With the Denver Broncos officially in game-week mode with a matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers arriving on Sunday, all eyes are on Peyton Manning who was named the starter for the matchup. Manning saw his first bit of game action in the Week 17 win over the San Diego Chargers causing Gary Kubiak to name him the starter in the playoffs. While Manning is focused on the game ahead, he admits retirement is in his head.
Manning's longevity in the NFL has been put into question this season after he struggled heavily at the start of the season and then missed time for a partially torn plantar fascia. Manning is getting another run at the postseason and he admitted to the Denver Post, he has wondered if this is his last bought on the field.
"I'd be lying if I said I'm not thinking about it," Manning said, via the Denver Post. "I know people say, 'I'm not thinking about that, I've never thought about that.' I am excited to be thinking about who we're going to play this weekend, and have the opportunity to help and contribute in some way. As far as anything beyond that, there'd be a time and place for that."
The Broncos know the time is coming to say goodbye to Manning as they could be hoping the veteran makes the decision on his own rather than requiring the franchise to step in. Playing behind Manning is Brock Osweiler who was reportedly favored for the future of the position. The backup quarterback told the media that he supports Manning as the starter while Kubiak made it clear Osweiler is still in good graces with everyone.
"We think the world of Brock," Kubiak said, via the Denver Post. "Obviously there's no discussion right now about what's happening, (Brock being a free agent after this year) those types of things. He's done a hell of a job. He's played extremely well in some tough situations, very tough kid. He knows exactly what we think of him. I'm very proud of him and I know he'll be ready to go."
Manning stressed that this is the healthiest he has felt all season. The quarterback has participated in practice all last week and is getting back into a rhythm. Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas told the media that he looks like the "old No.18" again while CJ Anderson and Ronnie Hillman admitted that they need to step up and help again in order for Manning to play well.
Kubiak stressed that he has full confidence in Manning. The head coach noted that he would not have made the decision to play Manning if he did not feel the veteran could lead the team to a victory. Osweiler will be ready to play as a backup plan, but Kubiak believes Manning is good to go.
"What I saw physically, watching him work, watching him go about his business the last two weeks ... the way he's throwing the ball, the way he's moving around, I don't have any doubt, he doesn't have any doubt, so that's a good thing," Kubiak said, via ESPN.com.