Will Peyton Manning ever play another snap for the Broncos?
Renck: The idea that PeytonManning is a healthy backup is jarring to all of us who know him as a five-time league MVP. It was inevitable after Brock Osweiler’s victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, but jarring nonetheless. Manning plays now only if Osweiler gets hurt or struggles. If either happens, could Manning rescue the Broncos the way Drew Bledsoe did Tom Brady in the 2002 playoffs? Absolutely.
Kiz: Here’s the tricky part, and the harsh reality I’m not sure that die-hard fans of Manning are willing to accept: The Broncos don’t want Manning to play another snap. Osweiler fits Gary Kubiak’s offense better than Manning does. And although Osweiler’s performances have been uneven, he has played much better than Manning did before being sidelined by a foot injury. Renck: Here’s why I fear any entrance byManning other than injury relief: Kubiak possesses confidence in Osweiler. I can’t see him benching him in the first half of a playoff game. That means Manning could enter in a similar fashion to Osweiler against the Chiefs. The Broncos trailed 22-0 midway through the third quarter. If the Broncos face that type of playoff deficit against the Bengals, Jets or Chiefs, it doesn’t matter who is playing quarterback.
Kiz: There’s one idea that appeals to me. UseManning as a change-of-pace quarterback. Start Osweiler. Let him run the offense that Kubiak favors. Zone blocking. Bootleg. You know the drill. But what about the idea of inserting Manning in the middle of the second quarter, or perhaps on the opening drive of the second half, to run the hurry-up from the shotgun? I like the element of surprise in this plan. But I strongly suspect Kubiak would think I should stick to typing and leave the X’s and O’s to him. Renck: There’s only one ideal circumstance for Manning to play— if the Broncos build a big lead Sunday against the Chargers. Clearly, a strong possibility exists thatManning has played his last snap for the Broncos. But last snap ever? Part of me believesManning, if the HGH story dissolves, will return next season with, total speculation on my part, the Houston Texans.
Kiz: You can be certain Manning does not want to go out as a bench-warmer, and retire from football without starting another NFL game. But if the 39year-old quarterback listens to his body and evaluates his performance objectively, the only wise decision is to retire. Yes, the Texans check many boxes forManning: Warm weather? Check. Playoff contender? Check. But could Manning thrive playing quarterback at age 40? Nope.