Let's talk about football injustice.
Brock Osweiler led the Broncos to victories in two playoff-like games. He wrestled with the Patriots and the Bengals and walked away triumphant.
His performance in the second-half comeback against the Bengals was virtually flawless, and we're not talking ancient history. We're talking about less than two weeks ago.
Here's where the injustice arrives:
Osweiler learned last Wednesday he will be watching from the sideline at the start of the Broncos opening playoff game Jan. 17. His tenure as starter ended during Sunday's game against the Chargers after a C.J. Anderson fumble.
Think about it: A running back hands the ball to the other team, and the quarterback is evicted from the game. It makes no sense. It's unjust.
And it places the Broncos future in peril.
On Sunday, I was talking with running back Ronnie Hillman at his locker. A few feet away, Osweiler was slowly putting on his clothes.
"He was composed from the beginning to the end," Hillman said of Osweiler. "He's a natural leader, and that's what impressed me most. ... I think he did a great job all year, and that's what I'm going to stay with."
Hillman then pondered a troubling question:
How will Osweiler handle his sudden demotion?
"I don't know how he took that," Hillman said, looking at Osweiler.
We'll soon find out. Osweiler is a free agent following the season. The Broncos will dangle tens of millions of dollars in an effort to retain Osweiler, one of the most promising 20-something quarterbacks inhabiting our planet.
But the Broncos must overcome a massive obstacle in their pursuit of No. 17. They showed lack of belief in Osweiler, treating him abysmally. He could soon embark on a search for a better, wiser employer. He might have begun that search on Thursday. Nobody could blame him.
Manning is Gary Kubiak's choice as quarterback. He's the people's choice, too. Trust me on that one. I've heard from several dozen fans this week who believe Manning ranks as the obvious, safe selection to lead the Broncos in the playoffs.
Really?
Manning is a five-time NFL MVP. Manning has taken three rides to the Super Bowl, with one victory. Manning revived the Broncos franchise after years of mediocrity.
But ...
Let's look at Manning's recent playoff performances. He's won two playoff games and lost four in this decade, including consecutive defeats leading into this season's playoffs. Manning always has struggled to soar as the best version of himself in games that matter the most.
This struggle has deepened in the past 24 months.
In losses to the Seahawks in the Super Bowl and to the Colts in last season's playoffs, Manning directed the Broncos to 24 total points while throwing two touchdowns and two interceptions.
In both losses, he looked overwhelmed and befuddled. Yes, he's a Hall of Fame quarterback, one of the top five passers in football history, but he stumbled as a counterfeit version of a Hall of Fame QB during the Broncos two-game losing streak in the playoffs. The defeats were not entirely Manning's fault, but he was the lead villain.
He was especially responsible for the loss to the Colts. The Broncos' defense delivered a solid performance, but Manning consistently missed Emmanuel Sanders on deep routes while struggling to 26 completions on 46 throws with only 211 yards. He failed to ignite the offense.
And that's his job.
I didn't understand or support Kubiak's decision to yank Osweiler in the third quarter of the Chargers game. Osweiler, who suffered a minor knee injury, had thrown for 222 yards and was fresh off a magnificent performance against the Bengals.
But nobody can argue with the results. The Broncos' offense instantly revived when Manning took the field. For a moment, it was easy to forget Manning had thrown four interceptions Nov. 15 against the Chiefs in one of the most pitiful QB performances in Broncos history. It was easy to forget, as he rallied his teammates against the Chargers, that he's 39, hobbled by a surgically repaired neck and a brittle left foot.
Manning will throw passes in these playoffs with the Broncos violent and arrogant defense by his side. This defense gives even the battered and fragile Manning a strong chance for success.
An old man will lead the Broncos. If you're the sentimental type, this is wonderful news. What a storyline: Manning, limping toward his final football sunset, reaches for the ultimate crown, one last time.
Osweiler, banished to the shadows, awaits his chance to lead an NFL franchise. Manning's best days are behind him. Osweiler's best days, and they will be plentiful, are on the horizon.
Will he spend those football tomorrows in Colorado?
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