Brock Osweiler starting will answer big questions for Broncos

Aug 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterbacks Peyton Manning (18), Brock Osweiler (17), and Zac Dysert (2) warm up before the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Has Peyton Manning really been that bad this season?

I mean, 17 interceptions speaks for itself.

We saw (and I overreacted) to Manning’s sterling performance against the Green Bay Packers three weeks ago, but we’ve also seen multiple games this season where Peyton couldn’t push the offense into the end zone against teams like Baltimore. We’ve seen the offense struggle all season, and it all starts with no. 18.

Why can’t they run the ball? Teams are stacking the box and daring Manning to throw against tight man coverage. He can’t do it. This game will be a good litmus test of whether or not the ineptitude of the offense this season has been all on Peyton Manning or if others share plenty of the blame.

Everyone has been able to see the offensive line struggle, but Osweiler presents a different challenge for defenses at this point. His arm strength is so much better than Manning’s, that we saw the Chiefs make some defensive adjustments with off-man coverage and Osweiler was able to get the short-intermediate passing game going.

It’s also obvious that Manning isn’t athletic enough to avoid pressure with his legs, and Osweiler is. Again, it’s only one game, but it’s going to be tough to convince Broncos fans that Osweiler doesn’t deserve the rest of the season or that Peyton Manning gives you the best chance to win.

Next: Gary Kubiak's Offense