Fearing Failure Peyton Manning Chooses Denver
Mile High: Peyton Manning
As I reflected on Peyton Manning’s decision to join the Denver Broncos it became apparent that the former Colt’s decision to remain a “Horse” had less to with winning championships than it did with the fear of failing to win another Super Bowl title and keeping his legacy intact. In fact given Manning’s long standing history of failure in the post-season, his decision to play his twilight years in Denver shouldn’t have come as a surprise to anyone.
On paper the San Francisco 49ers seemed to be the most logical team for the quarterback sign with. The Niners offered a first rate offensive line for protection, one the league’s top rushing attacks, a solid receiving corps, and, most importantly, arguably the best defense in the NFL. It’s a team that is built to win right now and one that requires only a quarterback that can turn field goals into touchdowns to produce at least one Lombardi Trophy.
Instead Peyton chose a Denver team that possesses a questionable offensive line, rushing and receiving corps, as well as defense. True the rushing attack racked up tons of miles last season, but that was after changing from a conventional offense to the magical mayhem of Tebowism. And despite winning the AFC West last season and defeating an injury riddled Steelers team in the first round of the playoffs, the Broncos are far from having a legitimate Super Bowl contending roster.
This is not to say that the addition of Manning in Denver won’t improve the performance of everyone on the offensive side of the ball. But the Colts’ struggles in during the 2010 season highlight the fact that Peyton can only do so much when surrounded by average personnel and when the playoffs come the Broncos and Manning’s flaws will be exposed. Additionally, we should never forget that the only time Peyton won a Super Bowl was during a post-season where Indianapolis’ defense was a dominating force on the field, Manning had two Hall of Fame receivers catching his passes, and a more than efficient running game that he could rely on.
I suppose there is some logic to Manning’s decision in choosing Denver. He remains in the AFC, the conference Peyton is familiar with. Consequently Manning will not hinder his brother Eli’s chances of winning another Super Bowl, that is unless they meet in the final game of the post-season. Additionally, Manning will apparently have free reign over the offense in Denver; something that has been speculated wouldn’t have been the case in San Francisco.
Playing in Denver removes the the pressure to win a Super Bowl from Manning
But what makes Denver a disappointing and also illuminating choice by Manning is that by going to Mile High, Peyton has freed himself from the criticism that he would have surely felt if he had failed to win a Super Bowl in San Francisco.
The Niners and their fans have already witnessed arguably the greatest post-season quarterback in the history of the NFL, Joe Montana. They know what greatness is and expect it. If Manning had taken the job in San Francisco, the franchise and its fan base would have expected at least one Lombardi Trophy. Any failure by the future Hall of Fame quarterback would have resulted in the growth of the black mark already on Peyton’s career. Specifically, that Manning is a phenomenal regular season quarterback, who lacks the ability to lead and deliver in the post-season.
By selecting Denver, Manning will play out the remainder of his career in a city that is more understanding of coming up short. Not to say that Bronco fans are less passionate than Niner fans, but they did endure countless seasons of disappointment with John Elway under center. Thus they are conscious of the fact that possessing a great quarterback doesn’t always equate to winning Super Bowls. Like any other team, the franchise and fan base most certainly want to win, but they and the media will be more understanding if the Broncos fail to win a Super Bowl than would be the case in San Francisco.
Additionally, the blame for not winning a championship in Denver won’t necessarily have to fall on Manning’s shoulders. Blame could rest with a weak offensive line, the lack of consistent production from the running back position, receivers that weren’t quite as good as those in Indianapolis, or a defense which allows more points than Peyton’s offense can score. This is not to say that the roster in Denver will not improve during Manning’s tenure as the Broncos quarterback. But as the roster currently stands there are plenty of reasons other than Peyton that the team won’t win a Super Bowl.
However, if Manning had selected the Niners, then it was going to be all about him. Alex Smith, a quarterback nobody wants, nearly got San Francisco to the Super Bowl and logic suggests that having a Hall of Fame quarterback under center should have resulted in at least one championship for the City by the Bay.
Yet, selecting the Niners would have been a risky move for Manning’s legacy. He already possess two Super Bowl appearances, one Lombardi Trophy, and currently people aren’t questioning his “championship” character. However, if Peyton had failed to deliver a championship to San Francisco history would remember the quarterback for his championship short comings as well as his passing records. Playing in Denver lowers the expectations and pressures on Manning to win, all the while leaving his legacy largely untarnished should he fail to have success at Mile High.
Frankly, Manning’s decision tells us that Peyton understands more about himself than anyone else. Mainly that for as calm, steadfast, and productive as he is in the regular season, the finality of the post-season isn’t an atmosphere he thrives in and Manning would rather allow circumstance than his own performance to dictate whether or not he achieves the glory of another Super Bowl Championship.
In the end Peyton has earned the right to play where ever he wishes, though his decision to play in Denver might result in the quarterback being remembered as the second best Manning to ever play in the NFL.
