Peyton Manning Rumors: Chiefs Smart to Consider Legendary Quarterback

Say what you what about Romeo Crennel, but the dude is definitely right about one thing.

The new head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs said yesterday that the Chiefs will look at pursuing Peyton Manning if he is indeed released by the Colts.

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“Well, I’m not supposed to talk about anybody else’s players,” Crennel said, referring to the league's tampering rules.“He’s still a player with Indianapolis. But with a talent like that, I would be crazy not to consider it if he were available. All right? I’ll leave it at that.”

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"Crazy" is exactly what I'd call the Chiefs if they didn't look to add the greatest quarterback I've ever witnessed. Yes, Manning has had multiple neck surgeries and early reports on his progress aren't overly encouraging. But Manning at 80 or 85 percent is still better than the Chiefs' current quarterback situation.

Last season, the Chiefs had the seventh-worst passing attack in the league, putting up a measly 192.5 passing yards per game.

Matt Cassel only played nine games, and he didn't exactly impress while he was healthy. He completed just 59.5 percent of his passes and almost had as many interceptions (nine) as touchdowns (10). He had just two games with multiple touchdowns and failed to throw for more than 261 yards in a contest. 

Tyler Palko didn't fare any better when he got his shot, throwing three interceptions in back-to-back games. And when Kyle Orton got some playing time, he did the usual Kyle Orton thing by protecting the ball, staying fairly efficient and boring the hell out of everybody.

The Chiefs need to build some excitement around their franchise, and bringing in Manning would certainly do that. More importantly, they need a quarterback who can lead them on their first deep playoff run since 1994, and Manning is capable of doing that as well.

The legendary quarterback is facing a arduous recovery period, but I refuse to believe that the four-time NFL MVP is finished. I'm expecting him to play, and play well, in 2012.

If the Chiefs are smart, he'll be doing it while wearing red and white.