Out of nowhere, the Denver Broncos have become major contenders for now former Colts Quarterback Peyton Manning. This calls into question Denver’s entire philosophy, a philosophy that allowed the team to get to the Playoffs. However going from and errant, but surprisingly devastating passer in Tim Tebow to the precision of 4 time MVP Peyton Manning would represent a major upgrade. This article will look into the philosophy change that Denver would have to go through in order to accommodate Peyton Manning and in addition discuss the feasibility of this move.
2011 Denver
2011 Denver was built on running the ball and elite defense with a little big play passing thrown in. Denver won a lot of games with this simple formula. They didn’t make Tim Tebow throw 30-40 passes a game, but they had him carry the rock with carry totals higher than many NFL running backs. If Peyton Manning came into Denver there are a few questions and concerns people will have about how this team will work.
Denver doesn’t have the elite pass catchers Peyton manning will need for a high powered offense.
Wrong. Denver does have a surprisingly high powered group, but they never get used because Denver has had the likes of Orton and Tebow passing to them. Demariyus Thomas is a future star as indicated by his late season surge. Imagine what he could be with Peyton Manning behind center. Also, since when does Peyton Manning need elite talent? Look at the Colts’ wideouts this year. Tell me Peyton Manning didn’t make them look better than they proved to be. Plus, Peyton and Reggie Wayne would likely be a package deal. Throw in a rehabbing Knowshon Moreno who has solid pass catching ability and recent cap casualty Dallas Clark who could represent, at the very least, fill the roster spot of recently suspended tight end Virgil Greene. At that point look out because you have a VERY promising receiver corps in Thomas, Wayne, Clark, and Moreno.
John Fox has always relied on running the ball
This is true. Fox in Carolina turned away opportunities to acquire elite QB talent and forced Panther fans to endure a few too many years of Jake Delhomme. However, do you know the main reason John Fox implements offenses that rush to the point of excess? He is a defensive coach. Running the ball eats clock and keeps defenses fresh. Fox’s playoff teams have all had borderline elite defenses that shutdown opponents allowing the rushing attack to pound away at opposing defenses until they break. Having an elite QB under center would mean John Fox would have to change offensive philosophies, but quite frankly being able to put up 28+ points offensively would be a fresh change from his offenses, like Denver’s last year, that put up 10+. John Fox could let his defense on the field a little longer knowing Manning would be on the field soon capable of quick strike retaliation. The presence of Manning also makes the opposing offense feel the pressure to keep up reducing the burden on the defense. I would like to close this point mentioning that even if John Fox wants to run the ball a little more than Peyton may be used to, for a rehabbing QB that is not a bad thing whatsoever.
Why trade away a playoff QB for an injured Peyton Manning?
The Denver Broncos made it the playoffs with little to no passing game. The Denver defense carried this team through on multiple occasions. That defense will not have changed and if anything can get reloaded and improved with another offseason under John Fox. Tebow is not what got Denver to the playoffs, they got their in spite of Tebow. Peyton Manning is said to be well on the path to full recovery. If true, Denver has an offensive line capable of keeping him protected and a defense to take this team far. With Tim Tebow, Denver has a playoff team….with Peyton Manning…Denver could have a Super Bowl team. Thus, Manning would bring significant offensive philosophy changes, but those changes ultimately would not alter the course for a team that saw success come from an elite defense. Hence, those games that Denver couldn’t keep up offensively are altered considerably with Manning behind center and that represents a definitive upgrade.
Will Manning actually become a Bronco?
That is tough to say. The Redskins are obviously out given their recent acquisition of the 2nd Overall, but Miami and Arizona constitute two teams that Manning would likely go to. Denver plays in a cold weather, outdoor stadium at a higher altitude. These are all turnoffs to a QB trying to stay healthy after a nasty neck injury. Miami represents a warm weather town, but it is also a media circus and has Tom Brady and blitz happy Rex Ryan. I can’t imagine Miami is the most ideal location, but it does have Brandon Marshall to throw to.
Arizona plays in warm weather and a dome, much more suited to Peyton’s talents. Plus, Arizona has Larry Fitzgerald who, no offense to Demaryius Thomas, presents much better receiver talent than Denver offers. Also the competition in the form of Seattle and a rebuilding St. Louis would mean only San Fran stands in Manning’s road to the playoffs. Subsequently, my money is on Peyton choosing Arizona ultimately. Keeping Miami and Denver on the hook allows Manning to get the best offer possible from Arizona. This article may seem like a waste of time if I am making this pick, but this article’s purpose was not to argue why Manning will be a Bronco. Rather, this article involved laying out the argument that Manning would fit in at Denver and make them a Super Bowl contending team. For the reasons I have provided Peyton Manning would make an excellent Broncos team much better. So, if this does happen, what happens to the man on the right?
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