Why Peyton Manning and the Miami Dolphins Are a Match Made in NFL Heaven

Peyton Manning will be released by the Indianapolis Colts at a press conference tomorrow.  Once he is a free agent, Manning should sign with the Miami Dolphins because they have the strong offensive line, elite receiver, and playoff-caliber defense to make a Super Bowl run.

The Dolphins have an excellent offensive line.  Jake Long is the NFL's best left tackle, Mike Pouncey is a pro-bowl player at center and Richie Incognito and Vernon Carey make a good guard tandem.  That group would provide better protection than the Colt's line has in years and allow Manning to be very effective.

The Dolphins also have an elite receiver in Brandon Marshall. He has produced star numbers with an elite quarterback in Jay Cutler and could reproduce those stats with Manning.  Colts receiving star Reggie Wayne is also a free agent and would likely follow Manning to the Dolphins, so Manning would be playing with a better group of receivers than he has since Marvin Harrison retired.

Finally Miami also has the elite defense Manning needs to contend for a Super Bowl.  Last year's record reflects the offense's ineptitude (and particularly its deficiency at quarterback) much more than the team's strong defense.  

Cameron Wake and Karlos Dansby are elite play-makers at linebacker, Paul Soliai is a good nose tackle, and Vontae Davis is a great linebacker.  The team also has several emerging players, including cornerback Sean Smith, and could be an elite group if the offense can hold on to the ball. 

And don't forget: the team will have draft picks (including a top-5 pick) and free agency resources to make even more roster additions.  So, if the team adds Manning, Wayne and one or two more impact players, there is nothing stopping them from contending for a Super Bowl in 2012.

That makes Manning and the Dolphins a match made in NFL heaven!