Manning to Broncos a slippery slope for NFL

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Author: Jack McHenry (Sports Columnist)

For a moment, it looked like the NFC West was going to be the most exciting division in football. Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn, Sam Bradford, and Kevin Kolb were going to make up a fascinating, though varied, collection of quarterbacks with something to prove. No division in the NFL would be able to match the NFC West in that respect. Manning was about to put the San Francisco 49ers over the top as a Super Bowl contender and make them the best team in football’s newly crowned power division. But on March 20, Manning agreed to a five year contract with the Denver Broncos worth up to $96 million, although there is a clause that gives the Broncos some financial leeway if Manning were to have health problems related to his already injured neck. This move instantly altered the fate not only of the Broncos but also of multiple teams in multiple divisions. Undeniably, it will impact the entire NFL.

 

The Niners

On the topic of satisfying the quarterback position, the San Francisco 49ers have put their starter Alex Smith in a perplexing situation. Last season was a coming out party for Smith, and he seemed to finally win over the organization and San Francisco fan base as a legitimate starting quarterback. But when Manning became a free agent, it looked like he was going to become a 49er. San Francisco had a breakout season led by their staunch defense and efficient offense in 2011-2012. With Manning, as well as Randy Moss coming out of retirement, the 49ers looked poised to make the jump to serious Super Bowl contender. There was a great offense in place for Manning to manipulate and a defense to lean on as well. But Manning chose Denver, and now Alex Smith, who accepted his fate as second to Manning and likely free agent, was suddenly welcomed back with open arms to the 49ers. This has to play into Smith’s confidence since his team stands by his talents. However, as the season wears on, it is unlikely that Smith will believe the 49ers are behind him one hundred percent. Will he feel like the number one guy that led the 49ers to a 13-3 record? This will be perhaps the most interesting subplot in the NFL this season. Can a team replicate its success with a quarterback that feels betrayed? I think not.

 

The Colts

It was clear that when Manning was unable to return from his neck surgery the Colts were going to employ the “Suck for Luck” strategy. And while it was a given the Colts would draft Andrew Luck, many thought Manning would stick around and mentor the rookie out of Stanford and pass the torch to him a couple years down the road. Instead, Luck will most likely have to be the play caller from day one. While his talent, skills and knowledge of the game make Luck a unique prospect, stepping in as starting quarterback in the NFL as a rookie is not an easy task even for the most talented of players. While Luck will be a great player, his first year or two with a struggling Colts team will be painful and difficult.

 

The Jets

With Tim Tebow out of a starting job, many assumed one of the Florida teams, Jacksonville in particular, would make a run at Tebow. Rex Ryan and the Jets have proven over the last few years to be anything but predictable, but their decision to sign Tebow was a real head scratcher. Mark Sanchez has struggled to develop into a dependable starter in the Jets’ defense-first organization. This would typically prompt one of two responses: rally behind Sanchez, show confidence in his abilities (which he has demonstrated, if not inconsistently, in the past), and continue to have him be a starter, or bring in a new quarterback that is qualified to compete for the starting job. The Jets opted for the nonexistent third option and picked up Tebow, who pulled off miraculous wins in Denver despite his frequent inability to complete a routine 12 yard pass. Rex Ryan told reporters that Sanchez would continue to be the starter, but the Jets would install certain offensive looks for Tebow. Fundamentally, this does not satisfy the needs of either quarterback. Sanchez feels betrayed by his own organization, and Tebow is denied a true starting job like the one he earned in Denver. This is was ultimately a poorly executed move for the Jets.

 

The Broncos

The Broncos proved victorious in the courtship of Manning, but future victory is far from assured. While the Broncos have a solid defense, their offense is unproven and relies greatly on miracle plays to close out games. Manning will be able to take advantage of talented receivers Eric Decker and Demaryias Thomas, but the offense will need to acquire a good pass catching tight end and a versatile running back that can make catches out of the backfield. Both of these offensive elements were staples for Manning in Indianapolis. If Denver wants to succeed, they will need to make these offensive acquisitions, as well as have some Tebow-esque faith that Mannning’s neck holds up. Denver definitely improved their franchise, but in year one Manning will not lead them past the second round of the playoffs.

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