TERRY COLUMN: The most anticipated 'rodeo'

It’s very likely Brock Osweiler won’t play in the Super Bowl.

This isn’t inside information or knowledgeable reporting.

Now in his fourth year, Osweiler, a 2009 Flathead High grad, is headed to his second big game as a backup, not because of skill or results, but because of circumstance.

Even in his limited role, which was expanded this season as he went 5-2 as a starter for the Denver Broncos, he joins a small list of players to be on the roster of two Super Bowl teams. The list is even smaller for Montanans, Brock joining only Helena’s Pat Donovan as players who graduated in the state to hold the distinction.

What he has done this year has been very good.

But for all of his accomplishments, Brock isn’t Peyton Manning.

Manning, the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns and total offense, has earned the benefit of the doubt.

In four seasons in Denver, Manning has obliterated records and dragged the team to the Super Bowl twice.

When focusing just on how the position is played, Manning is arguably the greatest quarterback of all time. He is the archetype for what the NFL models its quarterbacks after and who younger quarterbacks like Osweiler aspire to be.

So when cameras picked up Manning saying after the AFC Championship game that this Super Bowl may be his last ride, the chances of Osweiler ever seeing the field went away.

“Hey listen, this might be my last rodeo. So, it sure has been a pleasure,” Manning told New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick on the field after winning last weekend.

Never a man of many words, Belichick responded, “You’re a great competitor ...”

That competitive drive showed even as he lost his touch this season.

He lost his starting job and suffered a setback with injuries, but the guile was still there.

While throwing shot puts and ducks he was able to outwit nearly every team he faced this season, leaning on what is probably the best defense he has had on his side in his career.

It’s that defense that gives Peyton and the Broncos a chance and allows the Denver coaching staff to trust his limited physical tools to carry the team over the finish line.

Deservingly, win or lose, even if it’s not his last hurrah, Manning will get the send off he’s accrued over the last 18 years on Super Bowl Sunday.

After five MVP’s and countless indelible moments, he’ll have earned any ovation he receives.

With Manning’s presence fading away, it’s also important for our local gunslinger to look for as many tips and tricks as he can find.

Even with the team set to be competitive for the next few years, Osweiler isn’t guaranteed to be back in Denver next season. Brock has played out his rookie contract and is set to be an unrestricted free agent in a few weeks.

Osweiler earned a look at the starting job, and given a season of first-team reps, showed he can be a quality starting quarterback somewhere next season. While that destination is probably Denver, there will likely be a waiting period while the more accomplished quarterbacks from his class set the market.

Another trip back to the playoffs isn’t a guarantee, let alone another crack at the Super Bowl.

If this is Manning’s last rodeo, it looks like one hell of a ride. I, for one, am glad I was there to watch.