In his first two NFL starts and some garbage time play, Brock Osweiler has been sacked 11 times. That number is higher than Denver would like it to be, and it's probably an indication that Brock has been holding on to the ball too long. But it could be worse—much worse.
Young quarterbacks often crack under pressure, making poor decisions and forcing throws, often resulting in interceptions. That hasn't been much of a problem for Osweiler, who has generally done a good job protecting the ball.
At the end of the day, a sack is better than a turnover in nearly every scenario.
@JonHeathNFL At the time, I questioned taking sack that took #Broncos out of FG position. Matt Ryan threw a pick in same situation Sunday.
— Ron (@ronNcaphill) November 30, 2015
Osweiler had an interception against the Kansas City three weeks ago in garbage time when Denver had to throw to try to catch up, and another one against the Patriots when a defender hit his arm as he threw. Sunday's interception was not necessarily the result of a poor decision, but merely holding on to the ball too long.
Getting ride of the ball sooner should come with time.
@JonHeathNFL I've been very impressed with everything from Brock, his poise is great, he'll improve on getting rid of the ball
— Pat Lawrence (@C2m3y) November 30, 2015
@JonHeathNFL I think that's just a matter of experience, Jon. Brock's not nearly as good as he's going to be.
— LS Assoc Larry Blake (@LS_IA_LBlake) November 30, 2015
It's not like Osweiler is playing behind an All-Pro offensive line, either. Denver o-line has been banged up and shuffled around all season long—sometimes Osweiler has next to no time to throw.
It would be nice to see Osweiler get rid of the ball sooner, or throw it away, but it's good that he's not being careless with it. Given that keeping possession is a priority, sacks are not too alarming.
Bottom line: Osweiler getting sacked is not the end of the world. He'll improve with time.