The NFL landscape is going to shift a little this weekend, as two quarterbacks who have taken some and none of their team's snaps thus far this season prepare to enter the lineup in week 11 of the 2015 NFL season.
In Dallas, Tony Romo sounds ready to suit up for the Cowboys for the first time since breaking his clavicle during a week two matchup against the divisional rival Eagles. In his absence, the Cowboys offense has managed to remain a top-10 rushing unit, averaging 119.0 yards per game on the season, but the group as a whole has suffered, first with Brandon Weeden under center and most recently with Matt Cassel.
The Cowboys, 0-7 since Romo went down with his injury, will likely enjoy something of a resurgence against a Miami Dolphins team coming off an upset victory over those very same Eagles - a victory in which the Dolphins knocked out Philly quarterback Sam Bradford for, reportedly, at least one game, maybe more.
With Romo back, expect every Cowboy weapon to enjoy an uptick in play. Dez Bryant, of course. But also Jason Witten and Terrance Williams as well. Even Cole Beasley is likely to thrive in PPR leagues.
Interestingly, those thinking that maybe Romo's return could spell less carries for Darren McFadden, don't worry. Romo's presence should only open things up further for McFadden and while he may see less carries, they're likely to yield better results as teams back off the line of scrimmage in a show of respect to Romo and the Cowboys passing game.
In Denver, Brock Osweiler takes the reins of the Broncos offense from the struggling - and apparently injured - Peyton Manning. On the same day that Manning broke Brett Favre's record for passing yards all-time, he tossed four interceptions and managed a 0.0 passer rating before being pulled in favor of Osweiler.
Osweiler, in relief of Manning, in a very tough spot and facing an insurmountable deficit, managed 14 completions on 24 attempts for 146 yards, one touchdown and one interception. With Manning reportedly dealing with plantar fasciitis, Broncs head coach Gary Kubiak announced on Monday that Osweiler would get the start Sunday against the Chicago Bears, in what suddenly doesn't look like such a favorable matchup for a first professional start.
The Bears, who had struggled at the beginning of the year as they became accustomed to new head coach John Fox and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, are now eighth in the NFL, allowing an average of just 335.6 yards per game, only 217.0 of which come through the air. They are giving up an average of 26.0 points per game and allowing opponents to generate passer ratings of approximately 94.8, so there's room to make plays, but it won't be as easy an effort as it would have been had this game come earlier in the year.
Still, Osweiler has a big arm, so expect him to air it out. Demaryius Thomas will get his, as will Emmanuel Sanders should he be able to go. Heck, maybe this is the game Vernon Davis finally starts to pay dividends for John Elway's groups.
And even if Osweiler struggles pushing the ball downfield, expect running back Ronnie Hillman and CJ Anderson to see plenty of work as they try to protect Osweiler with the running game and check downs in the passing game.
