The devil is in the details: Brock Osweiler should stay in Denver
Mar 9, 2016, 11:55 AM
FILe - In this Jan. 3, 2016, file photo, Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler warms up during the first half in an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, in Denver. While the draft often comes down to who is the highest-rated player overall when a team's turn comes _ even when the draftee doesn't necessarily fit a huge need _ the spending spree that begins Wednesday, March 9, 2016, is a much different marketplace. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)
(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)
He has every right to be bitter.
He might even feel like he was lied to.
I think most Americans would jump at the chance to stick it to their former employer if something at work happened similar to Brock Osweiler’s situation in Denver.
In Osweiler’s case, it would be a mistake.
Every American has the right to shop their services to the highest bidder and forever Sun Devil Osweiler is no different. If Osweiler leaves Denver for financial reasons, God bless him. He’s earned every dollar the market will bear. If he privately admitted that he chose Houston over Denver because of the difference between $60 million and $45 million, I completely support him.
I just don’t think that’s the case.
Osweiler thought he was going into a game against San Diego in 2014 and was visibly upset as he approached the sideline from the bench only to see Peyton Manning finish off the quarter. It was considered a big thing at the time. Although it was later explained away as a miscommunication, it had to leave a mark.
In 2015, Brock replaced a mostly putrid Manning for seven starts. No one is going to say Osweiler cemented himself as the answer to Denver’s prayers, but he certainly didn’t deserve a benching to start the second half of Week 17. Osweiler had to think he was preparing to be the starting playoff quarterback for the Denver Broncos only to find out 30 game minutes before playoff preparation was to begin that he wasn’t.
In his four years in Denver, Osweiler received very few practice reps, was kept on the bench through numerous blowouts and always kept things professional. Now, in the last two incidents where the Broncos have the chance to show Osweiler how they really feel, he was benched in January and offered less money than other teams are willing to pay in March. Three years at an average of $15 million a year does not rank in the “low-ball” range, but there are plenty of suitors who appear to want Osweiler more than the Broncos do.
I think most Americans would take the first chance to stick it to their employer if they felt underappreciated to the degree Osweiler might feel. It makes perfect sense for him to jump ship. He’s the same guy that suddenly wanted to play Sun Devil Basketball when it was hinted to him that he would not be handed the starting job at Arizona State. At the time I thought he was afraid of competition. Over time, I came to believe there must have been something deeper. I’m sure he thought he was expected to prepare as the starting quarterback only to find out ASU was bringing in a transfer. I bet that didn’t sit well at the time so he looked at other options once he didn’t trust the situation.
Osweiler is a deeply loyal person. However, if he feels like you’ve taken his knees out, he sees no reason why he shouldn’t immediately reevaluate his options. Much like he did at ASU, he’s doing the same thing now. It would be very human for Osweiler to announce he is the future quarterback for the Texans. It would also be the wrong decision.
Osweiler is probably being told by his agent that Houston is the place: more money, no state income tax, no Manning shadow, no legitimate Super Bowl expectations, weak division and a city that can only win championships when Michael plays baseball. It sounds like a no-brainer except for one simple thing: Gary Kubiak.
The Paul Brown to Bill Walsh to Mike Shanahan to Gary Kubiak version of the West Coast offense with its boots, waggles and misdirection runs combined with rhythm and timing throws is perfect for Osweiler. There should only be one question that Osweiler needs to answer: where can I be most successful? The answer is Denver.
Brock, if you’re frustrated, you should be. If you feel like Houston is doing everything for you that you think Denver should be doing, you’re right. If you want to go for the money, do it and never look back. If you want to have the best chance at being a successful NFL quarterback, stay where you are.
