Peyton Manning is no longer an Indianapolis Colt. As Indy fans across the state are crying like Nancy Kerrigan, screaming “Whyyy!!!”, Peyton is cleaning his locker and heading out (assuming he even had anything in his locker after not playing all year). The news hit us this morning, with the feeling being hit on the head by an apple when standing under an apple tree – it was evident (not that I ever done that). Peyton wasn’t staying in Indy and even if you wanted to deny it, it was almost impossible ignore. It was the Joe Montana-Steve Young and Brett Favre-Aaron Rodgers scenario. Despite a Hall of Fame career in Indianapolis, speculation now begins as to where he will finish off his career. A decision must be made. As we are all excited, let’s keep in mind that Peyton Manning’s choice in the coming days, weeks and months will be just another decision. Not the decision. Just a decision. Take notes LeBron, this is how great athletes make free agent decisions.
Destinations:
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans were pulling people off the street to fill their injury plagued quarterback position last year. Why should it be any different this year? Pull another guy off the street, only this time it will be a legend. Matt Schaub is still considered to be a solid starter in the league – showing the ability to win games and put up gaudy statistics – but he is not the QB that Peyton is, zero questions asked. Schaub himself is already 30 years old and a 36 year-old Peyton for 3 years is much better than a good Schaub for 7. The Texans are a team on the rise, making the playoffs for the first time in history last season, and they won a game! Granted it was the Bengals, but a playoff win is a playoff win.
Allow me to be honest. Everyone wants to see healthy Peyton slinging it to healthy Andre.
San Francisco 49ers
Jim Harbaugh would be the only man that could be comparably close to as lucky as the Indianapolis Colts. He gets Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning. The new age Ray Lewis, i.e. Patrick Willis, led this defense to the tops of the league. They have a fantastic offensive line that could protect Peyton’s fragile elderly frame and his golden mind/arm. They run the ball enough to be balanced and we’ve seen Peyton’s success with a talented TE in Dallas Clark. He has another one similar in the Bay Area.
Allow me to be honest. Everyone wants to see if Vernon Davis would break all of Rob Gronkowski’s TE receiving records.
Arizona Cardinals
An intriguing notion is seeing Peyton in a situation like Arizona. Arizona was an irrelevant franchise before the arrival of their last former Super Bowl MVP quarterback, but upon signing Kurt Warner, they booked a trip to the Super Bowl. They could do it again with Manning. I know they just traded for Kolb, but I frankly don’t care. Kolb can still be the future, after Manning. The Cardinals gave a lot to bring in Kevin Kolb, but he didn’t stay on the field. Its no guarantee Peyton is staying healthy, so Kolb may get action anyways.
This was completely biased, because to be honest, I want Larry Fitzgerald to flourish. He has flourished with Triple A quarterbacks – if football had a Triple A – and with Manning he would hit mythical status. (Come to think of it, the quarterbacks he’s had have been closer to Double A quarterbacks.)
WHERE HE SHOULD GO…..
Baltimore Ravens
Move over Joey-boy, Peyton is coming to town. I don’t much care for the whole Flacco hate talk, but he’s not Peyton. Flacco over the course of his career hasn’t proven the ability to be elite in this league. He is a sufficient quarterback. Is sufficient enough? Super Bowls as of late have not been won with sufficient. Ray Lewis’ days are limited. Ed Reed’s days are limited. With the touches Ray Rice gets, he will not be able to perform at this level forever. The defense is aging. They only have a few more chances to again raise the Lombardi Trophy. Ray Lewis deserves the chance to have an elite player at the helm of the offense. Think, this team was 31 yards from making a trip to the Super Bowl.
Allow me to be honest. Everyone wants to see Ray and Peyton lead the Ravens into a Super Bowl.
Taking a twist from the Field of Dreams, If you sign him, a ring will come.
Troy ‘Bobo Manning” Klongerbo the III
I would like to see Ray Lewis get a championship before he retires...
ReplyDeleteHe should go to the Ravens, they are a definite threat.
With the 2 Icon leaders like Lewis and Manning both on the same team....
Then they could pick up Terrell Owens cheap and make a serious run.
With leaders like Manning and Lewis. TO would be completely in line, cause he wants to play and wants to win.
With their Defense and Peyton leading the offense..... watch out
If Manning went to the Ravens Flacco would be gone plain and simple.Then in 3 years or less the Ravens would be looking for another QB. After the QB hell that they have been through I would not do it If the Ravens had no QB like before then you do it not now.
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