Denver Post Broncos writer Troy Renck posts his Broncos Mailbag on Wednesdays during the season.
for the Broncos Mailbag here. Follow Troy for more daily updates on and .
WATCH:
Denver’s running backs looked good against Oakland and Green Bay but were hardly used at all against Indianapolis (14 rush attempts) and Kansas City (16 rush attempts). Why has Denver completely ignored running the ball despite the pass game being so inconsistent?
— Steve P., Utah
Steve: The Broncos have fallen into a trap. They need to run, but they also need to win. It’s hard to win when you don’t run well. At Indianapolis, coach Gary Kubiak pointed to the 17-0 deficit to explain the pass-dominated stat sheet. Last week, the Broncos opened running the ball and experienced little success. Ronnie Hillman made some good cuts but was neutralized. And C.J. Anderson finished with two carries. Kansas City showed Peyton Manning no respect. The Chiefs squatted on short passing routes, crowded the line of scrimmage, creating few openings to run or pass. And listen, the offensive line remains wildly inconsistent. This week provides an interesting scenario. I would expect the Broncos to ask Brock Osweiler to manage the game, meaning more reliance on the run against a weak Bears’ rush defense, followed by a handful of play-action shots down field. If the Broncos don’t run well against Chicago, it should be a chilling concern.
If Brock Osweiler did so well, well at least a lot better than Peyton Manning, why are we blaming the offensive troubles surrounding Manning but not on the man himself? If Osweiler is almost a perfect fit in Kubiak’s offense than why is there not even a debate on who should start?
— Frank, Fort Mill, S.C.
Frank: Osweiler proved serviceable in relief against the Chiefs. He showed athleticism on scrambles and a strong arm. Those are reasons to be encouraged. He also threw a bad pick in the end zone. Manning played his best game of the season two weeks ago against Green Bay. So it will be interesting how Osweiler’s performance is framed when Manning is healthy. There’s one awkward step left in this dance: Osweiler playing so well that it makes it impossible to go back to Manning. But I’d like to see Osweiler play before deciding Manning’s fate.
Paige:
Why aren’t they getting Vernon Davis involved? I had to listen to the game and I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t hearing his name being called.
— Drew, New York
Drew: It was always going to take a few weeks. It’s not baseball, which is basically an individual sport, where you are on your own in the batter’s box or on the mound. Davis admitted to me that his first week was the most difficult, trying to learn the audible language in the offense. And when the Broncos fell behind 17-0 against the Colts, it limited Davis’ role because he wasn’t versed yet in the hurry-up offense. Davis conceded he was confused by his role against the Chiefs. He played 35 snaps, but had only two catches for 19 yards. His lack of production can be traced to Manning’s struggles. With Osweiler in, the Broncos will look to establish the run. If that happens, Davis, Owen Daniels and Virgil Green should emerge as factors in the passing game this week with Davis, specifically, on seam routes using his speed.
Regarding Brock Osweiler, isn’t he a free agent next year? If he steps up to the plate and runs this offense, what kind of price tag do you put on him and when?
— Tyler Buck, Denver
Tyler: Osweiler becomes a free agent at season’s end. In an odd way, this could work out for the Broncos. They receive a legitimate look at Osweiler in meaningful games before committing to him going forward. He has to show promise. It’s not enough to just take over for Manning. He has to play well. As for a contract, I’d like to think he’d command $5 million per season over three years. However, if he experiences starburst success the price will increase dramatically given how many teams need quarterbacks.
The Broncos can’t run because they can’t pass or the Broncos can’t pass because they can’t run?
— Tim, Palm City, Fla.
Tim: They can’t pass consistently because they can’t run consistently. It didn’t matter in years past because Manning could exploit every weakness in a defense. That changed this year. Teams stopped showing him respect, squatting on routes, going with single safeties high, daring him to throw deep. When Denver has run the ball effectively, it forces defenses to make choices.
Peyton Manning seems to be having a rough year. As much as I love him do you think he is thinking about retiring end of year despite his win loss record?
— Judy Moore, Lady Lake, Fla.
Judy: First things first, he needs to get healthy. Everything has to be perfect for him to succeed this season. And he’s compromised physically with his left foot and rib-cage injuries, which has, in my opinion, affected his confidence. It’s hard to see him wanting to play another season given how poorly this year has gone. Again, get him healthy, and go from there. Whether it’s Derek Jeter — who trudged through his final season — or Joe Namath, few exit on their own terms. John Elway’s breathtaking finish remains an outlier.
We all know that Peyton Manning’s illustrious career will end in Canton; every pundit assumes that he will be inducted as a Colt. I would argue that many fans will ultimately associate his Hall of Fame career with his work as a Bronco. After all he has set all of the records (seven TDs in one game, 509 career TDs, most TDs in a season, all-time marks in passing yards and wins) as a Denver Bronco. Additionally, since becoming a Bronco, social media has exploded, his marketing presence is constant, and fans are closer to the game than ever. When the Broncos hoist the Lombardi trophy this February I see him in Canton wearing blue and orange, not blue and white. Thoughts?
— Elliot, South Ogden, Utah
Elliot: I appreciate your passionate argument. But in a word, no. Manning is considered a Colt. He played the bulk of his career in Indianapolis where he won a Super Bowl. There’s no denying Manning has enjoyed spectacular moments in Denver. And no one will forget his 2013 regular season. But he will ultimately be remembered as a Colt in my opinion.
WATCH:
I noticed the Browns just released running back Robert Turbin. Like most running backs this year, he didn’t rush for many yards against Denver, but he does look like and has a reputation as a very powerful runner who might be able to help Denver pick up short yardage first downs. Do think the Broncos should bring him in for tryout?
— Tom McCarthy, Gresham, Ore.
Tom: Turbin provides power, but signed with the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday. And you know else does? Juwan Thompson. Before bringing in a back like Turbin, I’d prefer Thompson receive a chance. He’s dealt with minor injuries this season, but if the ground game stalls again, it might be time to give him some carries.
With Peyton Manning hurt for foreseeable future, do you see the Broncos adding a veteran quarterback to their roster? Do they add, dare I say, Tim Tebow?
— James N., Lone Tree
James, dare I say, no chance. I enjoyed watching Tebow’s final season in Denver as a fan. It was must-see TV. He hasn’t played meaningful snaps since. If it is determined that Manning needs multiple weeks to recover, I could see the Broncos signing another quarterback to the practice squad. For now, they are saying they don’t need a vet. I know this: They really love the potential of rookie Trevor Siemian.
Denver Post Broncos writer Troy Renck posts his Broncos Mailbag on Wednesdays during the season.
for the Broncos Mailbag here. Follow Troy for more daily updates on and .
Troy E. Renck: trenck@denverpost.com or
