Peyton Manning Would Send San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl

Peyton Manning would guarantee a San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl.

It isn’t a matter of if.  A future Hall of Fame quarterback complementing such an elite defense would without a doubt form an unstoppable force that’d lock up the 2013 NFL championship.

According to Matt Maiocco of Comcast SportsNet, though, San Francisco doesn’t want to win.  Minutes after Manning was officially released by the Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday, Maiocco tweeted:

"

49ers have a contract offer "on the table" to QB Alex Smith and have no interest in signing Peyton Manning. bit.ly/wPsktJ

— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) March 7, 2012"

What a shame.  Apparently, the 49ers like a challenge.

Alex Smith performed better than anyone could’ve asked last year.  He went from being a hopeless bust to a capable starting quarterback over the course of a single offseason.  Just because Smith proved himself, though, doesn’t mean the 49ers shouldn’t take advantage of a golden opportunity to improve.

And no one in their right mind is arguing that Manning wouldn’t be a significant upgrade under center.

Smith’s heroics in the divisional round against the New Orleans Saints were legendary.  He threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns, outdueling the All-World Drew Brees. 

In the NFC Championship Game, though, Smith wasn’t nearly as effective.

San Francisco’s defense held the scorching New York Giants offensive attack to just 17 points in regulation, but the 49ers offense, and Kyle Williams, failed to equal Patrick Willis and company’s efforts.  Smith went just 12-of-26 for 196 yards in the game, and while he tossed two TDs, his inconsistency is what held them back.

Manning is one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever grace the planet.  Smith will never make the Pro Bowl.  The decision to pursue Peyton is the easiest the 49ers front office has ever had the opportunity to make.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels