Filed Under » Denver Broncos

The passing of the NFL quarterback torch continued today in Denver as the Broncos announced rookie Brock Osweiler will start ahead of veteran Peyton Manning.

"It's simply production on the field," said head coach John Fox. "This is a results business, not a reputation business. Peyton simply hasn't played well in our first two preseason games."

While Manning has zero touchdown passes and three interceptions to go with a 48.8 quarterback rating, Osweiler has a touchdown pass, hasn't turned the ball over and has a 79.9 rating through two games.

"It's been night and day," said Fox. "If they were a little closer, maybe I would have given Peyton the benefit of the doubt or waited another week to make a decision, but there's really no decision to make here. Their performances made the decision. Now we just need to give Brock every opportunity to play with the first team to get ready for the regular season."

Broncos president John Elway is 100-percent behind the decision to bench Manning, who Denver signed to a 5-year, $96 million contract in the offseason.

"Of course I am behind this decision," said Elway. "I think I proved with Tim Tebow that my decisions will not be influenced by fan popularity polls. I want the best quarterback, regardless of fame or jersey sales. And Brock Osweiler is better than Peyton Manning. Anyone can see that."