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... Of a hall of fame quarterback to the Denver Broncos... decipher that as you see fit ;)In case you haven't heard loyal reader, Peyton Manning has decided to continue his career with the Denver Broncos. I have a lot of mixed feeling about it, but overall, I like the acquisition. Looking forward to this season even more now.
So let's talk what the acquisition means, and let's start with the Broncos team and organization. Like I mentioned in my previous post, Manning is a class act on and off the field. He gives the defense time to recover and rest when he has the offense on the field, makes the offense smarter with play calling and decision making, and makes the coaches job easier and let's the coaches focus elsewhere. Where I come from, those are all wins. One of the biggest perks of Manning vs. Tim Tebow is his experience and leadership... things every team needs. I know there are questions about his health and if this is a big risk, and the truth is, it is a risk... just like any other player in the NFL. No one likes it, but injuries are part of the game. Look at Elvis Dumervil. Awesome season, awesome health, then goes out the whole season very early in the (pre) season due to a practice drill. And, like Peyton, Elvis came back and preformed well (had a little more help on the line with Von Miller, so his numbers were down, but still played great). The doctors from all the teams interested said Peyton passed their physical, and he's still recovering everyday. Plus, if he didn't think he could play, do you think he would? Guy has enough money and is already going to be in the hall of fame...
Speaking of Tebow, I applaud him like I have a good chunk of the time he's been in Denver. Even with speculation of signing Manning, he didn't cry and wine and want to be traded like another quarterback (who's name starts with J and ends in Cutler). He's been quiet and letting things happen (and I like to think he's been growing and learning). If it were up to me, Tebow would stay on the team and learn from the future and current hall of famers (to become a hall of famer himself), but we'll see what happens. Aaron Rodgers and Cry Baby Phillip Rivers are good examples of QBs ridding the bench and learning from HOF QBs (Brett Farve and Drew Brees, respectively). With that said, it looks like Tebow will be traded. This disappoints me, but from a business perspective, it makes sense. Tim Tebow's trade value may never be higher, especially if he's riding the bench... The Broncos also owe it to Tebow to let him find a team that will play him, since it appears Elway never loved the guy. I have to wonder who will back up Manning though, since I feel like an injury is possible (as mentioned above)... 
It's hard to believe the circus of signing Manning was only 12 days long (he was officially released from the Colts on the 7th of March)... And even though it only took 12 days, it seemed much, MUCH longer. I felt the decision was holding the Broncos hostage. I would have been FURIOUS had Peyton decided on a different team. I do feel for the Titans who also went in pretty deep, changing their Free Agency strategy. I don't feel much for the 49ers who already have a stellar team (and now might be losing Alex Smith due to their interest in PM). The Dolphins just dug themselves into a hole (wonder if they are now happy they passed on Kyle Orton), and the Cardinals were just in the wrong position (and conference) at the wrong time. It'll be interested to see how Free Agency falls out from this point forward for the entire NFL, in addition to the draft (and the Tebow trade?) and what former Colts make their way to Denver (i.e. Saturday, Clark, and Stokley, among others).
As I mentioned, I do like the signing. Like anything, there are pros and cons. I think the pros are more obvious and I've mentioned those previously, so what are the cons? Well, the cost for one. Someone wooed excessively will never come cheap. The Broncos have the cap space and the money, but should they have pursued multiple defensive players instead? Was this a good use of money for the Broncos? Personally, I think so. Like I said, Peyton keeps the offense on the field longer and helps the defense rest and be fresh when they take the field. Another con could be the timing Peyton have left. He turns 36 on Saturday, so what? Three, four years? Then what? Tebow's young and could be groomed, but I'm starting to think the organization doesn't have much faith in Tim developing into what they want... To go with that, who can back up Manning? I hope Denver has a plan, because people get hurt... Finally, what about the supporting cast? If it's tailored to Peyton, will the team gel around his back up and successor? We saw how that has gone for the Indianapolis Colts... Hope Elway and co. have that in the back of their minds...So, overall, I am really excited to have Manning on board as a Bronco. I'll be sad to see Tebow go, but it could be what's best for all parties involved. There are risks, but "risk is the sweetener of life, so indulge" (anonomous)... Here we go, Bronco Country!
