Osweiler “Disappointed” to Lose Starting Job, Remains “Team Player”

The Brock Osweiler experiment only lasted a few weeks in Denver, with the Broncos announcing that veteran quarterback Peyton Manning will again resume the starting role in what could be his final NFL playoffs.

Upon taking over for Osweiler and his anaemic offense in a week 17 win against the Chargers that clinched home field advantage, Manning showed head coach Gary Kubiak enough to keep his job and once again be the face of the Broncos’ Super Bowl aspirations.

Coach Kubiak based the decision on the “best interests of the team” and said he felt “really good” about Manning’s progression since coming back from his foot injury.

A combination of injury and poor play appeared to be the end of Manning’s career only a few weeks ago. With Osweiler in, the Denver offense traded turnovers for three-and-outs, and were forced to rely – sometimes too heavily – on their elite defense to pull out wins.

“It’s hard to hear you’re not going to be the one playing,” admitted Osweiler to the Denver Post. “However, I am a big team player,” he continued. “Woulda, coulda, shoulda – who knows? Peyton is going to start in the playoffs and that’s something I support.”

The young quarterback’s attitude is admirable, especially considering he should expect another opportunity to prove himself starter material in the not-too-distant future.

As for the team, the fans, and Denver’s long-awaited chance at that elusive Lombardi trophy since signing Manning, all involved can feel more comfortable with fielding a more dangerous team in the playoffs. That all starts with a healthy Manning.

Last week, Peyton threw for a paltry 69 yards in relief, but he crucially didn’t turn the ball over and frequently checked the Denver offense into the right running plays. The Broncos racked up over 200 yards on the ground.

Between a strong running game, a swarming defense and the occasional safe, smart throw by Manning, Denver will again be a force to be reckoned with in January.