Kiz: If it’s quarterback gossip, it makes for juicy conversation in apountry. This team, however, is built on its defense. The Broncos have survived injuries to outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware, who hasn’t recorded a sack since Nov. 8 in Indianapolis, and to quarterback Peyton Manning, who hasn’t completed a pass since Nov. 15 against Kansas City. But can the Broncos make a deep playoff run without significant contributions from these two veteran leaders?
Renck: In a word, no. The Broncos need both to be available, and at least one to be an impact player in the playoffs. Ware is the more likely because he’s going to play Sunday. His health has improved, but back injuries are tricky. The key is keeping him on a play count: 20 this week, 30 next week and so on. Manning would be valuable for the postseason, if his foot allows it. I don’t know what his role would be until he shows he can practice. I can’t see this team getting to the Super Bowl if Ware and Manning don’t contribute in the postseason.
Kiz: Ware takes such spectacular care of himself, when his football-playing days are done he could be the new face (and chest) of those hilarious Old Spice commercials But, at age 33, is his body too battered to hold up for an entire NFL season? A year ago, Ware produced eight sacks in the first half of the season but only two down the stretch. He was as dominant as any Denver defender through seven games of 2015, but is his health so dicey it’s crazy for coach Gary Kubiak to count on Ware going forward?
Renck: It’s not crazy, because Ware can have a niche role: third-down pass rusher. The Broncos can use Shaquil Barrett and rookie Shane Ray to wear down the opponent’s defense then pick their spots for Ware. A refreshed Ware playing 20 to 30 snaps can be dangerous, and brings predictability. But play him too much, and he’s likely to end up injured again.
Kiz: Nobody wants to see Manning end his brilliant career as a $15 million cheerleader. But it’s hard for me to envision how Manning can make a major impact on the team’s fortunes, unless the Broncos fall behind in the second half of a playoff game and the old veteran rides to the rescue of a struggling Brock Osweiler. But if Ware is healthy and creating mayhem in the pass rush, Denver has as good a shot as any team in the Super Bowl tournament to win it all.
Renck: I don’t believe we’ve seen the last of Manning. But I am not a doctor and never stayed at a Holiday Inn Express. There’s no way to know if he can play until he’s able to practice. And if he’s not close to 100 percent, it’s not fair to Manning or the team to play him. But if Osweiler struggles against Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, the Broncos could need Manning. As for Ware, he will create memorable playoff snapshots if the Broncos keep him on a pitch count.
