I didn't think Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos would end up consummating their courtship. The two sides just don't fit. But even if they did, I never imagined Denver would give a 36 year old QB who missed all of last season and had neck surgery a 5-year $96 million deal. That's a big gamble. Supposedly the contract will have injury waiver clauses, and some of the money will only kick in after passing a physical each season, but Manning will get $18 million guaranteed this season regardless of playing time.
A 5-year deal on an aging player whose health is stil in question is quite a gamble for a young team full of potential who already has a QB that led them to an underdog playoff victory. I'm assuming the driving force in this decision is VP of Operations John Elway, who has yet to prove he knows how to run a team. Elway wants a pure passer in the lineup, not a run threat with questionable accuracy like Tim Tebow. Maybe Elway forgets that he was know to take off running from time to time too, and he himself struggled with accuracy early in his career. Honestly, Tebow and Elway are much more similar than either and Manning.
I still say the two sides don't really fit well together. Peyton isn't what Denver needs, and Denver isn't what Manning needs. I honestly don't see Manning doing very well playing there for several reasons: the altitude, the run first system, a diminished receiving core, an improving division, receivers who are now used to playing Tebow-style ball, a group of mediocre running backs, a domineering VP who used to play his position on that same team, etc. Manning really needed to step into a more established team, and Denver really needs a younger QB that Elway can mould into what he wants. I see the two egos clashing big time, as Elway struggles to realize it's not Peyton's team, and Manning struggles to make the offense his.
If Manning struggles at all, the hardcore Denver faithful, who bought 100% into Tebow Magic and bought up his jersey like it was going out of style, will turn on him like a pack of wild dogs. Just ask Kyle Orton. You'll see signs of "Bring Back Tebow" and even the slightly blasphemous "Tebow's Second Coming".
Manning is missing out on stepping into prefab Super Bowl favorite San Francisco, where he has the best chance to win a second ring. He's straying much further from home than Tennessee, where he already has tons of loyal fans. He's stepping into an organization that isn't quite ready for a Super Bowl run, and will have to completely change the offense that got them to the second round of the playoffs last season, taking a step backwards in the maturity of their young team. He's going to a team he has no ties to, and taking over a spot that was promised to a very popular and much younger QB, where he'll be lorded over by a Hall of Fame QB.
The Broncos reportedly will attempt to trade unseated QB Tim Tebow. Having no better option at QB, the Miami Dolphins would be wise to pony up whatever scant resources it would take to gain Tebow's services, giving their waning fanbase an exciting player to watch, and surely filling the seats with Florida Gators fans. If the Jacksonville Jaguars were smart, they'd take a page from the Denver Broncos' front office playbook, and trade for Tebow, despite already having a young QB they've committed to. Just as Manning is an obvious upgrade from Tebow other than in mobility and age, Tebow would be a huge improvement over Blaine Gabbert. Jacksonville has a new owner and a new head coach, and are desperate for an identity to draw in an uninterested fanbase. I'm not saying Tim Tebow is a guy you build your team around, but he's certainly an exciting player to draw in fans and stir up interest. Plus he's a hometown boy, who'll bring in the same fans who watched his high school and college glory.
People tend to think of Tebow as an 8-8 QB, but remember, Kyle Orton was 1-4 before Tim took over, making him 7-4 and 1-1 in the playoffs. Plus at 28.6%, Tebow had the highest redzone TD percentage of any QB in the past 2 seasons. Wherever Tebow ends up, he will add an exciting flare and late game heroics to the team that gets him, whether they use him as an every down QB or a special weapon.
Peyton Manning and Tim Tebow, a veteran gunslinger and a young sparkplug, are two NFL QB's at opposite ends of their careers, both facing a change of scenery. It'll be fun for us football fans to watch their 2012 seasons, in hopes they'll both dazzle us by continuing to add to their respective legends.
(Kudos to my friend Jarrod, who boldly predicted Manning would sign with Denver.)
©2012 Denim McDemus
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Sports Tidbits to Wet Your Appetite
VERY unproven free agent QB Matt Flynn signed with the Seattle Seahawks for a 3 year $26 mil deal. Everyone assumed he'd sign with Miami, but this is a good fit, since he can ease himself into an offense that has a great RB, FB, and O Line.
Disgruntled former-Niner and current free agent QB Alex Smith had a nice long visit with the QB needy Miami Dolphins. I'm sure the two sides enjoyed a nice pity party over both being spurned in the much more interesting Peyton Manning free agency saga. Maybe the two stood up parties will go to the prom together? After not even winning out on unproven QB Matt Flynn, the Dolphins are running out of options, and so is Alex Smith. If I were the Dolphins, I'd wait to see if Tim Tebow gets unseated by Manning. If I was Smith, I'd swallow my pride, admit Manning is a better QB, and wait and for San Fran to come calling if they don't land Peyton.
Apparently new Angels pitcher C.J. Wilson doesn't shy away from doing the taboo. He broke the first unwritten law of celebrities by posting former Texas Rangers teammate Mike Napoli's personal phone number on Twitter, reportedly over some trash talk between the two. The internet has mande sophomoric pranks a dangerous thing...
In injury news, Philadelphia Phillies All-Star second baseman Chase Utley left Phillies camp for the second straight Spring Training due to knee issues. This time he's going to go see a specialist. The team already has a huge void without injured superstar Ryan Howard.
New York Mets principle owners Fred Wilpon and Saul Latz will pay a $162 Million settlement to the victims of Bernie Madoff's ponzi scheme. Allegedly, they knew the investments were fraudulent, but stayed involved because they were making money hand over fist.
And in the fun world of hockey violence:
Winnipeg Jets defenseman Mark Stuart was fined $2,500 by the NHL on Saturday for Friday's hit on Washington forward Marcus Johansson.
Carolina Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner was suspended for 2 games without pay for kicking St. Louis Blues forward Scott Nichol.
