Manning to Denver Very Likely

Denver needs this kind of personality in it's locker room

Since yesterday Peyton Manning has been approached by 12 NFL teams that are interested acquiring his services.  The Denver Broncos are one of the teams that have approached him, but have hardly been viewed as a front runner in the eyes of most.  I am looking at the possibility through a different set of eyes and have to say that it looks really good from my perspective.

Through many hours of listening to people talk about the possibilities I have heard many things.  So, lets look at what criteria people are using to figure out where Manning is going.  It has been said that he doesn't want to play in the NFC East at all due to the fact his brother would be in the same division.  They are very close and don't want to play each other very often.  For that very same reason Peyton would rather stay out of the NFC all together and I can respect that.  Manning is also looking for a team that can win immediately and potentially contend for a championship within the next few years.  So, with that in mind, let's take a look at the situation.

I"m assuming the NFC rumor is true and, unless a team is willing to give up the farm, Manning will steer clear of Eli's conference.  That eliminates Washington, Arizona, Seattle, San Francisco, Tampa Bay, and Minnesota.  The AFC teams need to provide evidence that they will be able to compete at a high level and have a good chance of winning their divisions and go deep into the playoffs.  Miami can't say either of those things.  They are in one of the hardest divisions in football with the Patriots, Jets, and emerging Bills.  They have under performing stars and are going through a coaching change. The Jets are a mess in the locker room right now, evident by the fact that Bart Scott has asked for a trade and they also play in the AFC East.
Cleveland sucks and isn't a place anyone wants to be.  Houston has a QB that might have won a Super Bowl this year if he didn't get injured so I don't think they will be willing to bid very long or hard for manning.  The Jaguars are awful, going through a couching change, and under new ownership so, they're out.  The Kansas City is lacking the play makers that would make them a contender, but they may only need a few more pieces if Manning is added to the roster.

That leaves just the Denver Broncos.  The Broncos play in the AFC West, one of the worse divisions in the league.  They won the division last season with an 8-8 record and with one of the worst QB performances I've ever seen.  Not only did they win the division but they managed to get past a devastated Steelers team in the playoffs.  The Broncos have the best running game in the league, 2 legit wide receivers, and a defense that is very good and poised to get better.  Threw free agency and the draft the team will pick up another running back and possibly 2 good receivers along with a few defensive players as well.  I don't see another team being this close to a contender with the addition of just one man.

I like the fit for both Manning and the Broncos.  The Broncos make a real run last year if the had a guy that could complete 55% of his passes.  Manning completes well over 60% of his passes and with the leadership and consistent good play can make the Broncos much better very quickly.  Honestly, I think Manning would be making a mistake going anywhere else.