Peyton Manning is out at least two more weeks with a torn plantar fascia, but the Broncos may be better off with him shutting it down entirely for the season. Brock Osweiler made his first start Sunday after being a backup for four years, and he was named the AFC Player of the Week.
Manning and new coach Gary Kubiak were an awkward fit from the get-go, as Kubiak’s zone-blocking, run-heavy scheme clashed with Manning’s rapid, shotgun preferences. The Broncos clicked better when Manning was allowed more freedom to incorporate his own style, but remained one of the NFL’s more futile offenses. Last week, Denver won 17-15 against the Bears, and their running game looked as good as it has all year.
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Ronnie Hillman picked up 102 yards on the ground, while chewed up 59 yards on the ground on just nine carries. They rushed for 170 yards in total, and Osweiler delivered 250 yards and two scores, while completing 74 percent of his passes. The performance didn’t make anyone forget about Manning’s best days, but at 39, those days are gone.
The most important part of Osweiler’s starting debut, however, was something he did not do – turn the ball over. Manning has been picked off 17 times this year, and thrown at least one interception in every game he’s played in. When Denver was shellacked in Week 10 by the Chiefs, Manning was victimized for four picks before Osweiler relieved him.
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Manning has not been officially ruled out for the season, but if Osweiler continues to play turnover-free football, it’s difficult to envision the Broncos pulling the plug on him. Osweiler is healthier than Manning, and has a much stronger arm, which could matter come postseason time when winds are stiffer and temperatures are colder. Manning still has a wealth of postseason experience, which could eventually tip the scales toward him, but the next two weeks give Osweiler an opportunity to make it a very tough decision.
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