Brock Osweiler has taken his apprenticeship under Peyton Manning to heart

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – Brock Osweiler followed Peyton Manning's cameo appearance Thursday night with his most productive day in a Broncos uniform in Denver's 10-6 preseason win at San Francisco.

Although he didn't produce any points as the Broncos' battered offensive line had its hands full with the 49ers' relentless pressure, the second-year pro displayed his accuracy and athleticism in completing 13 of 18 passes for 105 yards.

After completing just two passes as a rookie, Osweiler has looked much more comfortable in running Denver's offense this summer, helping the Broncos breathe easier and giving Manning a high-quality backup.

While it was pretty much accepted last year that all bets were off if Manning's neck issues resurfaced or he otherwise got hurt, there's no longer a foreboding sense that there would be a huge drop-off if Osweiler is pressed into duty.