Peyton Manning Rumors: Tennessee Titans Would Win AFC South with Manning

Peyton Manning is the missing piece that puts the Tennessee Titans back in contention to win the AFC South over the Houston Texans.

According to the latest report by The Tennessean, Titans owner Bud Adams has thrown his name into the hat of potential suitors who hope to land Manning for 2012. 

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"He is the man I want. Period," Adams said. "And the people that work for me understand that. They know who I want. I want Mr. Manning with the Titans and I will be disappointed if it doesn’t happen."

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This goes against an earlier report from Titans general manager Ruston Webster, who said he was happy with Matt Hasselbeck and Jake Locker and wasn't interested in pursuing Manning.

Last year, with Hasselbeck at the helm, the Titans finished the year with a record of 9-7 and just missed the playoffs. You have to believe they would have a chance to better that record in 2012 with Manning under center. 

The Titans have a few pieces in place that could be enticing to Manning. 

Kenny Britt, Lavelle Hawkins, Damian Williams and Nate Washington are solid options at the wide receiver position, and Jared Cook is a good pass-catching tight end.

We all know how Manning has a tendency to make receivers look even better than they are, too, and I would expect the entire receiving corps to improve under his leadership and guidance.

Michael Roos is one of the best left tackles in the league and our own Matt Miller recently ranked Roos as his fourth-best left tackle in the NFL. Manning will appreciate the protection.

Also, with Manning stretching the defense all over the field with the passing game, Chris Johnson is sure to have an easier time of things. Safeties will have to play honest against the possibility of getting beat deep and CJ2K should return to his old form against seven in the box.

Combined with the eighth-ranked scoring defense in football, the Titans should be able to overtake the Houston Texans as the best team in the AFC South. 

Oh, and as a an added bonus to entice Manning, he would have the opportunity to wipe the floor with the Indianapolis Colts twice a year.

Sounds like a win-win to me.

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