If Manning Gets Hurt Again, Expect A Different Plan
DENVER (CBS4) - If Peyton Manning suffers an injury in the middle of the Broncos season like he did last year, things might play out differently this time around.
That's the projection from CBS4's Vic Lombardi, who says with a new coaching staff in place -- one that seems to be more interested in getting helpful experience for backup Brock Osweiler than the previous regime -- the Broncos will most likely take Manning out and force him rest should an injury occur.
Lombardi made the comments in an appearance on The Sports Show with Woody Paige and Les Shapiro (see it on DenverPost.com). Paige disagreed, saying that while new head coach Gary Kubiak got Manning to skip drills earlier this week in the OTAs, during the regular season he won't have much luck convincing the veteran to come off the field if he's playing poorly or has an injury.
Lombardi still thinks Manning is capable of the leading the Broncos to a championship, and he said many sportswriters who are projecting less success for the Broncos this season are underestimating what a healthy Manning is capable of.
"He can get hot. Anyone can get hot in the postseason," Lombardi said.
During his appearance, Lombardi was invited to play pop-a-shot and got hot himself. He wound up placing in the Top 10 in The Sports Show's informal competition among guests (Chauncey Billups owns the No. 1 spot). See the video clip below: