Should Brock Osweiler replace Peyton Manning as the Broncos’ starting quarterback?
In our , it was far and away the most asked question from readers — more than 90 percent of the emails were on the topic.
So who should start for the Broncos? To answer that, I turned to .
Using the latest ratings update, I simulated the season, starting with Week 6 to see how Denver would fare with these two quarterbacks.
Brock Osweiler
Brock Lobster made a mark with his debut, leading the Broncos to a 45-6 thumping of the Browns. Osweiler revitalized Denver’s slumping offense, completing 22-of 36 passes for 309 yards, 2 TDs and an interception. What carried the Broncos, however, was the newfound run game. Ronnie Hillman ran for three TDs (and a fumble), sparking another controversy among fans.
But the early success was short-lived. Denver lost their next four games, falling to the Packers, Colts, Chiefs and Bears. Chants of “we want Peyton” rang loudly among the Broncos faithful.
Just as the experiment looked like it was going to be a failure, Osweiler answered in a big way. A win against the hated Patriots brought renewed hope to the 2015 season.
By the end of the season, Denver climbed back and finished with a 10-6 record, easily winning the AFC West.
Brock stats: 243-of-396, 3,143 yards, 19 TDs, 14 interceptions.
In the playoffs, the Broncos thumped the Titans (it’s the simulation, don’t blame me) 35-6 in the wildcard round. Osweiler threw for 306 yards and 4 TDs, including a 75-yard TD to Bennie Fowler. Next round: a rematch against the Pats. Osweiler couldn’t pull off a second victory against New England as the Broncos fell 33-30. Osweiler threw two interceptions.
Peyton Manning
Amid the clamor to bring in Osweiler, Peyton Manning had his biggest game for the Broncos of the season, throwing for 326 yards and two touchdowns to lead Denver to a 37-27 win over Cleveland.
And then a big win over Green Bay. And Indianapolis. After Week 11, Denver was 10-0. Could the Broncos be headed to a perfect season?
Back-to-back losses to New England and San Diego ended that run. But Denver finished strong and finished 13-3, winning the AFC West and earning a first-round bye.
Manning’s stats: 280-of-400, 3,510 yards, 27 TDs, 6 INT and 15 sacks.
In the divisional championship, Manning threw two TDs to narrowly defeat the Colts 30-28. But in the AFC Championship game, New England topped Denver with an overtime field goal, ending the Broncos’ Super Bowl hopes. Again.
Trevor Siemien? The rookie quarterback led the 9-7 Broncos to the playoffs, but lost in the first round. His numbers were incredibly surprising: 3,054 yards, 30 TDs, 16 interceptions.
Tim Tebow. The Mile High Messiah’s magic shined as Tebow led the Broncos to an 11-5 record. But he threw for the fewest yards of the group (2,707) and the most interceptions (22).
CHEW ON THIS
• Brandon McManus has been a stalwart kicker for the Broncos this year. .
• if the linebacker is out for the Broncos on Sunday.
• , another former CSU Ram on the roster, could be called up if Juwan Thompson is out.
• ICYMI: Thursday marked the eighth anniversary of the Colorado Rockies winning the National League pennant. — who was The Post’s MLB writer at the time — about his experience covering that team.
WATCH THIS
.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Long before he earned the “Slash” moniker in Pittsburgh, Kordell Stewart — who turns 43 Friday — was a star quarterback at the University of Colorado. for a last-second victory over Michigan in 1994.
Also celebrating a birthday, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea, .
Joe Nguyen: jnguyen@denverpost.com or
