Do the Denver Broncos have a bit of a quarterback controversy on their hands?
Head coach Gary Kubiak announced that 2012 second-rounder Brock Osweiler would start last week in place for an injured Peyton Manning, but that Manning would regain the starting job once he was fully healthy. At this point, it's unknown how long the 39-year-old Manning will take to recover from his litany of foot and rib issues. It seems unlikely that he'll be able to suit up against Tom Brady and the 10-0 New England Patriots in Week 12.
However, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reports that Manning is "absolutely determined" to get back on the field and "firmly believes he'll play again this year." Is that realistic? Even if the 18-year veteran can get back on the field, should he?
It's fair to wonder if Osweiler can claim the starting job with quality play given Manning's struggles this year. After all, Manning has already thrown 17 interceptions, is completing less than 60 percent of his passes and has posted a career-low 67.6 passer rating. ESPN's John Clayton already marked Osweiler's win over the Chicago Bears Sunday as the unofficial start to the Kubiak era in Denver. With Osweiler at the helm, Kubiak is free to run his offense how he wants without adjusting his scheme to Manning's particular specifications. It's reasonable to expect Kubiak to give Osweiler a long leash as a result.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported before Sunday's game that "Osweiler's play may decide when Manning returns," and that "no one has ruled out Osweiler taking over if he lights it up." The 25-year-old QB completed 20-of-27 passes (74.1 percent) for 250 yards with two touchdowns. However, Osweiler has only 81 career pass attempts, leaving doubt as to whether or not he is a viable starting option going forward.
Rapoport heard that "many in the organization are split" on Osweiler's franchise QB merit. Assuming Manning does not return in 2016, the Broncos will have to decide whether or not to commit to Osweiler in free agency this offseason.
In the meantime, Kubiak will continue to try to put the inexperienced signal-caller in positions to succeed while Manning tries to get healthy. Which of the two QBs will come out on top in the end is anyone's guess at this point.
