Gary Kubiak trying to keep Broncos ‘in the moment’ during playoff bye

After struggling with injuries and eventually getting benched this season, Manning played well enough in Week 17 that he became the Broncos’ starter.

With the Broncos set to play Houston, Kansas City or Pittsburgh in the AFC Divisional round of the playoffs, 2015 could indeed be the final time National Football League fans can watch Manning play should his Broncos get bounced out of the playoffs.

The Denver Broncos will know who they’re playing in the AFC divisional playoff by Saturday evening. The Broncos turned the ball more than five times before Manning came into the amusement with Osweiler tossing a couple of capture attempts and losing a bobble. Broncos coach Gary Kubiak even harped on how it’s going to take the entire roster down the postseason stretch.

“What I saw physically, watching him work, watching him go about his business the last two weeks… the way he’s throwing the ball, the way he’s moving around, I don’t have any doubt, he doesn’t have any doubt, so that’s a good thing.”

This year’s team may not possess the well-balanced talent of 2012’s contingent, but it is certainly more battle-tested and more experienced, having gone 9-3 in games decided by seven points or fewer, including three wins in overtime.

This offseason will likely further expose the inherent flaws in today’s playoff format, with division winners automatically hosting first-round home games, irrespective of records. After the draining season, Manning admitted that this could be it. While still an exceptional year, Manning threw for 4,727 yards and 39 touchdowns in 2014.

Cincinnati did appear to be leaving its “Bungles” reputation in the past this year, evolving into a serious championship contender. The score: Broncos 29, Steelers 23.

The previous time the Steelers played the Broncos in the playoffs, Tim Tebow was the best quarterback on the field.

Denver’s defense hadn’t allowed a 300-yard passer, either, until Ben Roethlisberger burned them in leading a comeback from a 17-point second-quarter deficit last month.

“Look, I’d be lying to say I’ve never thought of it”, Manning said.

Manning knows that age is starting do catch up to him, and his days as a top quarterback are coming to an end.

The Broncos had given away five turnovers and were facing a 13-7 deficit. Moreover, Manning is now facing HGH accusations courtesy of Deborah Davies from Al Jazeera.

When first informed of Kubiak’s decision to go with Manning, Osweiler acknowledged he was disappointed.

It’s interesting to note that this season’s scoring average (22.2 per game) was basically as close to the 2011 average of 19.3 under Tim Tebow and Kyle Orton as it was to any of the three previous Peyton Manning-led teams but that’s where the similarities end.