Phoenix Coyotes forward Shane Doan was fined $2,500 for boarding Calgary Flames defenseman Mark Giordano Thursday.
The Philadelphia Flyers ended intrastate and divisional rival Pittsburg Penguins' 11-game win streak with a 3-2 victory Sunday.
And the Columbus Blue Jackets lost starting goalie Curtis Sanford to an apparent leg injury in the first period of Sunday's game.
©2012 Denim McDemus
Disgruntled former-Niner and current free agent QB Alex Smith had a nice long visit with the QB needy Miami Dolphins. I'm sure the two sides enjoyed a nice pity party over both being spurned in the much more interesting Peyton Manning free agency saga. Maybe the two stood up parties will go to the prom together? After not even winning out on unproven QB Matt Flynn, the Dolphins are running out of options, and so is Alex Smith. If I were the Dolphins, I'd wait to see if Tim Tebow gets unseated by Manning. If I was Smith, I'd swallow my pride, admit Manning is a better QB, and wait and for San Fran to come calling if they don't land Peyton.
Apparently new Angels pitcher C.J. Wilson doesn't shy away from doing the taboo. He broke the first unwritten law of celebrities by posting former Texas Rangers teammate Mike Napoli's personal phone number on Twitter, reportedly over some trash talk between the two. The internet has mande sophomoric pranks a dangerous thing...
In injury news, Philadelphia Phillies All-Star second baseman Chase Utley left Phillies camp for the second straight Spring Training due to knee issues. This time he's going to go see a specialist. The team already has a huge void without injured superstar Ryan Howard.
New York Mets principle owners Fred Wilpon and Saul Latz will pay a $162 Million settlement to the victims of Bernie Madoff's ponzi scheme. Allegedly, they knew the investments were fraudulent, but stayed involved because they were making money hand over fist.
And in the fun world of hockey violence:
Winnipeg Jets defenseman Mark Stuart was fined $2,500 by the NHL on Saturday for Friday's hit on Washington forward Marcus Johansson.
Carolina Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner was suspended for 2 games without pay for kicking St. Louis Blues forward Scott Nichol.
Phoenix Coyotes forward Shane Doan was fined $2,500 for boarding Calgary Flames defenseman Mark Giordano Thursday.
The Philadelphia Flyers ended intrastate and divisional rival Pittsburg Penguins' 11-game win streak with a 3-2 victory Sunday.
And the Columbus Blue Jackets lost starting goalie Curtis Sanford to an apparent leg injury in the first period of Sunday's game.
©2012 Denim McDemus
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Alex Smith's Ego is Bruised
Reportedly, QB Alex Smith is "unhappy" that "his team" is talking to Peyton Manning.
1. You're a free agent. You don't currently have a team. Your former team no longer has a starting QB.
2. Manning would be an upgrade from you in every way except age. He has the talent to take them over the hump you never will. If they can sign him, you have no value to them. It's in their best interest to try to improve their team.
Tim Tebow, the current starting QB of the Denver Broncos, has a right to gripe, Alex Smith does not.
©2012 Denim McDemus
1. You're a free agent. You don't currently have a team. Your former team no longer has a starting QB.
2. Manning would be an upgrade from you in every way except age. He has the talent to take them over the hump you never will. If they can sign him, you have no value to them. It's in their best interest to try to improve their team.
Tim Tebow, the current starting QB of the Denver Broncos, has a right to gripe, Alex Smith does not.
©2012 Denim McDemus
The Niners Have Upped The Ante
The San Francisco 49ers fell an overtime field goal shy of making Super Bowl XLVI. They tied for the second best record of the regular season at 13-3. They have an exciting coach, one of the best RB's in the game in Frank Gore, arguably the league's best TE in Vernon Davis, the league's best punter and kicker, and by far the league's best and most feared defense, one running backs have nightmares about. Even with no roster changes, they'd be a Super Bowl favorite for the upcoming season. But the Niners aren't content with just being one of several favorites. They apparently wish to be the undisputed favorite.
The only question marks on their roster were at QB and WR, where their lackluster talent was overshadowed by the skill of the rest of the team. San Fran seems intent of answering those two questions in a big way.
As I've said several times before, if the 49ers seriously pursue prized free agent QB Peyton Manning, they'd be the clear frontrunners. The star gunslinger has been upfront about wanting a second Super Bowl ring to match younger brother Eli. The Niners present the best chance to reach that goal right away. What better situation could there be for an aging star seeking one last shot at glory than stepping into a ready-made Super Bowl favorite? In San Francisco, he'd have Vernon Davis to throw to, Frank Gore to hand off to, and a defense and special teams that will always set him up with great field position. They also face no real challenge within their division. As the Saints and Packers proved, the other top tier NFC teams are vulnerable in the playoffs. And Niners fans are used to adoring Hall of Fame caliber QB's, and would surely embrace Payton Manning. Had the 49ers made no other moves, they'd be the clear favorite. But they didn't just sit still and await Peyton's decision, they upped the ante.
Gone is the question of who would Manning throw to when Vernon Davis is covered. The Niners upgraded their receiving squad by signing former All Pro Randy Moss, who would instantly return to at least a glimmer of his former glory with Peyton Manning throwing to him, and Super Bowl hero Mario Manningham, who would be starting on any team that doesn't have surprising star Victor Cruz. They're also courting free agent Brandon Lloyd. They still have WR Michael Crabtree, who'll thrive as a #2 or #3, and who'd be instantly improved by the addition of Manning. If the 49ers were trying to sweeten the deal for Manning, they succeeded abundantly.
So I ask you, if you were a star QB looking for one more shot at winning a second Super Bowl as soon as possible, where would you go? I'd go to the team that now excels in every area except QB. I'd go to the place where I'd be the last piece of the puzzle of becoming the definitive favorite team to go all the way.
Sure, Peyton could go re-live his college glory in Tennessee, but he's looking for NFL glory. The Titans aren't good enough to make the superbowl, or even win their division, not even with Manning under canter. It's still a possibility, and I'm sure that's where his heart is, and his family's first choice, but Manning wants to win now.
He could go to Denver and play for a team with good young receivers, a good offensive line, and a good defense, but Denver isn't as Super Bowl-ready as San Francisco.
Miami and Arizona have basically been ruled out.
If Peyton Manning follows his heart, he'll end up in a Titans uniform. If he follows logic and his drive to win, he'll sign with the San Francisco 49ers, making them the odds on favorite to win Super Bowl XLVII.
©2012 Denim McDemus
The only question marks on their roster were at QB and WR, where their lackluster talent was overshadowed by the skill of the rest of the team. San Fran seems intent of answering those two questions in a big way.
As I've said several times before, if the 49ers seriously pursue prized free agent QB Peyton Manning, they'd be the clear frontrunners. The star gunslinger has been upfront about wanting a second Super Bowl ring to match younger brother Eli. The Niners present the best chance to reach that goal right away. What better situation could there be for an aging star seeking one last shot at glory than stepping into a ready-made Super Bowl favorite? In San Francisco, he'd have Vernon Davis to throw to, Frank Gore to hand off to, and a defense and special teams that will always set him up with great field position. They also face no real challenge within their division. As the Saints and Packers proved, the other top tier NFC teams are vulnerable in the playoffs. And Niners fans are used to adoring Hall of Fame caliber QB's, and would surely embrace Payton Manning. Had the 49ers made no other moves, they'd be the clear favorite. But they didn't just sit still and await Peyton's decision, they upped the ante.
Gone is the question of who would Manning throw to when Vernon Davis is covered. The Niners upgraded their receiving squad by signing former All Pro Randy Moss, who would instantly return to at least a glimmer of his former glory with Peyton Manning throwing to him, and Super Bowl hero Mario Manningham, who would be starting on any team that doesn't have surprising star Victor Cruz. They're also courting free agent Brandon Lloyd. They still have WR Michael Crabtree, who'll thrive as a #2 or #3, and who'd be instantly improved by the addition of Manning. If the 49ers were trying to sweeten the deal for Manning, they succeeded abundantly.
So I ask you, if you were a star QB looking for one more shot at winning a second Super Bowl as soon as possible, where would you go? I'd go to the team that now excels in every area except QB. I'd go to the place where I'd be the last piece of the puzzle of becoming the definitive favorite team to go all the way.
Sure, Peyton could go re-live his college glory in Tennessee, but he's looking for NFL glory. The Titans aren't good enough to make the superbowl, or even win their division, not even with Manning under canter. It's still a possibility, and I'm sure that's where his heart is, and his family's first choice, but Manning wants to win now.
He could go to Denver and play for a team with good young receivers, a good offensive line, and a good defense, but Denver isn't as Super Bowl-ready as San Francisco.
Miami and Arizona have basically been ruled out.
If Peyton Manning follows his heart, he'll end up in a Titans uniform. If he follows logic and his drive to win, he'll sign with the San Francisco 49ers, making them the odds on favorite to win Super Bowl XLVII.
©2012 Denim McDemus
Friday, March 16, 2012
New Manning Development
Apparently the San Francisco 49ers are finally making a run at QB Peyton Manning. As I said in the March 12th blog, if they put in a decent effort, they're by far the favorites.
The Continuing Saga of Peyton Manning
Because the Denver Broncos are watching Peyton Manning work out today, a lot of people seem to think he'll sign with them. I disagree.
First of all, he's not "working out for them". He's just working out at Duke in NC where he's been working out, and they're going there to watch him. He's not going to them. He was actually at the Titans facility for 8 hours Wednesday.
I don't think Manning wants to go as far from home as Denver and play in Denver's high altitude this late in his career. He'd also have to win over a new fanbase, and deal with the controversy of ousting a very popular and much younger QB, who led Broncos to their first playoff victory in quite some time.
There's no doubt Denver is courting him hardcore, but I just don't think it's in either side's best interest to consumate the deal.
I still think Peyton Manning will end up in Tennessee to relive his college glory. He already has a huge fanbase in Tennessee, and is a southern boy through and through. Unless Indy came crawling back to Manning with their tail between their legs, I think he'll choose the Titans.
In a related note, Rick Reilly of ESPN.com in discussing what division Peyton Manning should play in says "Arizona -- even with you and your brother -- is not going to beat the 49ers." He is forgetting that Eli Manning ALREADY beat the 49ers... He also says that Tennessee could beat Houston for the division title if they had Manning. I highly doubt that. ESPN must just pick random people off the street to write for their site like Yahoo does.
©2012 Denim McDemus
First of all, he's not "working out for them". He's just working out at Duke in NC where he's been working out, and they're going there to watch him. He's not going to them. He was actually at the Titans facility for 8 hours Wednesday.
I don't think Manning wants to go as far from home as Denver and play in Denver's high altitude this late in his career. He'd also have to win over a new fanbase, and deal with the controversy of ousting a very popular and much younger QB, who led Broncos to their first playoff victory in quite some time.
There's no doubt Denver is courting him hardcore, but I just don't think it's in either side's best interest to consumate the deal.
I still think Peyton Manning will end up in Tennessee to relive his college glory. He already has a huge fanbase in Tennessee, and is a southern boy through and through. Unless Indy came crawling back to Manning with their tail between their legs, I think he'll choose the Titans.
In a related note, Rick Reilly of ESPN.com in discussing what division Peyton Manning should play in says "Arizona -- even with you and your brother -- is not going to beat the 49ers." He is forgetting that Eli Manning ALREADY beat the 49ers... He also says that Tennessee could beat Houston for the division title if they had Manning. I highly doubt that. ESPN must just pick random people off the street to write for their site like Yahoo does.
