Peyton Manning Makes Foolish Choice by Choosing Denver Broncos

After much speculation about what he would do, Peyton Manning has decided to join the Denver Broncos. According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, Manning has opened negotiations with the team already. 

"

Manning to Broncos...more coming on Espn

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 19, 2012"

It is no surprise that the Broncos have landed Manning, because they were one of the favorites to land him. The problem is, Manning doesn't fit with the Broncos. 

Manning is not going to be the player he was before. He is 36 years old, coming off four neck surgeries in the last two years and the weapons around him in Denver are nothing like what he had in Indianapolis. 

Demaryius Thomas is an emerging weapon on the outside for the Broncos, but beyond that there is not a lot to be excited about with this offense. 

Eric Decker is a good possession receiver. Eddie Royal is gone. They don't have a tight end, which is a weapon that Manning loved during his time in Indianapolis.

Perhaps the Broncos go after Dallas Clark with Manning in tow, but who knows what he is going to do? He is going to be 33 years old and has played in just 17 games the last two years. 

Manning needs an offensive line capable of blocking for him. According to Pro Football Outsiders rankings, the Broncos finished 29th in the NFL in adjusted sack rate last season. 

If you want to say that was because Tebow held the ball for so long, that's fine. But he also saved a bunch of sacks with his ability to scramble, which is something Manning can't do. 

Of the three teams mentioned for Manning, the Broncos were always the worst fit. They didn't have enough players surrounding him to help him succeed. He needed to go to an established team that he could put over the edge—like San Francisco. 

Even Tennessee would have been a better fit, because the Titans have a good offensive nucleus without a good starting quarterback. 

The Broncos are going to be the talk of the NFL for making this move, but it is the wrong move at the wrong time for Manning. 

Follow @adamwells1985