I didn't intend on blogging today. I also didn't think we'd get the most anticipated decision since...well.."the Decision". But, here we are, and from all accounts (Mort and Schefter) Peyton has decided on the broncos. Now, as a Raider fan...let me fix that, as a DIE HARD, bleed Silver and Black Raider fan, this pains me! Anybody of any consequence going to 'the enemy' is a bad thing for me. The broncos going out and convincing what's being called the 'greatest free agent in the NFL ever' for their starting QB position is amazing.
Tebow-mania took the NFL by storm last year. My personal opinion of Tebow is he's a great leader, hard worker and determination like no other. Those skills/attributes alone will get you far in any given profession. However in pro football, you still have to have those other skills if you want to be successful as a QB. Not if you want to play in the league, or stay in the league, but if you want to be successfull. The broncos (if the reports are true) intend on trading Tebow once Manning signs. That alone says volumes about what they think of his potential in developing into a successfull NFL QB.
Tebow counts for less than 2 million/yr. Who better to learn the position from than Peyton--if they thought he could develop. By signing "the biggest FA ever" it softens the blow for die hard bronco fans who drink the Tebow Kool Aid. Smart move on their part--if they're right about Peyton and Tebow.
Peyton isn't a guarantee. Consider he had 4 neck surgeries that kept him out all year. He's going to be playing in a cold weather stadium wtihout a dome. The offensive line for denver is young and suspect. Running game is inconsistent and the WR are young and thin for depth. Reggie Wayne, Garcon, Gonzales are signed with other teams. Dallas Clark is still available and likely will sign with them--I'm guessing. denver's defense is stout--no question. HOWEVA (in my Stephen A Smith voice) denver's DC is now our Head Coach. So that comes with some change as well. So denver signs Peyton, trades Tebow, what happens if Peyton gets injured? What if he goes through training camp and has a set back? his contract will be incentive ladden, but the broncos have all their offensive eggs in that basket. What if's are always interesting. Doesn't mean it'll be a factor but expect all the "experts" to pose the question.
why not the other teams?
Peyton passed up the chance to play for the niners (who in my opinion was the best option to win early and often). Consider Jim Harbaugh is a control freak. What are the chances he and Peyton would knock heads on how the offense is run with a former QB as the HC? That likely played a big factor in his decision. I think more so than worrying about playing against little brother with a chance to go to the super bowl on the line.
No Titans either. With the Titans he had his best scouting done since he's been in the AFC south. Only real contender would have been the Texans coming off a franchise best year. They did lose their top defensive guy in Williams but HOU looked poised to be the top dog in the division for a while. Playing against his colts MAY have been the biggest NEGATIVE for Peyton here. He had an amicable divorce with the colts, not a contentious one. That may have been the big factor for not going to the Titans.
So here we are. The "unofficial" official choice of Peyton Manning. I doubt he holds his conference at a boys/girls club with a tablecloth looking shirt being interviewed by Jim Gray, but the cats already out of the bag too so the anticipation is somewhat subdued too. NCAA will take a back seat for the next two days. The pressure's on you now denver! You got the big dog, let's see what you can do with him. As for my Raiders? We'll be ready!
...just my expert opinion...
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