Last week, there was no leash on Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning. This week, there isn’t a leash either, technically.
Manning’s starter status comes with the same caveat it had seven days ago. He’s the starter and the finisher, unless coach Gary Kubiak makes a seat of the pants decision to make a change.
If, as many expect, the Patriots develop a 10-point or 14-point lead, will Kubiak call for the signal-caller who beat the Patriots in November?
None of it will matter if the game stays close. If the Patriots, however, begin to pull away, the question becomes whether Peyton will get the hook for Brock Osweiler.