The Denver Broncos achieved an incredible milestone when the NFL team broke the winning streak of the New England Patriots this season. Apart from stunning the public by toppling down a then undefeated squad, the Denver Broncos also accomplished the feat sans Peyton Manning. Initially thought to be a sure win game for the Tom Brady team, the match up proved to be the opening needed for backup quarterback Brock Osweiler. Since then, the Denver Broncos started to feel less anxious despite the absence of Manning in the field.
It appears, however, that the level of skill and experience of Manning could not be easily replaced. In a devastating game against the Oakland Raiders, the Denver Broncos succumbed to the opposing team at 15-12. While Osweiler could not solely carry the burden of the defeat as the entire team's performance contributed to their downfall, fans could not help but compare him to the NFL MVP.
"I've said it from the jump that you've got to go back with Peyton whenever he's healthy for the simple fact that he has the experience you want," said LaDainian Tomlinson, according to the Denver Post. The former NFL running back went on to state, "You saw it today in the red zone, Brock Osweiler couldn't put it in the end zone. A couple of missed throws in the red zone. That type of stuff comes back to beat you and it hurts you. So absolutely without question, if Peyton Manning is healthy, you put him back in the game."
Critics of Osweiler pointed out that Manning managed to snag wins for the Denver Broncos despite the lack of protection and support from his teammates at times. Hence, the four-year quarterback could not use the absence of those as a defense for his performance against the Oakland Raiders.
"It all starts and stops with me," said Osweiler following their 15-12 defeat, according to Yahoo Sports. He added, "I have to find a way to get our offense into the end zone and scoring points."
Meanwhile, the Oakland Raiders disclosed that they managed to figure out Osweiler's style prior to the game. The players shared that after finding out the strategies and playing style of the young quarterback, their NFL team chose to crowd him and prevent him from making effective plays. Needless to say, their plans worked.
"We know he likes to throw the quick game," shared Ben Heeney of Osweiler, according the Denver Post. The Oakland Raiders linebacker added, "And he's a young guy. We know what we were going to get."
Although the frustration on Osweiler's performance has been high as of late, recent reports claimed that he will still be the starting quarterback against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Denver Broncos will face the Ben Roethlisberger squad on Sunday (December 20) for Week 15 of the NFL regular season. Scheduled at 4:25 pm ET, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos will face off at the Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
