NFL Free Agency: Peyton Manning Is Great for Denver, but Is It Great for Peyton?

Peyton Manning leaving Indianapolis after 14 seasons wasn’t a surprise. In fact, 10 games into the 2011 season it became much clearer. If the Colts could secure the No. 1 overall pick, they were moving on from Manning.

Two weeks ago, owner Jim Irsay made it official. He was releasing Manning. Now think about this for a second; Peyton Manning is a free agent.

Future Hall of Famers who can still play are often never released. Jerry Rice is a notable exception. Rice went on to play for three more teams, but he was very good in Oakland after his release from the 49ers.

No one is sure how much more Manning can actually play, or how well. The three teams (49ers, Broncos, Titans) who have seen him throw were willing to pay him lots of money to be their quarterback. So, apparently there is little concern about his arm strength after four neck procedures.

Manning, who will be 36 when the season begins, was still very much on top of his game in 2010. Manning threw for 4,700 yards and 33 touchdowns. However, he did throw 17 interceptions, his most since 2002. Keep in mind; the talent around Manning had eroded in recent years.

It is amazing to say that a healthy Manning could have made the difference between two wins and 10 wins. He meant that much to the Colts. His presence hid many of the Colts’ weaknesses in recent seasons.

The defense was even built around Manning. The Colts employed a defensive scheme built around speed. The goal was to give the defense a lead and have them put as much pressure as possible on the opposing quarterback. And it worked well for many years.

When the Colts released Manning two weeks ago, it was a bit surprising he was so drawn to Denver. Legendary Broncos’ quarterback John Elway, now the top executive for the team, could sell Manning on how possible it would be to win a Super Bowl late in his career, like Elway did. 

On Monday, Manning informed Elway he was choosing the Broncos.

The Broncos are coming off an 8-8 season in which they won the AFC West. The Broncos also surprised perennial AFC power Pittsburgh in the wild-card round of the playoffs. However, the team’s many weaknesses were exposed against New England in the divisional round.

If Manning really wants to win another Super Bowl, and of course he does, why does he feel Denver gives him the best chance?

The Broncos had the No. 1 overall rushing offense in the NFL in 2011. Much of that was due in part to quarterback Tim Tebow. The team changed their offensive scheme completely in order to suit Tebow’s talents.

But, can the Broncos repeat that success in 2012 without Tebow?

Veteran running back Willis McGahee had a career renaissance in 2011. In his ninth NFL season, McGahee rushed for 1,199 yards.

Knowshon Moreno was expected to be the Broncos’ feature back, but injuries and underachieving have defined his three-year career thus far.

The Broncos do have an excellent offensive line led by young left tackle, Ryan Clady.

Even though the proficiency of their running attack was due in part to the scheme, there is enough talent to convince Manning the team can and will run the ball.

And, about the Broncos passing offense in 2011, they were 31^st overall in the NFL.

Tebow’s lack of throwing ability was the main reason for Denver’s inability to field a strong passing offense. But, with Tebow at quarterback, the Broncos rebounded from a 1-4 start to finish 8-8 and win the division.

The Broncos don’t lack talent at the wide receiver position. Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, both entering their third seasons in the NFL, possess enormous talent.

Decker, a third-round pick in 2010, caught 44 passes and eight touchdowns in 2011. Those were outstanding numbers considering the team’s inability to throw the ball.

Thomas, a first-round pick in 2010, has the kind of athletic ability rarely seen in a wide receiver. He fought numerous injuries in his first two years, but came on late in 2011. He finished 2011 with 32 receptions and three touchdowns. His 80-yard touchdown catch-and-run in the playoffs against Pittsburgh showed Thomas’ tremendous ability.

Denver’s defense, described by many as the main reason Peyton would want to play in Denver, is not as good as advertised. Sure, they possess outstanding pass-rushers in Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil, but the team finished 20^th overall in defense in 2011.

Denver finished 18^th in the NFL against the pass and 22^nd versus the run.

Are those statistics indicative of a great defense?

Both Denver’s starting cornerbacks, future Hall of Famer Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman, will be 34 when the 2012 season begins. There are question marks at both safety positions as well.

Miller and Dumervil are incredible players. And in Miller’s case, getting better. But, the Broncos will need to fill a lot of holes on defense. Denver is also replacing coordinator Dennis Allen who left to become the head coach of the Oakland Raiders. Having John Fox, a great defensive mind as head coach, is a plus for the Broncos.

The Broncos had an incredible stretch in 2011, at one time winning six straight games. But, in that winning streak they did not beat one team with a winning record. However, that winning streak was enough to propel the Broncos to the AFC West title.

Offensively, Manning has to be intrigued playing with one of the league’s better offensive lines. Two young wide receivers like Decker and Thomas and a strong running game are good reasons for Manning to come to Denver.

Was this Manning’s best chance at winning? Sure, the division is suspect and there are some good pieces in place. But, it could be argued that Tennessee, Arizona and in particular, San Francisco, would have been better options.

This is a great deal for Denver. John Elway will successfully have removed “Tebowmania” from Denver. No other quarterback Elway could have acquired would have made Denver fans forget about Tebow. Manning will.

Will some of Manning’s former teammates in Indianapolis follow him to Denver? Jeff Saturday, Dallas Clark, and Brandon Stokley among others, are all available.

Peyton Manning and Denver will be the story of the 2012 season. It will be interesting to see how Peyton adapts to a new team; and more importantly, how they adapt to him.