Brock Osweiler says he's Broncos' Hail Mary option, not Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning is the Denver's starting quarterback, but if the Broncos get into the desperate position of needing to connect on a long pass to win a game this season, it would be rookie Brock Osweiler under center.

Osweiler told the Denver Post if that situation had arisen in Monday night's 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, the Broncos would have gone with his big arm over Manning's.

Peyton Manning's arm strength is a concern for the Denver Broncos to the extent that they reportedly have a different option at quarterback for Hail Mary passes. (AP Photo)

"I was going in for the Hail Mary," Osweiler said. “I’m not sure what the dividing line was as far as me going in, but I was getting ready to go in."

There have been questions all year about whether Manning's arm strength following a 2011 season lost to neck surgery. Watching Manning struggle with three first-quarter interceptions against the Falcons and not complete a pass for 20 or more yards stirred up those concerns.

The Broncos used a second-round pick on the 6-7, 242-pound Osweiler because of his potential to develop into a booming passer while learning behind Manning. The Arizona State product ended up being Denver's backup over Caleb Hanie.

For their playoff chances, the Broncos should hope Osweiler doesn't take the field this season -- whether it's throwing one pass in a likely loss or needing to sub for Manning in one or more games.

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