When Peyton Manning entered the game vs Sandiego on Sunday the crowd at mile high erupted into cheers. The rejuvenated crowd got their money’s worth as the broncos won their fifth straight division title behind Manning. Along with that title came the number one seed in the AFC playoffs because of the Broncos win vs New England in late November, along with the number one seed though comes the dilemma do you go with Peyton Manning or the stunning Brock Oswieler in the playoffs. On one hand you get the experience of Manning. On the other hand Oswieler was stunningly good in his 6 games and the two interceptions he threw last week came off tip balls. If I had to choose between the two id go with a good old fashion pros and cons chart so here it is.
Peyton Manning
Pros
Veteran: Peyton has been to the playoffs 10 times he knows the preparation needed to win in the playoffs. He knows how to handle the pressures of the playoffs to there’s a lot of pressure that we just haven’t seen Oswieler deal with yet.
Inspires: It wasn’t necessarily Manning won the game on Sunday but he inspired the offense. The running game improved immediately when he came into the game and face it if a hall of fame Qb returns on to the field with a standing ovation that has to motivate you.
Improved education of the offense: Manning looked way more comfortable under center vs Sandiego. In his six weeks off you know Manning has been familiarizing himself with the ins and outs of this offense.
Cons
Mobility: Manning just doesn’t have mobility he never has he is the definition pocket passer. Gary Kubiaks offense however requires a mobile Qb and without one the run game never really takes off.
Arm strength: We just haven’t seen enough of Manning throwing to know if he has the arm strength to get the ball down field. On Sunday a twenty yard pass Manning threw to Demaryius Thomas floated all the way there. Plus it looked from Manning’s form like that’s about as far as he could go.
Consistency: We just won’t know if Peyton is really back for at least another three games and that game is a game he historically struggles in the Super Bowl. The Broncos will just have to use their best judgement with Manning going into the postseason.
Brock Osweiler
Pros
All of Peyton’s cons: Osweiler can roll man and he can roll great. He understands this offense and can perform every single aspect of it he can run has proved he has a strong arm and can read the defenses just as well as Peyton.
Youth/Health: Osweiler is healthy and remains healthy and he has taken some shots well piloting this offense. Manning’s health is a constant concern and the risk of reinjuring his foot is high. The other thing Osweiler has is youth now a day young Qbs seem to roll in the playoffs. Just ask the Seahawks Russel Wilson is only in his fourth season and he’s playing at the postseason level of Tom Brady. But more on the Seahawks later the point is young Quarterbacks have something to prove in the post season and it elevates there play to a whole different level.
Cons
Inexperience: This is a big one how in the world does a young Qb win a Super Bowl in his first time in the post season? Answer: He doesn’t news flash the Broncos probably won’t win the Super Bowl this year some may think they won’t make the conference final (Playoff predictions coming out on Friday). So we come to
The Verdict: The kid gives Denver the best shot to compete for a title Peyton might win one game. Look at it this way though it’s like baseball the Broncos have a very unique situation. If you start Oswieler then you have a hall of famer Manning in your bull pit. If Oswieler stumbles Manning can come in and pick up the slack in other words use Peyton as the closer. In the end however it all comes down to one answer: BROCK N ROLL