Other posts of interest about Peyton Manning:
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If Manning went to Arizona or San Francisco, there would be some pressure to win a Super Bowl. Manning has never been one I back
Down from a challenge, so I’m surprised that he backed down from this one.
Not sure where or not he ever had a choice about backing down before and I would say that facing or failing challenges are two different things.
Where do I even begin? As you already know I am a Denver fan and a Tebow fan, in no particular order, though the “your not a real fan” mudslinging has already begun in Denver if you question the Manning move. I don’t have a thrill running up my leg over this deal, especially with Tebow now wearing green in NY. This last season in Denver was the most exciting season we’ve since Elway retired. I was in the stands for the Jets and Steelers game and it was electric. Of course, there were those in the stands for the Detroit game and it was very different.
Only time will tell, but it feels like all we have done in Denver is postpone rebuilding. Again. As much as I love Tebow, I wasn’t as certain he would be the long term answer, as much as I am certain he had earned the chance to start the 2012 season and see. Now, we will never know what could have been. I know there are a lot of people out there that think they know, but that is why they play the game, or uh, business, as Elway puts it.
I’d tend to agree with you Judy that the team has postponed rebuilding again. Interesting that no one seems to seems to realize that signing big name free agents like the Redskins isn’t a recipe for success.
As a Raiders fan, I can only hope Seymour does one of his patented cheap shots on Manning to test that neck out. At this point, I’d almost rather see the Chargers win the division if the Raiders don’t. I’m also probably going to become a Tebow fan now that he’s out of the AFC West. I think he definitely should’ve gone to SF since they did add a couple recievers to help out that bad passing game. Maybe going to SF wasn’t attractive though, because I was reading in seven games that Carson started for the Raiders he threw as many times as Smith did the whole season. I bet Peyton wasn’t too excited about that stat…
I’m sure he wasn’t Chap, but you have to start to wonder what is important to Manning at this point in his career. Winning championships or padding his stats?
And please don’t say that you’ll root for the Chargers…that is sacreligious!
Harbaugh was never going to give Manning free reign to run the offense…
My kids were thinking SF would have been a better choice… Interesting take on the move…makes a lot of sense.
As you know Liz I have interesting feeling about Manning, but mostly I just want to bring balance to the discussion about his skills and career.
Alex Smith is playing better Football than Peyton Manning RIGHT NOW!!
Also, I remember 2 super bowls ago: Saints v. Colts, Manning extremely pedestrian culminating in a 4th qtr 85 yard PICK-6 — AND — this year playoffs SF over Saints, Alex Smith 3 passing TD + 1 rushing TD + no PICKS
some one get a life — mark my words Smith will outplay Manning again this year!
yay! Alex Smith got you to the NFCC game! how many passes did he complete? how many to his receivers?
Facts :
Alex Smith and Peyton Manning dont belong in the same sentence. Peyton is one of the greatest QB’s of all time.
Alex Smith could get hit by a bus tomorrow, and the Niners will still win 11 games.
Enjoy paying a third string QB 8 mil a year to suit up for the Niners.
I have been steadfast in saying I didn’t believe anyone would let him out on the field again with his medical history. I find the parallel situations with the Saints “Bountygate” and Manning trying to play again fascinating, as each and every one of his opponents will be looking to literally take his head off…which based on his situation might unfortunately actually happen. The goal before each NFL game, bet or not, is to take out the opposition’s top players. After last season’s exciting season in Denver, their fans deserved to see if Tim T could progress further. And if Peyton Manning really had an interest in winning a Super Bowl with whatever time he has left, he goes to San Fran. Slam-dunk. I have a feeling he’s just there to “sign off” and get whatever money he can. I know a few true-blue Manning fans who are very disappointed he didn’t retire…or at least look like he wanted to be really challenged while trying to continue his career.
I completely agree Bruce.
Whoa, this is a deeper look into the dark recesses of Peyton Manning’s psyche than I was prepared for on a Friday afternoon. I like your take…although I do think that offensive control probably had a large role in the decision. I am also starting to think that you might not particularly like the Manning brothers.
LOL. I’m not sure what you mean. I love the Manning brothers. They’re great in all the commercials they do.
Very interesting take on Peyton’s choice, I didn’t like his pick of Denver for all the obvious reasons you listed. But he’s definitely healthy and hungry, I’m a fan and want him to go out with another SB win. Great read.
Thank you sir. Over the past few years I’ve mellowed on my opinion of Peyton, but it irks me that I don’t see him chancing after another SB by choosing Denver. Then again maybe Jim Harbaugh irked Manning.
Cheers!
I honestly know almost nothing about football or Manning or any of it – sorry, being honest here
. However, with a best friend that has done nothing but cross her fingers and pray for him to select AZ, I’ve heard a lot lately. This is really interesting to me to read a different perspective on it all.
Even AZ would have made more sense than Denver and yes as a passionate non Manning Colt fan I do have a different perspective.