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Greg Cosell's Look Ahead: Broncos have new-look offense for new QB

In watching film of the Denver Broncos win over the Chicago Bears, I felt like I was watching coach Gary Kubiak’s offense the way he wants to run it.

Denver had a new quarterback last week, and the offense looked different. Brock Osweiler replaced Peyton Manning, and I noticed two things right away: Osweiler was under center and there was a preponderance of two-tight end sets. The Broncos had shifted from Kubiak's offense to feature more shotgun and pistol formations to suit Manning. That changed last Sunday. It was just one game, and Osweiler has some things he needs to improve on, but it was an intriguing glimpse at how the Broncos will play as long as Osweiler is quarterback.

Here's a play that is vintage Kubiak, which we haven't seen much this season. On a touchdown drive in the second half, the Broncos ran a play action boot off the outside run action. Tight end Owen Daniels crossed the formation. it was pitch and catch. It's also a staple play in Kubiak's offense. 

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Osweiler was solid in his first NFL start, and Kubiak did an excellent job controlling and managing Osweiler with his play calling. The Broncos have a great defense and the Broncos played to that, not asking Osweiler to do too much. But Osweiler, who has a good arm, can throw with some pace and touch and can drive the ball if he has a secure pocket, also has the ability to make some plays.

This was a nice throw by Osweiler, on a fourth-quarter touchdown pass. Out of an empty set (I believe it was their first empty set of the game) on third-and-8, the Broncos ran a slant-flat concept to the two-receiver side, with running back C.J. Anderson running the flat route and receiver Cody Latimer running the slant from a tight split. Osweiler stuck the ball right on Latimer's numbers, allowing him to use his big body to shield cornerback Kyle Fuller.

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Osweiler still has many things he needs to work on. This was an interesting play: On Denver's first drive, Demaryius Thomas was uncovered in the middle of the field off a bunch set (cornerback Tracy Porter was the only defender who did not match up). The Broncos ran a seven-man protection, which was smart to help Osweiler. But what I didn't like was that Osweiler never stuck his back cleat in the ground; he threw the ball off balance despite a totally clean pocket. This was not an issue on this play, because it was an easy throw and it went for a 48-yard touchdown, but it's not a good habit to pick up.

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There were some issues with Osweiler in the pocket. The first two sacks Denver allowed weren't his fault, but the third one was. Bears safety Adrian Amos blitzed from a distance that Osweiler saw right away, and he had Andre Caldwell open on a whip route against linebacker Shea McClellin. He didn't turn it loose though. he got stuck in the pocket and took a sack.

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One thing to keep an eye on with Osweiler was there were plays in which he started to break down when he perceived pressure. Will he be susceptible to pressure and blitzes? It's a good bet the New England Patriots will test that on Sunday night.

Overall it was a game for Osweiler to build on, however. Denver had a really good game plan for him, with Osweiler predominantly under center, a lot of two-tight end sets with a lot of play action and play action bootleg action. Osweiler, especially on a field goal drive late in the second quarter, was poised and patient he was not asked to make difficult throws but he executed efficiently. The Broncos had good success running outside zone plays, which is a foundation for the Kubiak offense. Overall, Osweiler made good decisions within the framework of what he was asked to do. He had a feel for the timing and rhythm of the pass game.

All of that said, it'll be a much bigger challenge this week. Denver and Osweiler will be tested by Belichick and the Patriots. Osweiler will have to do more (and Kubiak will ask him to do more) as the games get tougher and the stakes get higher. It'll be fun to see how Osweiler reacts to everything the Patriots are going to throw at him on Sunday night.

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NFL analyst and NFL Films senior producer Greg Cosell watches as much NFL game film as anyone. Throughout the season, Cosell will join Shutdown Corner to share his observations on the teams, schemes and personnel from around the league.