©2012 Denim McDemus
Monday, March 12, 2012
Top 13 Places Peyton Manning Should Go
The question on every NFL fan’s mind right now is: Where will superstar QB Peyton Manning end up playing the 2012 season? I present to you what I believe would be his 13 best options, after ruling out teams already having premier quarterbacks that we know for sure he’s not going to.
13. NFL Studios- No one is quite sure about Peyton’s health after a neck injury forced him to miss the entire 2011 season and he went through neck-fusion surgery. Perhaps the soon to be 36 year old should consider retiring, saving his body from receiving any more punishment, and spend his Sundays in a nice warn cushy TV studio? I know this isn’t the climax any sports fan wants at the end of this exciting sweepstakes, but maybe it’s the best option for Manning and his family?
12. Jacksonville Jaguars- Rookie QB Blaine Gabbert may have been the 10th overall pick in last year’s draft, but he looked awful in his first NFL season. Mike Thomas is a nice receiver, but that’s about where the roll call ends. HB Maurice Jones Drew is a stud, but could he and Manning co-exist, each used to being the focal point of the offense? Throw in a foot-in-mouth new owner, AFC South matchups against his former team and the powerhouse Houston Texans, and a stagnant fanbase, and Jacksonville doesn’t look like a very good option.
11. Seattle Seahawks- A receiving core of WR’s Sydney Rice, Mike Williams, Doug Baldwin, and Ben Obomanu, and TE Zack Miller is intriguing. If Tarvaris Jackson can make them look good, imagine what they could achieve with Manning at the helm. HB Marshawn Lynch is a beast and backup Justin Forsett isn’t too shabby either. Coach Pete Carroll would really allow Manning to air it out. But the competition in the NFC West is improving greatly. Facing the dominant Niners defense, the Sam Bradford-led Rams offense, and the Cardinals if they find a decent QB, doesn’t sound like a great way to come back from the rust of a season-long injury. Does anyone really want to play all the way up in Seattle?
10. Miami Dolphins- What could attract a near retirement athlete to sign with a team? Most likely family concerns. Peyton Manning already owns a home in the trendy paradise of Miami Beach. Brandon Marshall is a great WR and Davone Bess isn’t a bad #2. Reggie Bush is finally maturing into an NFL HB. I think Peyton’s competitive nature might actually like going head to head with playoff rival Tom Brady twice each regular season. The problem is, the Dolphins front office/ownership situation has been a mess for quite some time, and always seem to find a way to mess up in big negotiations.
9.New York Jets- Mark Sanchez is never going to be the guy who leads the Jets to much desired success. Rex Ryan is a passionate coach who wants to win almost as much as the Jet’s longsuffering fans. That passion was stoked even more with the Super Bowl win by their roommates the NY Giants. The defense is still pretty solid. The receiving core of WR’s Santonio Holmes, Plaxico Burress, and great TE Dustin Keller is so-so. Shonn Greene probably shouldn’t be the go-to guy in the running game. The main reason I don’t believe Manning will sign there is the atmosphere. Peyton’s not a fan of media scrutiny, yet he’d be under a microscope in high profile NY. Plus there’s the pressure to win now, without the necessary tools needed to achieve that goal. Plus playing in the same stadium as your kid brother who has one more ring than you wouldn’t ease off that pressure.
8. Tennessee Titans- Peyton Manning enjoyed huge celebrity while starring for the University of Tennessee. He’s still very highly regarded by football fans there. Titans owner Bud Adams has been vocal about wanting to sign Manning, wooing him with those same college memories. Chris Johnson is a stud running back. Kenny Britt, Nate Washinton, Damian Williams, and Jared Cook could potentially be an exciting group of receiving targets. The roster doesn’t have many other bright spots. And again, being in the AFC South would not be a great situation. The fans of his college days would love him for it, but it’s not a great fit for Manning.
7. Oakland Raiders- As far as I know, the Raiders aren’t looking for a QB, content with Carson Palmer for some reason. That being said, this would be a great place for Peyton Manning to sign. He’d have a fresh start out on the West Coast. He’d walk into a great situation, with an impressive young roster competing in a fairly mediocre division. San Diego are chronic underachievers and are watching their window for success fade away. Denver limped into the playoffs and won an impressive victory, before being handed a one-way ticket back to reality by Tom Brady and the Patriots. Kansas City is a joke. A Manning led Raiders team would dominate the AFC West. RB’s Darren McFadden and Michael Bush are spectacular. They have a cadre of speedy young receivers in Darrius Heyward-Bay, Denarius Moore, Jacoby Ford, and Louis Murphy. I think Peyton Manning would take this young team over the top, but I don’t think there’s any chance he ends up there.
6. Indianapolis Colts- Yes, I know the Colts officially released Peyton Manning, and their relationship with their franchise QB soured in the months leading up to it. But this is pro sports in 2012. The Colts could easily decide to offer Manning a reasonable, but not exorbitant contract, bringing him back to the team, stadium, teammates, and fans he has grown accustomed to, ending his career with the only NFL team he has ever suited up for. Andrew Luck hasn’t proved himself in the NFL yet, Peyton Manning has. I would not be shocked whatsoever if this happened. If the Colts ownership and front office made it look like they were humbling themselves in the public eye, I think Peyton would come back, rather than uproot himself and his family. There’s a reason he’s played there for as long as he has, and a reason he took the franchise tag last season. Change isn’t always good, especially not late in a career.
5. Atlanta Falcons- All having exciting players such as WR’s Roddy White and Julio Jones, dominate HB Michael Turner, and Hall of Fame bound TE Tony Gonzalez and 50 cents will get you is a cup of coffee if Matt Ryan is your quarterback. Ryan keeps proving he’s an adequate regular season QB, but is not the guy to get them out of the first round of the playoffs. Peyton Manning would certainly take the Falcons much further, but I haven’t heard anything about Atlanta seeking a new quarterback. Playing the Panthers and Bucs twice a year would be great, but who wants to compete for a division title with Drew Brees and the highflying Saints? Plus they might put more bounties on him.
