DENVER – We dwell in the early days of 2016, not the early days of 2006. This truth is the prime reason why healthy, youthful Brock Osweiler should start as Broncos quarterback over creaky, ancient Peyton Manning.

Yes, I realize Manning played a role in the thrilling second-half comeback of the Broncos’ needlessly dramatic 27-20 victory over the Chargers. Please be sure to note he played a minor role.

“I can’t take credit for having a really good handoff,” Manning said.

Exactly.

The Broncos offense awoke in the third quarter and realized they were playing the Chargers, a team with four wins in 15 games. After this awakening, Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson carried the Broncos to the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. Manning was a supporting actor in the revival. He wasn’t the star.

A week ago, Osweiler delivered a superlative, clutch second half to rescue the Broncos against the Bengals. Earlier, he conquered the Patriots. He’s at his best against the best.

Manning?

Ah, do you remember Manning’s last playoff performance, or should I say disappearance? A year ago, on a quiet night at Mile High, Manning was the prime reason the Broncos stumbled to a playoff loss to the Colts. His arm lacked might. He struggled with decisions and timing as his greatness embarked on a permanent journey to the past tense.

Nostalgia is always powerful. I understand the temptation to embrace sentiment and ignore the ravages of time. This temptation led Muhammad Ali to fight far too long and Michael Jordan to plod along as a pitiful imitation of Michael Jordan. Manning is fragile, cursed with a surgically repaired neck and a gimpy left foot.

Manning has said he will do anything to help this edition of the Broncos win the Super Bowl. Anything should be laboring as a 39-year-old backup.

Osweiler’s excellence as the Broncos’ starter continued in the first half against the Chargers. He passed for 222 yards and was on pace to throw for 400. He placed a pass directly into Jordan Norwood’s hands and watched it bounce into the arms of the Chargers Steve Williams. Another interception came after he was assaulted by linebacker Melvin Ingram in the pocket.

“I don’t really think Brock was having any troubles,” Manning said. “I thought Brock was making good throws.”

But after Anderson fumbled on the Broncos’ first drive of the third quarter, coach Gary Kubiak told Osweiler he was done for the day.

Manning was coming to the rescue.

Hillman turned to see Manning taking snaps on the sideline. He saw Osweiler wearing a cap. He knew what was ahead.

“I was surprised,” Hillman said. “I wasn’t expecting Peyton to come in. Listen, I was just as surprised as ya’ll was.”

Nothing in sport carries quite the disruptive potential of a quarterback controversy. The Manning vs. Osweiler battle will begin a statewide discussion/argument. Families will divide. Friendships will teeter. Shouting will be common.

This is, no doubt, going to be a lot of fun.

Osweiler, who has a bad habit of not saying anything when he talks, swears he will be content regardless of Kubiak’s decision.

“As long as this football team is winning games, shoot, I don’t care who is playing quarterback,” Osweiler said.

Yeah, sure, Brock.

Cornerback Bradley Roby was more frank. He believes the selection is, using his word, “obviously” Peyton for the playoffs.

“He’s back,” Roby said. “He didn’t look like he was hurting. He led us to victory. You have to play him.”

Tight end Owen Daniels walked a more evasive route. He emphasized his respect and “love” for Osweiler and Manning.

So, which quarterback should start?

“I don’t have a vote,” Daniels said, his voice rising. “I don’t have a vote, man.”

That’s not true. Roby votes for Manning. I vote for Osweiler. Daniels keeps his ballot secret. We all have a vote. But only one vote matters. Kubiak soon will decide which quarterback he will entrust with the rest of this hugely entertaining and just as confusing Broncos season.

It’s 2016, not 2006. Kubiak must go with Osweiler.