There has been much discussion about who will be the Denver Broncos’ quarterback of the future once the 2017 season wraps up. While most would agree that the answer at quarterback likely isn’t on the current roster, quarterback Brock Osweiler got to play the role of the hero for the Broncos again, leading the team to a 25-13 road victory against the Indianapolis Colts.
Osweiler entered the game in the second quarter after starting quarterback Trevor Siemian exited the game with a left shoulder injury. Siemian was soon ruled out for the game and Osweiler was called on to lead the team.
The Broncos went a quick three-and-out in Osweiler’s first drive under center, but the offense soon caught fire to score 23 points over the next three quarters.
Osweiler had one of the best games of his pro career, scorching a Colts’ defense on national television on “Thursday Night Football.” Despite limited practice time with the starters, Osweiler came off of the bench to lead the Broncos to their second victory in five days.
On the next drive, Osweiler orchestrated a 12-play, 53-yard drive that resulted in an 18-yard quarterback keeper for a touchdown to put the Broncos on the board for the first time.
The Broncos continued to build on their offensive success from the second quarter, as the Osweiler led the team to two scoring drives in the third quarter. Osweiler’s highlight of the night was his 54 yard touchdown pass to tight end Jeff Heuerman, who broke two tackles on his way to the end zone.
Aided by a consistent running game, Osweiler continuously moved the chains by making smart, accurate throws throws to a variety of playmakers on the Broncos’ offense. Three Broncos receivers registered at least three catches.
Emmanuel Sanders led the team in receptions, finishing the game with seven catches for 68 yards. The Broncos’ No. 1 receiver, Demaryius Thomas, barely edged Sanders in receiving yards, notching five catches for 69 yards. Perhaps the receiver who had the best game however, was fourth-year receiver Cody Latimer, who caught three passes for 60 yards, including a 22-yard touchdown that put the Broncos in the lead midway through the third quarter.
Osweiler’s final numbers were 12-for-17 for 194 yards and two touchdowns. He also contributed 17 net rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. Equally as impressive was that Osweiler did not throw a single interception.
With both Siemian and Paxton Lynch hindered with injuries, Osweiler could be the quarterback that finishes out the 2017 season for the Broncos.
The Broncos 2012 second-round draft pick is an unrestricted free agent in 2018 after signing a multi-year deal with Houston in 2016 and then being traded to and subsequently cut by Cleveland earlier this year. He signed with Denver on a one-year contract during the preseason when Lynch went down with injury.
Even as a backup, Osweiler may have a role in Denver after this year. Another solid outing could put Osweiler in consideration for the team’s future.