4. Cincinnati Bengals- Andy Dalton had a good rookie season for the Bengals, and I think he’s a good QB. That being said, he’s not Peyton Manning, and never will be. I’m sure Cincinnati is planning on sticking with Dalton, but that’s the fun of the internet, we get to play with hypotheticals. Could you imagine Manning throwing to A.J. Green, Jerome Simpson, Jermaine Gresham, Andre Caldwell, etc, and handing the ball off to beastly Cedric Benson? The Bengals defense is very good as well. Peyton would have the best supporting cast he’d had in many years, if not ever. Cincinnati made the playoff without Manning. Imagine what they could do with him… I don’t see it happening, but I’d sure love to.
3. Arizona Cardinals- You saw the things Kurt Warner was able to do with the Cardinals, so a power QB can succeed in this offense. Larry Fitzgerald is one of the league’s best receivers, and when healthy, Beanie Wells is a great back. The defense isn’t what it used to be. The O-Line is still atrocious. There are the same divisional concerns as with Seattle, having to play the Rams and Niners, and I don’t think even Manning would make the Cardinals the favorite to win the division. I don’t see Manning ending up in Arizona. Kevin Kolb is not the answer for the Cards either, with John Skelton being the best in-house option, and someone like Matt Flynn more on their radar.
2. San Francisco 49ers- The San Francisco 49ers were one of the league’s best teams in 2011, but mostly because of their dominating defense and hardnosed running game. They made it to overtime of the NFC Championship with Alex Smith at QB. Could you imagine how great they’d be with Peyton Manning under center? This was Smith’s only good season statistically, and he’ll never be the guy to get them over the proverbial hump. This would be a great situation for Manning to step into. The defense and Frank Gone make the QB’s job easy. Vernon Davis is one of the best tight ends in the game. Manning would instantly make the Niner’s other receivers better, and maybe even bring back the explosiveness of just signed WR Randy Moss. The divisional concerns I mentioned about the NFC West wouldn’t really apply, since they are the main concern, and their defense can handle Sam Bradford. This would be Peyton’s second best chance at walking into a Super Bowl contender to win his second ring with.
1. Houston Texans- There has been no indication that Houston is looking for a new QB. The Texans were the second most dominate team of the regular season. They would have been one of the favorites to make the Super Bowl had QB Matt Schaub not gotten hurt. They performed admirably with rookie T.J. Yates filling in. All that being said, I refer to my previous argument, neither of those guys are Peyton Manning. With Manning under center, Houston would instantly go from being “a” Super Bowl favorite to “the” Super Bowl favorite. This is a young team with a lot of exciting players. HB Arian Foster is the best player in the league. Backup Ben Tate would be starting for almost any team that didn’t have Foster. Andre Johnson is the best WR in the game. Owen Daniels is one of the better tight ends in the league. They have the most improve defense in the league. Without Manning in Indy, the rest of the AFC South is putrid. With or without Manning on their team, Houston may not lose a game within their division for years to come. While many of the NFL’s other playoff teams are aging rapidly, the Houston Texans are a team on the rise, poised to take over the league. I don’t think Houston is looking to make a change at QB, but if they are, Peyton would be a fool not to answer the call.
Denver Broncos- Despite the opinions of a lot of so-called media experts, I don’t believe Manning will end up in Denver, and that's why I left them off my list. It would be a great fit for Manning. Denver has an excellent defense led by LB Von Miller. They have a speedy pair of young receivers in Eric Decker and Demarius Thomas, and Manning could make Eddie Royal relevant again. They have talented RB's in Willis McGahee, Lance Ball, and Knowshon Moreno, with the O-line to spring them. They have a loyal fanbase desperate for someone to finally fill the shoes of John Elway, and Elway himself running the team, desperate for the great passing game he once gave the team. But the team invested a lot into Tim Tebow, gave him the job, and allowed their fanbase to fall in love with Tebowmania. And Tebow did win them a playoff game. They’d be shooting themselves in the foot by replacing him. He may not be the best passer in the league, but his speedy young receivers make his passing better than it is, and his defense gives him a good shot every time. What Tebow has are intangibles, the magic that allows him to perform miraculous last second drives. He’ll never be as good a passer as Peyton Manning, but I don’t see Denver replacing him with Manning either. If they did though, I see Tebow resurfacing in either Miami or Jacksonville.
All that being said, where do I think highly sought after free agent QB Peyton Manning will end up for the 2012 season?
Peyton Manning will most likely end up in Miami, Arizona, Tennessee, or San Fran, with San Fran being the favorite if they decide to court him, and Tennessee if they don’t, unless of course the way is paved for him to return to Indy…
©2012 Denim McDemus
13. NFL Studios- No one is quite sure about Peyton’s health after a neck injury forced him to miss the entire 2011 season and he went through neck-fusion surgery. Perhaps the soon to be 36 year old should consider retiring, saving his body from receiving any more punishment, and spend his Sundays in a nice warn cushy TV studio? I know this isn’t the climax any sports fan wants at the end of this exciting sweepstakes, but maybe it’s the best option for Manning and his family?
12. Jacksonville Jaguars- Rookie QB Blaine Gabbert may have been the 10th overall pick in last year’s draft, but he looked awful in his first NFL season. Mike Thomas is a nice receiver, but that’s about where the roll call ends. HB Maurice Jones Drew is a stud, but could he and Manning co-exist, each used to being the focal point of the offense? Throw in a foot-in-mouth new owner, AFC South matchups against his former team and the powerhouse Houston Texans, and a stagnant fanbase, and Jacksonville doesn’t look like a very good option.
