Chargers in the season finale at Sports Authority Field, Osweiler is the man and Manning is the backup.

Sound familiar to a quarterback duo in San Francisco in the late 1980’s, early 1990’s?

Under center is Osweiler, who on the second play of the game threw a 72 yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas. Unfortunately for the fourth year QB, that would be his only highlight of the day. The team committed five turnovers under Osweiler’s watch including two interceptions of his own (not his fault) and a strip fumble by Emmanuel Sanders at the 10-yard line.

Heading into half-time with Coach Kubiak’s offense making constant mistakes, a lack of offensive production, and a unit in need of a spark – he decided to make the call to the sheriff.

Manning entered the game in the second half in what was described as a “gut decision” by Kubiak – one that was proven to be successful. Manning, for however little he provided throwing the ball, ignited the offense – mainly the running game – to 20 points and a 27-20 victory over the Chargers. Although Manning did not do much through the air, his presence as an on-field general and ability to lead the offense and make quality decisions was the deciding factor.

Running back Ronnie Hillman seemed most thankful for the decision Kubiak made, and took full advantage of Manning’s ability to control the offense, dissect the defense, and make the play-action effective. Hillman carried the ball 15 times for 117 yards (7.8 avg.) while adding a touchdown in the win that clinched the Broncos fifth straight division title, a first round bye, and home field advantage throughout the post-season.

Heading into the playoffs with the aforementioned first round bye, the team has the luxury to not name a starter until the coaching staff feels absolutely certain they are making the right decision. On Thursday morning however, Peyton Manning, was named Denver’s starter for the divisional round.

The announcement may come as a shock to some due to Manning’s decrease in arm strength that is due his inability to confidently push off his back foot to due to his injury from plantar fasciitis. However, there is no doubt what he brings to opposing defenses, constantly winning the mental battle, and knowing what and when to call a specific play at all times.

Kubiak said Thursday afternoon that his main reason for going with Manning has been “what I’ve seen physically…it’s always been about him physically.” Given that, he feels confident with Manning’s health going forward.

Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Joe Montana and Steve Young:

In the late 1980’s, Joe Montana was thriving as the San Francisco 49ers quarterback and already a sure-fire Hall of Famer – when a two year quarterback in Steve Young, was traded to the 49ers (was seen as a bust by Tampa Bay) to be Montana’s backup. Steve Young would hold as Montana’s backup for three seasons (much like Osweiler to Manning). Over those three seasons, Young played sparingly due to nagging injuries for Montana, and Young played extremely well in his limited appearances. It was not until an injury to Montana’s elbow in the 1990 NFC Championship game (which led to him missing the entire 1991 season) until Young definitively received his shot as the 49ers quarterback.

Beginning of the 1992 season, with Montana since recovering from his elbow injury, Young finally put it all together (which could be Osweiler next season) losing in the NFC Championship game against the eventual Super Bowl Champion, Dallas Cowboys, 30-20 – but winning the 1992 NFL MVP award.

The following off-season, with a healthy Montana back in the locker room, a rift was created as to who the starter would be going into the 1993 season. That decision was finally made after Montana requested a trade which was honored by owner Eddie DeBartolo, Jr. – trading Montana to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Now, you may see various similarities between Manning/Osweiler and Montana/Young:

1) Osweiler and Young both served as backups for three seasons to eventual, sure-fire Hall of Fame quarterbacks.

2) Osweiler and Young each played very well, but sparingly in the years as a backup, providing a glimpse of hope for the future.

3) Manning and Montana each suffered injuries which led to both missing an extended period of time, leaving the backups in Osweiler and Young to thrive in the starting role.

4) Tension in the 49ers locker room over which player would start at quarterback seemed to be a distraction – With Manning being named the starter. It is hard to see any player disagreeing with that decision, however, Osweiler does account for his own fan base including players in that locker room.

5) Heading into the next season (Manning may or may not retire) Montana requested a trade, knowing his time expired as the QB of the 49ers. Could Manning, if healthy, and a desire to play, do the same?

The future at the quarterback position for the Denver Broncos is most certainly Brock Osweiler’s job. Is he the next Steve Young? He has proved to be a competent passer, while holding a strong knowledge for the offense, much like Young in his day. He has won games for this team filling in for one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, much like Young did before Montana moved on.

Peyton Manning will start in the divisional round and it is to be determined just how far he can lead this offense while being some-what physically challenged (although he is fully healthy). There is no doubt his mental ability to lead this offense to a Super Bowl, especially giving the running game a shot of adrenaline.

Winning a Super Bowl, giving Manning the second and most coveted of his career may lead him into retirement – to ride out as a champion into the sunset, leaving the job next season and beyond to Osweiler.

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However if that does not happen, and the team loses short of a Super Bowl, the team may experience that same rift the 49ers experienced in 1993. Is it possible Manning enters next season as the starter? Would he ask for a trade if Osweiler is named the starter?

Many of these questions will be answered once the post-season has concluded. But for now, Manning is the field general, and the sheriff – back to calling the shots, leading the offense, and yelling Omaha until the clock hits zero.

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