Nov 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) and Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) talk before the game against the Miami Dolphins. The Broncos defeated the Dolphins 39-36. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
After the Denver Broncos 24-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, many started to question whether Peyton Manning would be back for a fourth season in the Mile High City.
It’s well-documented at this point that Manning turned in a dreadful divisional-round performance. While he did play on a gimpy right leg, Manning remains a big reason why the Broncos won’t be making the trip to Foxborough for the AFC championship game.
Manning’s play came under scrutiny as the season came to a close. As his touchdowns/yards steadily declined, the interceptions rose. Denver’s power run game contributed to that, but there was still clearly something off with the future Hall of Fame quarterback.
2012 second-round pick Brock Osweiler has been waiting and learning while Manning has led the Broncos. Osweiler is visibly improving with each passing season and has left many in Broncos Country to wonder if it’s time to hand the quarterbacking duties over to the third-year product out of Arizona State.
Age is a cold mistress and an athlete’s worst enemy. While “The Sheriff” has truly had some amazing seasons in Denver, is it time for him to hang up the cleats and let backup Brock Osweiler take the reins?
Let’s weigh the pros and cons of having either Manning or Osweiler in control next season.
Next: Peyton Manning Pros and Cons
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning warms up prior to the game against the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Pros
The unofficially adopted son of Denver has been nothing short of great in his three seasons with the Broncos. He’s set record upon record and has guided the Broncos to 40 total wins, three straight divisional crowns, and a Super Bowl birth in 2014. Manning has been remarkably consistent and is still deadly accurate, even if his arm strength has gotten worse. If he returns for an 18th and final season, the Broncos will get back someone who also greatly helps mask offensive inefficiencies. His lightening quick release really covered up a struggling offensive line this season. Manning prepares as well as anyone for opposing teams and puts in the work day-in and day-out to make people forget that he’s almost 40 years old. It’s hard to ask for more from the future first ballot Hall-of-Famer.
Cons
Father time is calling Peyton Manning and there’s not much he can do to stop it. It’s a harsh reality for athletes everywhere and Manning is no exception. He’s visibly no longer the surgeon on the football field that he once was as is his decision making. Between his arm strength and his mobility, it’s hard to see which is worse. Manning’s quad injury has left a sour taste in everyone’s mouth. Once a quarterback’s legs go, it’s all but over for him. It’s possible Manning can recover, but he still wasn’t exactly playing the greatest before his injury occurred in Week 15. Manning’s return might not be what’s best for the Broncos at this point.
Next: Brock Osweiler Pros and Cons
Oct 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) during the game against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Pros
What’s not to like about this guy? He’s young, has a cannon for an arm, is fairly mobile for his large frame of 6’8, and is accurate with a little bit of Ben Roethlisberger in him. Those inside the Broncos’ organization have been reportedly impressed with Osweiler and feel that he’s ready to start if Manning decides to call it quits. That’s saying quite a lot considering John Elway’s lack of patience when it comes to anything football related. Osweiler has made significant strides in his three seasons with the Broncos. He had his best preseason yet in 2014, highlighting it with a beautiful 33-yard rainbow to Cody Latimer for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers. Osweiler also threw a touchdown pass in a game (Week 17) where Peyton Manning did not, so that’s got to mean something, right? All signs point to a successful succession of Manning, which could come as soon as this upcoming season.
Cons
The fear of the unknown can scare anybody. I mean, do we honestly know how good this kid is? The answer is a resounding no and we won’t know until he finally takes some meaningful snaps in a regular season game. Osweiler has improved every year but the only film we really have to go off of comes from the preseason. Oh, and one nice little drive that ended with a touchdown pass against the lowly 3-13 Oakland Raiders. He seems to have all the tools necessary but until he sees any significant time on the field when it actually matters, I’m not sold and neither should Broncos Country. Ultimately, it’s simply difficult to fully put your trust in someone that you’ve seen so little of.
Next: Who Should be the Broncos QB in 2015?
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) reacts against the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Conclusion
Peyton Manning is the Broncos best option at quarterback.
That’s a very, very good thing Broncos Country.
The fact that he was playing through a torn right quad really explains a lot. While his numbers may have went down before the injury occurred, that was more due to the fact that the Broncos shifted to an offensive ground-and-pound approach.
Many critics choose to continuously point out his lack of arm strength, but he’s never had a incredibly strong arm to begin with. Manning always has made up for that with hours upon hours of preparation and pinpoint accuracy.
In truth, Brock Osweiler looks ready to take over at quarterback. But with a healthy Manning ready to give it one last go at a Super Bowl title, there’s simply no competition.
If the “The Sheriff” is healthy and ready to go by training camp, there’s no reason to believe that he won’t be capable of leading the Broncos back to the big game.
With a different result this time, of course.