The Denver Broncos are going through a quarterback controversy as Trevor Siemian failed to live up to expectations and 2016 first round quarterback Paxton Lynch battled shoulder injuries since the preseason. That left just one man up for the job in week 9: Brock Osweiler.
Osweiler started last week and did enough to retain the starting job in week 10 against the New England Patriots, according to Broncos head coach Vance Joseph. Osweiler led the Broncos to a 28-point loss to the Eagles, where he completed 50% of his passes for 208 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions, and a fumble. That, apparently, is the impressive benchmark for a Broncos starting quarterback these days.
The Patriots last faced Osweiler in the 2016-17 postseason when they defeated the Houston Texans 34-16 in the divisional round. Osweiler completed 57.5% of his passes for 197 yards, 1 touchdown, and 3 interceptions.
Osweiler was also the starting quarterback for the Texans in week 3 of the 2016 season when the Patriots won in a 27-0 shutout. Osweiler completed 58.5% of his passes for 196 yards and a interception that game.
All is not lost for the Broncos, though, as the Brock Lobster was their starting quarterback in 2015 as Denver defeated the Patriots 30-24 in overtime; the Patriots did not have Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, or Dion Lewis. Osweiler completed 54.8% of his passes for 270 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception that day.
The Patriots are the heavy favorite against the Broncos and Denver’s decision to ride with Osweiler is certainly a big factor. If New England can force multiple turnovers, then the Patriots should be able to dictate the pace of the game and leave with a victory.