Last summer the story in the NFL was the lockout. This lockout had a very different feel to it than the one in the NBA. The NBA had some real issues, while the NFL was essentially trying to figure out how to split their billions of dollars in profit. We were cautious as fans, but at the same time confident a resolution would happen before we were in danger of missing any games. Once the season started the story of the NFL's first month became just how bad the Indianapolis Colts were without their star Quarterback, Peyton Manning.
Peyton Manning is a sure fire, first ballot Hall of Famer. He lead the Colts to 2 Super Bowl appearances, winning one. He has 4 MVP awards. 11 Pro bowls. A record 6 straight, and 11 over all 4,000 yard passing seasons. For all we know he was also the team's Offensive Coordinator. Nobody studied the game more, and nobody had a better command of their offense than Manning. He's entire 14 year career had been with Indianapolis since being the 1st overall pick in the 1998 NFL draft. And just like that, everything changed.
Being out for the year with a neck injury had a bigger impact on the Colts than anyone could have imagined. The team went 2-14 locking up the number 1 pick in the upcoming draft, a draft loaded with talent at the Quarterback position. The Colts also found themselves above the salary cap, and needing to make some significant changes to begin the rebuilding process. Rather than pay Manning a $28 million bonus and his upcoming salary, they decided to release their super star and start anew with Andrew Luck (widely regarded as the best college prospect since Manning himself). So what is next for Manning? Assuming he is healthy, which all indicators are saying currently, what city and team will he call home next season?
Manning wore orange for 4 years as the QB for Tennessee in college, then traded that for the Indianapolis blue. I say, its time to come full circle and end his career wearing orange again. Peyton Manning should come to the Denver Broncos. Before we break down the reasons why this should happen, I know what you all are thinking, so lets squash a couple things first. Yes, this a clear homer article based off mainly selfish wants for the Broncos to be Super Bowl contenders again. Yes, it is true I was basically driving the Tebow bandwagon last season, and am not afraid to crash that wagon. Now that we've got that out of the way, this actually makes football sense, just hear me out.
At this point in Manning's career, he can't do it all by himself. He needs help from the rushing game. In 2006 when Indy won the Super Bowl they ranked 18th in rushing, and when they lost the big game in 2009 they were 32nd (that's last in the freaking league). In 2011, the Denver Broncos were 1st in this category, even when every defense in the league knew we had to run the ball because of Tebow's inefficiencies throwing the ball. Coach, John Fox has always loved to run the football, and this could provide the balance Manning needs to protect him for the first time in his career.
Along with the running game, Manning needs to be in a place with a good offensive line to protect him. For a right handed QB the most important position is Left Tackle, and the Broncos have a damn good one in Ryan Clady. Clady will be entering in his 4th season, already collecting 2 Pro Bowls. With Clady at the anchor Manning should be spending most of the season upright with limited sacks.
Sports in general have always had the saying that "Defense wins Championships." Denver has a dynamic duo of Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil rushing the passer, with perennial super star Champ Baily in the secondary. They are expecting Ty Warren to return to help up the middle, and can focus their draft on filling in some gaps in a much improved defense.
The AFC West is not power house division. Hell, the AFC as a whole was pretty wide open last season. With a balanced offense and continually improved defense, the Broncos would be favorites to win the AFC West again, and probably be able to clinch a bye in the playoffs, if not home field advantage throughout. By adding Manning, Tebow would likely be traded (your welcome Jacksonville) which only gives the Broncos more draft picks. If Manning is in Denver, with added draft picks, they have a great opportunity to add the right pieces to be a Championship contender right away.
Broncos Running Back, Willis McGahee was college teammates with Reggie Wayne at the University of Miami, and it is widely regarded that Wayne will follow Manning in free agency this offseason. Todd Helton, 1st baseman of the Colorado Rockies, was also Manning's football teammate at Tennessee as they were both QBs. Helton's injury in college actually gave Manning his first opportunity to play as a freshman. Helton and Manning remain close friends still, as do Wayne and McGahee. There are some great recruitment opportunities here. The best however may be another QB legend, John Elway. Elway and Manning have a great mutual respect, and Elway would love to bring in a QB of his own. Adding another Super Bowl ring would be historic for both of them. Do the right thing Peyton, come to Denver. Win another Super Bowl. Plus, you are the only one that wouldn't cause a riot by replacing Tim Tebow.
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