Denver Broncos: Who Starts at Quarterback?

The Denver Broncos and Gary Kubiak have a tough decision heading into the playoffs. Who should start at quarterback for the number one seed Denver Broncos?

With Peyton Manning entering Sunday’s game against the Chargers mid-game, this leaves a question mark on whom will start for the Denver Broncos in their first playoff game of the season. Before Sunday, many people (including myself) believed that Brock Osweiler would start for the remainder of the season; however, after a poor showing on Sunday, Peyton Manning might have re-claimed the starting role.

Next: Denver Broncos Secure #1 Seed, Defeating Chargers 27-20

The conundrum ahead for the Denver Broncos is who gets the starter’s repetitions in practice? After Sunday’s game, Peyton Manning stated how tough it is for a backup quarterback to be ready for game action after receiving limited reps during the weeks. Moreover, Gary Kubiak remains mum on whom will lead the Denver Broncos at quarterback in the playoffs. While Peyton Manning certainly has been in these situations before, Osweiler provides a more athletic option.

The Denver Broncos have a bye week before they hit the field again, so that gives Kubiak ample time to make a decision on the quarterback play. However, it is somewhat concerning that Kubiak does not want to state who the starting quarterback is, because it shows a sign of doubt that he does not favor Manning or Osweiler enough to name them the starter out of the gate. Each quarterback presents pros and cons, and it is Kubiak’s job to figure out who gives the Denver Broncos the best chance at winning.

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Before Peyton Manning suffered a partially torn plantar fascia, he led the NFL in interceptions (by a good margin), and defenses cheated up on him due to his lack of arm strength. With opposing defenses cheating up on Manning, it left the Denver Broncos vulnerable with their running game and patented short passing game. Peyton Manning loves throwing the quick passes to get the ball into the hands of his playmakers; however, if defenses do not fear the deep ball, those plays are irrelevant.

When Brock Osweiler stepped into the starting role, the offense gained a boost, especially in the running department. The Denver Broncos were among the NFL’s worst in rushing yards per game, but when Osweiler began starting, the Denver Broncos routinely (almost weekly) have a 100 yard rusher. Moreover, the Denver Broncos have a solid duo in Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson, with each providing their upside in different facets of the running game.

Also, Osweiler helped Demaryius Thomas break out of his funk, routinely targeting the Denver Broncos’ star wide receiver down field. Thomas only recorded one touchdown on the season with Peyton Manning at the helm, largely due to Manning’s lack of deep ball attempts. Moreover, with Osweiler under center, Thomas amassed five touchdown receptions, showing the type of dynamic the Denver Broncos possess with Osweiler.