Broncos backup quarterback Osweiler makes strides in key game

Glendale, AZ, United States (4E Sports) – With Peyton Manning and the rest of the Bronco starters taking the night off, rookie quarterback Brock Osweiler was able to leave a good game-day impression Thursday as Denver closed the preseason against the Arizona Cardinals.

Osweiler completed 3 of 7 passes for 36 yards against Arizona.

Osweiler, Denver’s 2012 second-pick who played his college ball at nearby Arizona State, tossed an interception while playing most of the second half.

Though the 21-year-old Sun Devils product Osweiler have made good strides as he begin his Denver tenure, he will likely be the No. 3 quarterback in 2012 behind veteran Caleb Hanie, who is expected to end up as Manning’s backup for the regular season.

Osweiler was impressive in his first outing in a Bronco uniform in a 31-3 rout of the Bears in Week 1, when he directed Denver’s third-string offense to two TDs.

Osweiler, however, was able to direct his offense to only four first downs in his nine series in his next two preseason tilts.

Osweiler, who like Hanie, was apparently competing for the No. 2, but has a roster spot assured as he is viewed as the Broncos’ future.

In the final preseason game Thursday, Denver kicker Matt Prater booted three field goals in the fourth quarter, including a 44-yard field goal at the end of regulation to give the Broncos a 16-13 win.

Rookie cornerback Omar Bolden, a former college teammate of Osweiler, also had a good night as he took a kick return 103 yards in the third quarter for the only TD of the game for the Broncos.

Hanie, the only backup quarterback on the Broncos’ roster who has NFL experience, was 7-of-13 for 75 yards as Denver concluded the preseason with a 2-2 mark.

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