In the blowing snow of Mile High, Brock Osweiler got pummeled time after time by New England Patriots defenders and his receivers dropped pass after pass. Yet in just the second start of his career, the Denver Broncos quarterback made the plays to defeat the undefeated.
"He looked like a seasoned vet out there," linebacker Brandon Marshall said, via the team's official website. "Brock is taking strides well and (coach Gary) Kubiak has done a great job with him. The guy looks like he's been here before and he's doing well."
His stats aren't eye popping -- 23-of-42 passing for 270 yards, one touchdown and one interception -- but the young quarterback was able to stretch the defense and made some pinpoint throws when he needed them late, including the go-ahead touchdown in the final minutes of regulation. Given than his No. 1 receiver didn't help him out until the final drive of the fourth quarter (Demaryius Thomas: one catch on 12 targets), it's a wonder Osweiler played as well as he did.
The Broncos' running game aided the 25-year-old quarterback, with the tandem of C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman galloping for 172 yards. Osweiler even showed some veteran savvy on the game-winning 48-yard touchdown run in overtime.
"We were trying to run the ball (to the) weak (side)," Osweiler said. "They gave us a specific defensive front that we can't run that ball into, so I checked to our second play that we called in our huddle. The line did a hell of a job and C.J. did the rest."
While it's not a shock for a quarterback to make a check, it does speak to Osweiler's ability to run the offense. Not all quarterback's in their second start are given the liberty to make checks. He also displayed the smarts to get his team in the correct play to set up a score.
Osweiler's confidence and command spilled over to his teammates.
"This is only his second start, and he's very emotional. He's pumping the team up," receiver Andre Caldwell said. "You can't help but follow a guy like that -- someone who always believes and is confident in himself."
Now that the young quarterback showed he can make plays in tough situations, the Broncos coaching staff can let Peyton Manning take as long as he needs to heal. Maybe longer than he needs.