11. Seattle Seahawks- A receiving core of WR’s Sydney Rice, Mike Williams, Doug Baldwin, and Ben Obomanu, and TE Zack Miller is intriguing. If Tarvaris Jackson can make them look good, imagine what they could achieve with Manning at the helm. HB Marshawn Lynch is a beast and backup Justin Forsett isn’t too shabby either. Coach Pete Carroll would really allow Manning to air it out. But the competition in the NFC West is improving greatly. Facing the dominant Niners defense, the Sam Bradford-led Rams offense, and the Cardinals if they find a decent QB, doesn’t sound like a great way to come back from the rust of a season-long injury. Does anyone really want to play all the way up in Seattle?
10. Miami Dolphins- What could attract a near retirement athlete to sign with a team? Most likely family concerns. Peyton Manning already owns a home in the trendy paradise of Miami Beach. Brandon Marshall is a great WR and Davone Bess isn’t a bad #2. Reggie Bush is finally maturing into an NFL HB. I think Peyton’s competitive nature might actually like going head to head with playoff rival Tom Brady twice each regular season. The problem is, the Dolphins front office/ownership situation has been a mess for quite some time, and always seem to find a way to mess up in big negotiations.
9.New York Jets- Mark Sanchez is never going to be the guy who leads the Jets to much desired success. Rex Ryan is a passionate coach who wants to win almost as much as the Jet’s longsuffering fans. That passion was stoked even more with the Super Bowl win by their roommates the NY Giants. The defense is still pretty solid. The receiving core of WR’s Santonio Holmes, Plaxico Burress, and great TE Dustin Keller is so-so. Shonn Greene probably shouldn’t be the go-to guy in the running game. The main reason I don’t believe Manning will sign there is the atmosphere. Peyton’s not a fan of media scrutiny, yet he’d be under a microscope in high profile NY. Plus there’s the pressure to win now, without the necessary tools needed to achieve that goal. Plus playing in the same stadium as your kid brother who has one more ring than you wouldn’t ease off that pressure.
8. Tennessee Titans- Peyton Manning enjoyed huge celebrity while starring for the University of Tennessee. He’s still very highly regarded by football fans there. Titans owner Bud Adams has been vocal about wanting to sign Manning, wooing him with those same college memories. Chris Johnson is a stud running back. Kenny Britt, Nate Washinton, Damian Williams, and Jared Cook could potentially be an exciting group of receiving targets. The roster doesn’t have many other bright spots. And again, being in the AFC South would not be a great situation. The fans of his college days would love him for it, but it’s not a great fit for Manning.
7. Oakland Raiders- As far as I know, the Raiders aren’t looking for a QB, content with Carson Palmer for some reason. That being said, this would be a great place for Peyton Manning to sign. He’d have a fresh start out on the West Coast. He’d walk into a great situation, with an impressive young roster competing in a fairly mediocre division. San Diego are chronic underachievers and are watching their window for success fade away. Denver limped into the playoffs and won an impressive victory, before being handed a one-way ticket back to reality by Tom Brady and the Patriots. Kansas City is a joke. A Manning led Raiders team would dominate the AFC West. RB’s Darren McFadden and Michael Bush are spectacular. They have a cadre of speedy young receivers in Darrius Heyward-Bay, Denarius Moore, Jacoby Ford, and Louis Murphy. I think Peyton Manning would take this young team over the top, but I don’t think there’s any chance he ends up there.
6. Indianapolis Colts- Yes, I know the Colts officially released Peyton Manning, and their relationship with their franchise QB soured in the months leading up to it. But this is pro sports in 2012. The Colts could easily decide to offer Manning a reasonable, but not exorbitant contract, bringing him back to the team, stadium, teammates, and fans he has grown accustomed to, ending his career with the only NFL team he has ever suited up for. Andrew Luck hasn’t proved himself in the NFL yet, Peyton Manning has. I would not be shocked whatsoever if this happened. If the Colts ownership and front office made it look like they were humbling themselves in the public eye, I think Peyton would come back, rather than uproot himself and his family. There’s a reason he’s played there for as long as he has, and a reason he took the franchise tag last season. Change isn’t always good, especially not late in a career.
5. Atlanta Falcons- All having exciting players such as WR’s Roddy White and Julio Jones, dominate HB Michael Turner, and Hall of Fame bound TE Tony Gonzalez and 50 cents will get you is a cup of coffee if Matt Ryan is your quarterback. Ryan keeps proving he’s an adequate regular season QB, but is not the guy to get them out of the first round of the playoffs. Peyton Manning would certainly take the Falcons much further, but I haven’t heard anything about Atlanta seeking a new quarterback. Playing the Panthers and Bucs twice a year would be great, but who wants to compete for a division title with Drew Brees and the highflying Saints? Plus they might put more bounties on him.
4. Cincinnati Bengals- Andy Dalton had a good rookie season for the Bengals, and I think he’s a good QB. That being said, he’s not Peyton Manning, and never will be. I’m sure Cincinnati is planning on sticking with Dalton, but that’s the fun of the internet, we get to play with hypotheticals. Could you imagine Manning throwing to A.J. Green, Jerome Simpson, Jermaine Gresham, Andre Caldwell, etc, and handing the ball off to beastly Cedric Benson? The Bengals defense is very good as well. Peyton would have the best supporting cast he’d had in many years, if not ever. Cincinnati made the playoff without Manning. Imagine what they could do with him… I don’t see it happening, but I’d sure love to.
3. Arizona Cardinals- You saw the things Kurt Warner was able to do with the Cardinals, so a power QB can succeed in this offense. Larry Fitzgerald is one of the league’s best receivers, and when healthy, Beanie Wells is a great back. The defense isn’t what it used to be. The O-Line is still atrocious. There are the same divisional concerns as with Seattle, having to play the Rams and Niners, and I don’t think even Manning would make the Cardinals the favorite to win the division. I don’t see Manning ending up in Arizona. Kevin Kolb is not the answer for the Cards either, with John Skelton being the best in-house option, and someone like Matt Flynn more on their radar.
