Why Peyton Manning Could Accomplish What Kurt Warner Couldn't with Cardinals

With Wednesday's announcement that the Indianapolis Colts have released quarterback Peyton Manning after 14 seasons with the team, squads around the NFL are scrambling into their war rooms to explore the viability of procuring the services of the four-time MVP.

One of the front offices that is undoubtedly calling all hands is in Arizona, where the first salvos in the Peyton to Arizona battle have already been fired.

Indeed, the always-frank Darnell Dockett told the Arizona Republic that he's completely on board with the team making a run at Manning.

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We’re a team right now that is a few pieces away from getting back into that big game where we were a few years ago. His leadership, his qualities, his experience just at that quarterback position makes defenses scared. And when you have the best wide receiver on your side, two running backs, a few pieces here and there, you’re back on top of things. Not to knock any other quarterback on our team, but I just feel like Peyton Manning is a legend. I honestly don’t understand how the Indianapolis Colts would let a guy go like that but things happen. I’ve seen weirder things. I just think we have the perfect fit for him right here in Arizona.

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Cardinals players aren't the only ones being whipped into a frenzy by the possibility of Peyton Manning lining up under center in the desert next season. Arizona Republic's Bob McManaman agrees with the Arizona defensive end that general manager Rod Graves needs to get on the phone with all due haste.

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Clearing some salary cap room might be a bit of a problem, but it can and should be done posthaste. Now that [Manning] is an unrestricted free agent, it's time for the Bidwill family to make the bold move and sign Manning as quickly as possible. The Cardinals will immediately be hailed as Super Bowl contenders. They will be in the national spotlight continuously with Manning on board. The sellout streak to University of Phoenix Stadium will never be in doubt.

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The Cardinals are going to have to make a decision on how heavily to pursue Manning quickly, as quarterback Kevin Kolb is due a $7 million roster bonus on March 17. If Arizona has a realistic shot at landing Manning, they would likely jettison Kolb so fast he'd get whiplash, despite investing $63 million in the disappointing five-year veteran last year.

After a miserable start to last season, the Cardinals came on strong down the stretch to finish 2011 with an 8-8 record. With a decent defense and running game and one of the best wide receivers in the National Football League in Larry Fitzgerald, the Cardinals would certainly seem to have plenty to offer Manning on the field. Furthermore, head coach Ken Whisenhunt would almost certainly be willing to tailor the offense to suit Manning's strengths.

The Cardinals do have needs on the offensive line and at outside linebacker, but the team should be in a position to fill at least one of those holes with the 13th overall pick in April's NFL draft. Should wide receiver Reggie Wayne decide to follow Manning in a package deal, Arizona would suddenly boast one of the most formidable receiving duos in the NFL.

This is just one more log thrown on a firestorm of speculation that will only grow until Peyton Manning signs on the dotted line somewhere. However, should Manning find the idea of 300 days of sunshine a year appealing, he may just be able to accomplish the one thing that quarterback Kurt Warner wasn't able to during his tenure with the Redbirds.

That is, to lead the Arizona Cardinals to a victory in the Super Bowl.