5 reasons Broncos won’t win AFC West

1) Brock Osweiler’s growing pains

Yes, Brock Osweiler was unbeaten in his first three starts. Yes, he has beaten the previously undefeated New England Patriots, and yes, his athletic ability allows Gary Kubiak to run the offense he likes to run. However, does anyone actually believe, without a shadow of a doubt, that Brock Osweiler can lead this Broncos team to the promised land?

Osweiler, like many inexperienced quarterbacks, looks excellent when his first read is available. His athletic ability is outstanding and he is able to execute the Kubiak, play-action offense well. He has a good arm throwing deep, can throw and the run and has great scrambling ability. However, can he come up big in clutch situations? He did against the Patriots; not so much against the Raiders.

Osweiler struggles greatly when his first receiver is not open. He gets flustered in the pocket, often panics under pressure and shows many of the typical signs of an inexperienced quarterback. This is not to say that Osweiler is a bad player, rather he is merely inexperienced in the NFL. He does not have the knowledge of Peyton Manning, he cannot decipher defensive looks like a seasoned pro. Down the stretch Osweiler will have to hold the fort until the anticipated return of Manning, and his inexperience could cost the Broncos.

Next: 2. Defensive injuries