2. San Francisco 49ers- The San Francisco 49ers were one of the league’s best teams in 2011, but mostly because of their dominating defense and hardnosed running game. They made it to overtime of the NFC Championship with Alex Smith at QB. Could you imagine how great they’d be with Peyton Manning under center? This was Smith’s only good season statistically, and he’ll never be the guy to get them over the proverbial hump. This would be a great situation for Manning to step into. The defense and Frank Gone make the QB’s job easy. Vernon Davis is one of the best tight ends in the game. Manning would instantly make the Niner’s other receivers better, and maybe even bring back the explosiveness of just signed WR Randy Moss. The divisional concerns I mentioned about the NFC West wouldn’t really apply, since they are the main concern, and their defense can handle Sam Bradford. This would be Peyton’s second best chance at walking into a Super Bowl contender to win his second ring with.
1. Houston Texans- There has been no indication that Houston is looking for a new QB. The Texans were the second most dominate team of the regular season. They would have been one of the favorites to make the Super Bowl had QB Matt Schaub not gotten hurt. They performed admirably with rookie T.J. Yates filling in. All that being said, I refer to my previous argument, neither of those guys are Peyton Manning. With Manning under center, Houston would instantly go from being “a” Super Bowl favorite to “the” Super Bowl favorite. This is a young team with a lot of exciting players. HB Arian Foster is the best player in the league. Backup Ben Tate would be starting for almost any team that didn’t have Foster. Andre Johnson is the best WR in the game. Owen Daniels is one of the better tight ends in the league. They have the most improve defense in the league. Without Manning in Indy, the rest of the AFC South is putrid. With or without Manning on their team, Houston may not lose a game within their division for years to come. While many of the NFL’s other playoff teams are aging rapidly, the Houston Texans are a team on the rise, poised to take over the league. I don’t think Houston is looking to make a change at QB, but if they are, Peyton would be a fool not to answer the call.
Denver Broncos- Despite the opinions of a lot of so-called media experts, I don’t believe Manning will end up in Denver, and that's why I left them off my list. It would be a great fit for Manning. Denver has an excellent defense led by LB Von Miller. They have a speedy pair of young receivers in Eric Decker and Demarius Thomas, and Manning could make Eddie Royal relevant again. They have talented RB's in Willis McGahee, Lance Ball, and Knowshon Moreno, with the O-line to spring them. They have a loyal fanbase desperate for someone to finally fill the shoes of John Elway, and Elway himself running the team, desperate for the great passing game he once gave the team. But the team invested a lot into Tim Tebow, gave him the job, and allowed their fanbase to fall in love with Tebowmania. And Tebow did win them a playoff game. They’d be shooting themselves in the foot by replacing him. He may not be the best passer in the league, but his speedy young receivers make his passing better than it is, and his defense gives him a good shot every time. What Tebow has are intangibles, the magic that allows him to perform miraculous last second drives. He’ll never be as good a passer as Peyton Manning, but I don’t see Denver replacing him with Manning either. If they did though, I see Tebow resurfacing in either Miami or Jacksonville.
All that being said, where do I think highly sought after free agent QB Peyton Manning will end up for the 2012 season?
Peyton Manning will most likely end up in Miami, Arizona, Tennessee, or San Fran, with San Fran being the favorite if they decide to court him, and Tennessee if they don’t, unless of course the way is paved for him to return to Indy…
©2012 Denim McDemus
Let JoePa Rest In Peace...Please
It amazes me that even after Joe Paterno's death, people who ignore the facts of the case against Jerry Sandusky are still ignorantly bashing Paterno for another man's sins. It saddens me that so many people are blind media-fed sheep, who take on a lynch mob mentality at the very mention of certain crimes, stringing up even the innocent in the wake of their pitchfork and torches-carrying tar and featherings.
Today, after 4 months of backlash from students, alumni, fans, former players, anyone who actually read the PA Grand Jury Report, and anyone with common sense criticizing the cowardly Penn State Board of Trustees for firing longtime Head Football Coach Joe Paterno over the phone on November 9th, 2011, despite his being fully cleared of all legal wrongdoing by the State Attorney General, the self-preservation-minded board released a statement citing their reason for firing Paterno, "Lack of leadership".
By releasing this oddly timed press release instead of allowing the man to rest in peace, and allowing his family and friends to remember his legendary coaching career and even more legendary humanitarianism, the board has reignited the debate over Paterno's involvement on message boards, blogs, and social media sites the world over. Can we not let this issue rest? Hasn't enough been said already?
After a 46 year head coaching career in which Coach Paterno was known as a great leader, motivator, and mentor, showed class on the field and off, stressed fairness and academic achievement, and molded young men into future greatness in many fields beyond athletics, to call into question his leadership is a ridiculous smear campaign at best and a boldfaced lie at worst. To have expected a sports coach aged in his 80's to take the lead role in a criminal investigation is absurd. In this situation, how can the board accuse a man of "lack of leadership" who was: A. not in charge of the university or university security, B. barely still running his own team, C. no longer the accused's supervisor or even co-worker, and D. reported to his superior and the head of campus police what was reported to him?
Mike McQueary did NOT report sexual abuse to Paterno, but only a sketchy report of POSSIBLE "horseplay". McQueary didn't call it sexual abuse until he was interviewed by Tim Curley and Gary Schultz. And the very fact that McQueary was interviewed by the AD and Head of Campus Police about the alleged incident is BECAUSE Paterno reported it.
Do you tell your supervisor and the chief of police how to do their jobs? I doubt it. Would you follow up on a situation after being told it was investigated and no crime was committed? Nope.
