Broncos preseason 2015: Peyton Manning should be limited
By Tylor Walden
Jul 31, 2015; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) before the start of training camp activities at the UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos take the field Friday night at CentryLink field when the team takes on the Seattle Seahawks. Preseason games allow coaches to see how players perform in real game situations. For some teams going through a new offensive or defensive scheme, it allows the players to get some real practice on how the new scheme is going to work. For Peyton Manning, he is getting used to a new offense.
I am interested to see how Peyton Manning does in game action with this brand new offense. But with nearly all of Broncos Country believing that he needs to rest as much as they can during the 2015 season, I wonder if the future Hall of Fame quarterback will be on a pitch count during the preseason. Could we see more of Brock Osweiler, Zac Dysert, and Trevor Siemian?
I believe the answer is yes, and for a few reasons too. First off is that the Broncos would be smart to keep Peyton Manning’s snap count low. Although he is healed from his quad injury, it would be wise to have him near close to 100 percent as possible so that he is good to go for Week 1 of the regular season. Peyton Manning gives the Broncos the best chance to go far during the season.
Aug 28, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) scrambles in the third quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Another reason to put Peyton Manning on a pitch count is to see what Brock Osweiler can do. 2015 is a contract year for him, and I am certain that he wants to prove to the organization that he is the face of the franchise once Peyton Manning hangs the cleats up. If I were Gary Kubiak, I would only let Peyton Manning play at least a series or two. Then I would transition to Brock Osweiler for the majority of the game.
If the team truly believes that Brock Osweiler will be the quarterback of the future, then he needs to get as many reps as possible. Getting Brock ready for a potential increased role during the regular season by playing the majority of the preseason snaps will better prepare him. It would not be fair to Brock Osweiler if he was limited in a contract year.
I am certain that Peyton Manning will want to play as much as he can during the preseason, but it would be wise for him to be smart about his health and to make sure that the franchise is in good hands once he hangs up the cleats. For this preseason, it is going to be all about how the backup quarterbacks perform. Peyton Manning will be ready. The question now is will Brock Osweiler and the other backups be ready?