A note to the NFL broadcasters at CBS and ESPN: Go ahead and bulk up your notes about Broncos wide receiver Andre Caldwell; you’re likely to see more of him in the coming weeks.
With the keys to the Denver Broncos offense being held for the time being by Brock Osweiler, the eighth-year wideout affectionately nicknamed “Bubba” looks to see much more playing time than he enjoyed when Peyton Manning was driving the bus to “Omaha.”
It may have sounded strange for Broncos fans to hear Osweiler’s voice giving out the call that gave Nebraska’s most-populous city national attention, but for Caldwell, it was exactly what he’s become accustomed to over his four years in Denver.
Both Caldwell and Osweiler arrived in Denver in 2012 and their status on the second-team unit meant many, many reps together. When Manning was sidelined with a variety of injuries and Osweiler got the call, Caldwell who also benefitted as a result. Take Sunday’s win against New England, for example.
Caldwell joined Afternoon Drive with Eric Goodman and Les Shapiro on Monday following the win and said that the go-ahead touchdown pass he caught in the fourth quarter was a designed play intended to go to him. It was one of just two catches on the day, but it was certainly one of the most important. Caldwell went on to say that he’s feeling increased confidence in his play with Osweiler under center, not to mention the increased confidence that the offense as a whole now feels.
That’s not to say that Caldwell and his running mates on offense didn’t have confidence in Manning. He told Goodman and Shapiro that the team believes it can go deep into the playoffs with either quarterback at the helm. But he did say that with each passing game there’s added confidence under Osweiler.
“Brock brought different swagger – a little confidence, a little cockiness – to it, and it’s showing on Sunday,” Caldwell said.
Caldwell and the rest of the Broncos ought to be oozing with confidence heading into Sunday’s matchup with 3-8 San Diego after knocking New England from the ranks of the unbeaten on Sunday.
Head coach Gary Kubiak continues to call the quarterback situation a week-to-week proposition, based on Manning’s health. In the meantime, though, Caldwell can look forward to more playing time with Osweiler under center.
Listen to the full interview with Caldwell, as well as an explanation why he’s called “Bubba” in the podcast below.
Catch Afternoon Drive with Eric Goodman and Les Shapiro every weekday from 4p-6p on Mile High Sports AM 1340 or stream live any time for the best local coverage of what’s new and what’s next in Colorado sports.