Some guys just have it. Peyton Manning has it. John Elway had it. And now Brock Osweiler clearly has it.
By which, I mean the ability to work the media; the ability to smile, joke and skirt your way through any hazardous question, all while leaving a joyful grin on the press’ face.
From the moment Osweiler took over the reigns as the Broncos’ starting quarterback and began dealing with the daily media responsibilities that come with it, he’s been an absolute pro. He’s humble, he’s likable and, most importantly, he comes across as 100 percent genuine.
In all honestly, Osweiler just seems like an absolutely fantastic guy. And that’s great. Unfortunately, it can also get a little boring. Sometimes I want to hear someone standup and say something controversial. Something people won’t like!
So, in this version of “Read Between The Lines,” I’ll be looking at Osweiler’s quotes through the eyes of Bizarro Brock Osweiler — a much more brash, IDGAF-version of our lovable Brock — to see how he might really feel:
(EDITOR’S NOTE: If you can’t take a joke, you might just want to close your browser now. Nobody actually believes Brock Osweiler is an A-hole.)
On if Gary Kubiak has told him it’s his job to lose:
Brock: “We have not had any conversation like that. Like I just said, all I know is that I’m the starter this week versus San Diego. That’s what I’m focused on. When next week comes, we’ll look at next week.”
Bizarro Brock: “What do you guys think? All I know is that I’m on fire, I’ve got an AFC Offensive Player of the Week award under my belt and the team loves me. If Kubiak wants to bench me for a 40-year-old statue, whatever; apparently he enjoys taking self-sacks, too.”
On getting to play in warm and sunny San Diego:
Brock: “I know this football team will play anywhere, anytime, no matter what the weather is. Just to go to a place like San Diego, get a little change up in the weather, it will be nice, but those are the things that we really don’t concern ourselves with during the week. We focus on the game plan, we focus on the opponent and the weather is always something that we can’t control.”
Bizarro Brock: “Did you write that question for Manning and just decide to use it on me when he didn’t show up? Of course I don’t care. I’m from Montana, I’ve got a rocket attached to my right shoulder and my bones aren’t made of dust. Put me on the moon, and I’ll find a way to complete a pass in zero gravity. Trust me, nobody is going to be spending hours before a game reporting on whether or not I’m wearing a glove. That’s a clown question, bro.”
On his interaction with Manning:
Brock: “I have seen Peyton. Peyton was one of the most excited people in the locker room after the game on Sunday. He was ecstatic for the team. It’s just a testament to the character that Peyton has. He’s the ultimate teammate. He’s a great friend to so many guys on this team and he’s supporting everybody along the way.”
Bizarro Brock: “Oh, you mean Mr. McFakeFace? Yeah, I’ve seen him around. He keeps smiling and telling me ‘Way to go Brock!’ but I know he’s super jelly. I mean, who does he think he is? This is the same guy who wouldn’t let me get on the field during a blowout game that meant absolutely nothing. Now the shoe is on the other foot, and I ain’t giving it back.”
On getting the cover of Sports Illustrated:
Brock: “Everybody was pretty excited, but I think the biggest thing just to remind myself is there is no way I’m getting on that cover if it’s not for all those other guys that are out there fighting on Sunday, as well. To me, that’s a team-earned cover, and I wish all of us could be on there.”
Bizarro Brock: “Yeah, well who else were they going to put on there? Demaryius Thomas? (Laughs) They might have made me Time’s ‘Person of the Year’ if he actually caught a few passes.”
On using “Omaha” as a tribute to Manning:
Brock: “I wish I could say it’s a tribute because it would be a great one, but that’s just how our offense works. It’s a word without our offense. If [QB] Trevor [Siemian] or [QB] Christian [Ponder] were out there, you would be hearing them say ‘Omaha’, as well.”
Bizarro Brock: “No.”