The Denver Broncos are undefeated but the play of Peyton Manning has been disconcerting.

One veteran AFC pro scout said he thinks, based on preseason tape, Brock Osweiler "could run [Gary Kubiak's] offense better than Peyton. But I can't say he's better for that team."

Manning has completed just 61.6 percent of his passes and has a 72.5 QB rating.

"I thought it was pretty clear he's not the same guy, and he'll probably never be the same guy," said one experienced AFC pro scout who's studied Manning this year. "Now, it's a matter of whether they can function the offense well enough with him. And with that defense, they can. The question is what happens later, when the conditions get even worse, does this all affect him even more? That's why they've spent so much time getting the run game going. So it's not just on Peyton."

"He just doesn't consistently make the deep throws," said an NFC pro scouting director who's studied Manning. "He still has a masterful command and presence and knows where to go with the ball. He has not totally declined. In the past, he could cover up for a poor offensive line or mistakes with his arm talent. Now, he doesn't do it as consistently."