Five Quick Takeaways From The Broncos’ Shutout Win Over The 49ers

Aug 17, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls a play against the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter at Levi

Peyton Manning/Brock Osweiler

Was it Week Two of the preseason or has midseason come already?

After watching quarterback Peyton Manning pick apart the 49ers’ defense with ease, you wouldn’t know the difference. He was surgeon-like in his approach and was nearly perfect on the day, going 12-for-14 for 102 yards including a 17-yard touchdown to tight end Julius Thomas.

While Manning was nothing short of spectacular his backup Brock Osweiler further solidified his status as the Broncos’ quarterback of the future.

The third-year prospect has progressed every year in Denver but has not yet had any head-turning performances. That all changed Sunday afternoon as he finally looked every bit the quarterback Denver thought they had selected back in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Osweiler was comfortable in the pocket and threw darts all over the field, completing 10 of 13 passes for 105 yards.

The highlight of the game might also just have been Osweiler’s beautiful 33-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Cody Latimer. It’s certainly worth a look.

Osweiler seemingly came into his own against the 49ers, so let’s hope the quality play of Manning’s understudy continues.