This was an old man hearing a sketchy report from an intern about a former co-worker. He reported it. Those above him dropped the ball. Stop blaming the ONE person who did the right thing, just because he's the most famous name in firing range. Ever hear the term "scapegoat"? The board was being pressured by the fact-sensationalizing media to take action. Out of self-preservation and blame-skirting, they fed the most famous name they had to the ravenous media lions. Joe Paterno was sacrificed, because his sacrifice would make the biggest splash. The Penn State Board of Trustees distracted attention away from their lack of action about Sandusky, by taking the publicity-ensuring action of firing their legendary head coach. How can anyone trust these "Trustees"?
Child abuse is a horrible crime, and those responsible for perpetrating it and those turning a blind eye to it should be punished severely. Yet those people never seem to be mentioned in this story. People who report allegations, as Joe did, should be commended.
Defending Paterno has nothing to do with money, football wins, or university loyalties. It's about a man's career, reputation, life, and will to live, all being ruined over another man's mistakes. Joe Paterno was not a child molester, nor are his family and supporters, contrary to what can be read in a lot of people's online comments...
The questions that should be asked do not even involve Joe Paterno. Why didn't young athlete Mike McQueary physically stop an elderly man from molesting a child? Why is Tim Curley STILL employed by Penn State University and on PAID administrative leave? Why is the name Jerry Sandusky barely mentioned in the media when reporting on this scandal? Since the same Trustees who decided to fire Paterno were also in charge of hiring his replacement, did they have some personal or financial stake in those decisions?
The Penn State Board of Trustees' statement about Joe Paterno's "lack of leadership" is inaccurate. It is also unnecessary salt poured into not yet healed wounds. The man is dead. Whether his achievements in coaching, his humanitarianism, and his contributions to Penn State Univerisy mean anything to you or not, whether you agree that he did enough with Mike McQueary's allegation or not, whether you feel he should have been fired or not, please let Joe Paterno rest in peace, and allow his family to cherish his memory.
©2012 Denim McDemus
Today, after 4 months of backlash from students, alumni, fans, former players, anyone who actually read the PA Grand Jury Report, and anyone with common sense criticizing the cowardly Penn State Board of Trustees for firing longtime Head Football Coach Joe Paterno over the phone on November 9th, 2011, despite his being fully cleared of all legal wrongdoing by the State Attorney General, the self-preservation-minded board released a statement citing their reason for firing Paterno, "Lack of leadership".
By releasing this oddly timed press release instead of allowing the man to rest in peace, and allowing his family and friends to remember his legendary coaching career and even more legendary humanitarianism, the board has reignited the debate over Paterno's involvement on message boards, blogs, and social media sites the world over. Can we not let this issue rest? Hasn't enough been said already?
After a 46 year head coaching career in which Coach Paterno was known as a great leader, motivator, and mentor, showed class on the field and off, stressed fairness and academic achievement, and molded young men into future greatness in many fields beyond athletics, to call into question his leadership is a ridiculous smear campaign at best and a boldfaced lie at worst. To have expected a sports coach aged in his 80's to take the lead role in a criminal investigation is absurd. In this situation, how can the board accuse a man of "lack of leadership" who was: A. not in charge of the university or university security, B. barely still running his own team, C. no longer the accused's supervisor or even co-worker, and D. reported to his superior and the head of campus police what was reported to him?
Mike McQueary did NOT report sexual abuse to Paterno, but only a sketchy report of POSSIBLE "horseplay". McQueary didn't call it sexual abuse until he was interviewed by Tim Curley and Gary Schultz. And the very fact that McQueary was interviewed by the AD and Head of Campus Police about the alleged incident is BECAUSE Paterno reported it.
Do you tell your supervisor and the chief of police how to do their jobs? I doubt it. Would you follow up on a situation after being told it was investigated and no crime was committed? Nope.
This was an old man hearing a sketchy report from an intern about a former co-worker. He reported it. Those above him dropped the ball. Stop blaming the ONE person who did the right thing, just because he's the most famous name in firing range. Ever hear the term "scapegoat"? The board was being pressured by the fact-sensationalizing media to take action. Out of self-preservation and blame-skirting, they fed the most famous name they had to the ravenous media lions. Joe Paterno was sacrificed, because his sacrifice would make the biggest splash. The Penn State Board of Trustees distracted attention away from their lack of action about Sandusky, by taking the publicity-ensuring action of firing their legendary head coach. How can anyone trust these "Trustees"?
Child abuse is a horrible crime, and those responsible for perpetrating it and those turning a blind eye to it should be punished severely. Yet those people never seem to be mentioned in this story. People who report allegations, as Joe did, should be commended.
Defending Paterno has nothing to do with money, football wins, or university loyalties. It's about a man's career, reputation, life, and will to live, all being ruined over another man's mistakes. Joe Paterno was not a child molester, nor are his family and supporters, contrary to what can be read in a lot of people's online comments...
The questions that should be asked do not even involve Joe Paterno. Why didn't young athlete Mike McQueary physically stop an elderly man from molesting a child? Why is Tim Curley STILL employed by Penn State University and on PAID administrative leave? Why is the name Jerry Sandusky barely mentioned in the media when reporting on this scandal? Since the same Trustees who decided to fire Paterno were also in charge of hiring his replacement, did they have some personal or financial stake in those decisions?
The Penn State Board of Trustees' statement about Joe Paterno's "lack of leadership" is inaccurate. It is also unnecessary salt poured into not yet healed wounds. The man is dead. Whether his achievements in coaching, his humanitarianism, and his contributions to Penn State Univerisy mean anything to you or not, whether you agree that he did enough with Mike McQueary's allegation or not, whether you feel he should have been fired or not, please let Joe Paterno rest in peace, and allow his family to cherish his memory.
©2012 Denim McDemus
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