John Elway finally had to take a look at what “Plan B” will be for the Denver Broncos, as Brock Osweiler took the reins for Peyton Manning in the third quarter of a 29-13 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
It was a historic day for Manning, who passed Brett Favre for the all-time passing yards record. But a historically bad day, as well, as the future Hall-of-Fame quarterback was intercepted four times and left the game with a 0.0 passer rating.
“Plan Brock” went three-and-out on his first possession and was intercepted on his second, a tipped ball in the end zone with the Broncos down three and playing in “touchdowns only” mode down 22 points. But it wasn’t all gloom for the fourth-year backup.
Osweiler ended the day 14-for-24 for 146 yards and a touchdown. He was sacked three times for 20 yards, but also escaped pressure and ran just as many times and for nearly as many yards (18).
Given the circumstances, and the pressure of replacing Manning in such a game, Osweiler deserves a great deal of credit for staying composed and leading two scoring drives and two drives of a dozen or more plays.
As the torch was passed – at least through the final whistle of the loss to KC – here’s how the team at MHS and the greater-Denver media saw things…
Osweiler gets the call from Gary Kubiak…
Looks like Brock will be coming in. To Peyton's credit, he's talking to Brock and, no doubt, giving him advice. I feel for PM…
— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) November 15, 2015
HERE COMES BROCK! And the stadium goes wild. Seriously
— Spano (@BrandonSpano) November 15, 2015
Bronx cheer from the crowd after that Osweiler completion.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) November 15, 2015
And Osweiler was nearly intercepted on his third snap. So it goes. Broncos will punt.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) November 15, 2015
https://twitter.com/MikeKlis/status/666040349500968960
Brock the savior just about threw a pick six. Another three and out. But it's all Peyton, right? #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) November 15, 2015
Brock’s second possession had promise, but didn’t end well…
Nice job by Osweiler getting the Broncos out of trouble there. Good work on the rollout to the right, which is where he's the most effective
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) November 15, 2015
https://twitter.com/AllbrightNFL/status/666042081253588992
Brock Osweiler tosses a defender, breaks a tackle, and runs for a big gain. #ThingsPeytonCantDo
— Spano (@BrandonSpano) November 16, 2015
Breaking news. The Broncos have crossed midfield… Finally!
— Rod Mackey (@RodMackeySports) November 16, 2015
Osweiler looking for Fowler, nearly INT'd by Berry. Second time the Chiefs have nearly picked off Osweiler so far.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) November 16, 2015
4th and 4 and Brock Osweiler delivers. #ThingsPeytonCantDo
— Spano (@BrandonSpano) November 16, 2015
Brock to DT and Thomas powers forward for a first down. Broncos at the Chiefs 20. #KCvsDEN
— cover32 Broncos (@cover32_DEN) November 16, 2015
Broncos have fourth-and-10 after Justin Houston sacks Brock Osweiler … Denver going for it.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) November 16, 2015
And Osweiler is picked off. It's Berry. #Ouch. #Over.
— Raul Martinez (@RaulNBCBoston) November 16, 2015
the drive ends with Brock Osweiler intercepted in the end zone. 5th interception of the day.
22-0 with 11:36 left.— Lionel Bienvenu (@lionelbienvenu) November 16, 2015
Still there were more than a couple positives from Brock…
Nice step-up by Osweiler, who then keeps it … Broncos will have third-and-3 at the KC 8 after the two-minute warning.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) November 16, 2015
Brock to Bubba for the touchdown. Great scramble by Osweiler. KC 29-13. 1:45 left. #KCvsDEN
— cover32 Broncos (@cover32_DEN) November 16, 2015
TOUCHDOWN — Osweiler with the 8-yard pass to Caldwell. And that TD was all Oz, getting out of pressure & stepping up.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) November 16, 2015
Garbage time or not…. #Broncos Osweiler has led offense on a pair of TD drives. Not saying the kid is great, just stating the facts.
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) November 16, 2015
Are you kidding me? The house is rocking because they just saw the future pull out an awesome play. What a play
— Spano (@BrandonSpano) November 16, 2015
And the Manning vs. Osweiler comparisons couldn’t be avoided…
Has #Broncos Osweiler been good? Not really… But has he been better than Manning today? Any reasonable person knows the answer is obvious.
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) November 16, 2015
Impressive. Obviously, a play PM would not have made because he wouldn't have escaped. Still, hard to judge Brock. Way too early. Need more
— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) November 16, 2015
