The Denver Broncos are trying hard to minimize the attention around the quarterback position, but that has been nearly impossible. With Peyton Manning surrounded by the drama of a story regarding HGH use and Brock Osweiler banged up and injured, the Broncos are struggling to eliminate the distraction. However, with the playoffs wrapped up, head coach Gary Kubiak is making it clear that the Broncos are Osweiler's team moving forward.
The one thing Denver cannot afford is an injury to Osweiler. The backup quarterback is clearly banged up and according to FOX Sports NFL Insider Jay Glazer, he has a grade 2 seperated shoulder. Despite that, Osweiler is continuing to play and will be the starter in Week 17 regardless of his health. Kubiak made it clear that nothing has changed in terms of the quarterback position while Osweiler kept the focus on the week ahead.
"I'm not focused on that," Osweiler said, via ESPN.com. "The focus moving forward will be San Diego and very quick. We're coming onto a short week. We know that San Diego is going to give us their best shot. They have a lot of talented players. I'm not concerned with the quarterback situation. I'm going to show up whether I'm the starter or whether I'm the backup. I'm going to prepare the same exact way."
According to Kubiak, Manning is still rehabbing a partially torn plantar fascia and is not yet ready to make his return to the field. The Broncos have no other option but to start Osweiler despite his shoulder injury. One thing Osweiler will be hoping to rely on is a better run game. Consistency has certainly been an issue for the ground game, but CJ Anderson found his legs in Week 16 and proved to be the x-factor needed. His 39-yard touchdown gave Denver the lead on Monday night and the Broncos need that type of play to continue with him.
One thing Denver desperately needs is improved tight end work. Vernon Davis did not record a catch on Monday night while Owen Daniels did little to help. Davis has been hot and cold since his arrival in Denver. Dropped passes and poor routes have been an issue, but Kubiak is hopeful the tight end can improve quickly before the playoffs.
"It's been tough. I'm not going to lie to you, it's been tough," Davis said, via NFL.com. "Whenever you run into things that might be a struggle or don't go your way, it's just an obstacle. The best players and greatest players, they keep on going."
