Early Thursday morning, as the Denver Broncos returned to practice after three days off, Peyton Manning was announced to the team as the starting quarterback for the team’s upcoming Divisional Round playoff game, according to multiple reports and the team.
#Broncos announce starter for Divisional round https://t.co/qmMITOWsJM pic.twitter.com/CZVjgym6rE
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 7, 2016
Manning has not started a game since Nov. 15, 2015 when he threw four interceptions against the Kansas City Chiefs in a loss that also saw him eclipse Brett Favre for the NFL’s all-time passing record.
The future Hall of Fame quarterback returned to action after nursing a torn plantar fascia back to health in a Week 17 comeback victory over the San Diego Chargers. Manning led the Broncos to 20 points in one-and-a-half quarters, failing to score on only one of five possessions (not including the final drive to expire time).
Under Osweiler, the Broncos committed five turnovers in two-and-a-half quarters, including two interceptions and a fumble by the fourth-year quarterback. In relief of Manning, Osweiler was 4-2 prior to the San Diego game.
While Manning certainly brings experience and pedigree, he has struggled throughout the season. Heading into the final week of the regular season, his 17 interceptions still led the league despite his not having played since Week 10. His nine touchdowns and 17 interceptions are by far the worst ratio of his career.
Osweiler, in eight games (seven starts) threw for 10 touchdowns and six interceptions with a 61.8 percent completion percentage. Manning, by comparison, has completed passes at a 59.8 percent clip. Perhaps factoring into the decision, was the fact that Osweiler sprained his knee in the finale against the Chargers.
As expected, the announcement has pundits and experts split on the decision. Here’s what many of the biggest names in NFL circles as well as the Denver media had to say about the decision to start Manning.
The #Broncos announce the expected: That Peyton Manning is back. He's the starter for the playoffs.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2016
Brock beat the Patriots and Bengals. But Kubiak going with experience and a healthy Peyton. No surprise.
— Lionel Bienvenu (@lionelbienvenu) January 7, 2016
Not the way I would go but I can understand why he would make that choice. https://t.co/y5MdxPGyZk
— Chad Brown (@chadbrown94) January 7, 2016
News: Peyton Manning to start at QB for Broncos in playoffs. Views: Cue Sinatra. Fairy tales can come true … If you're young at heart.
— Mark Kiszla (@markkiszla) January 7, 2016
Don't think "element of surprise" would have been factor. Broncos foe will prepare for both QBs regardless.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) January 7, 2016
Players expected Manning to start. Fwiw, he's 17-3 vs Texans, 3-2 vs Steelers, 13-2 vs Chiefs. Hollywood finish or years of second guessing.
— Paul Klee (@bypaulklee) January 7, 2016
Credit to Gary Kubiak for handling this QB thing the right way throughout the whole process. No lingering, making the decisions early.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) January 7, 2016
https://twitter.com/AllbrightNFL/status/685125950187544576
Peyton has the playoff experience. But his playoff record since SB title in 2006 is 4-7. Home playoff record is 2-4. 2-3 w/Broncos.
— Lionel Bienvenu (@lionelbienvenu) January 7, 2016
Brock will be fine. His ego is sprained more than his knee. He's probably a bit ticked (should be), but he'll be fine.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) January 7, 2016
Manning to start!!!! Kubiak must listen to the Morning Huddle. #Broncos
— David Hurlbut (@HurlbutHuddle) January 7, 2016
If there is one team in the NFL that can handle this situation well in the locker room, it's the @Broncos. https://t.co/kS9KJmErCT
— Doctor of Words (& tights & over/under guesses) (@docllv) January 7, 2016