Denver Broncos Game Thread: Osweiler Returns

Denver Broncos signal-caller Brock Osweiler returns against the Eagles Sunday. All he has to do is not make things hard on the defense.

Denver Broncos QB Brock Osweiler returns as the starter against the Eagles this Sunday at Philadelphia. His adventure, incidentally, comes against the best team in football at this time.

With the Eagles’ 7-1 record, I will say they are the Broncos’ superior. History is also against the Broncos as their only win in Philadelphia came in 1986. However, springing from the 29-19 loss to the Chiefs last Monday were some healthy signs.

The Broncos ran for 177 yards at Kansas City and neutralized many of the Chiefs’ best weapons. Per the injury report for Sunday’s game, the Eagles may be without star TE Zach Ertz.

If nothing else, the fact that the errant Trevor Siemian was benched breathed new life into the Broncos’ psyche. This is the ignominy that Siemian put the Broncos through.

All the Broncos need from Osweiler is solid game management, as cliche as it sounds. This is why. The Broncos’ defense remains #1 in net yardage defense (261.0 yards per game). Additionally, the Broncos are first in yardage given up per play and second against the run.

Meanwhile, they are also sixth against the pass and first in third down defense. It’s impressive that the Broncos only give up a 1st down on 3rd down 25% of the time. While the Broncos are 13th in scoring defense (21 points per game) this was Siemian’s fault primarily.

While WR Emmanuel Sanders is questionable, if he can go, the Broncos’ offense will benefit. He catches 59.5% of passes headed his way this season. It’s the 2nd best percentage of his career. If he can go, he will be an effective spark to a struggling Broncos offense.

There is no question Eagles QB Carson Wentz is a spectacular young signal-caller. His 19 touchdown passes are an NFL-best this season and he really impresses on the film. However, the Broncos’ defense has a way of flummoxing opposing signal-callers as history has shown.

With that said, this should be a stiff test and the Eagles’ defensive line is a primary reason why. Star defensive tackle Fletcher Cox has a team-best 4.5 sacks. Fellow defensive lineman Chris Long, Derek Barnett and Vinny Curry also have at least two sacks in 2017.

Philadelphia freelance meteorologist Erika Martin predicts there could be some rain to deal with Sunday.

Next: Broncos Key To Victory Starts Seemingly Impossible Task

In any event, this is your game thread. If any Eagles fans happen upon us, treat them kindly. That is, as you know, the Broncos’ way. GO BRONCOS!!!