Your argument would have a lot more muscle if he missed time due to these aforementioned injuries. But he didn't. Sure, he looked shaky at times down the stretch and was downright awful last night, but it still doesn't change the fact that a perfectly healthy Peyton Manning would have played a lot better than he did. Again, the AFC is wide open and we're watching two living legends (Brady and Manning) still playing at elite levels with squads that are talented enough to win another Super Bowl. So, I stand by my point that Manning could win another one if he chooses to come back.
Aren't you the one that regularly argues that you don't need an elite QB to win a Superbowl? If so, why couldn't a really-good-but-not-elite Manning compete for a Superbowl with the right team? Denver has a very good defense, great skill position players, and a solid O-Line. That seems like the model for the non-elite QB to win a title. They would probably need to revamp their offense so it's not quite as Manning-centric. They tried that midseason this year with mixed results, but building it that way from the start would be helpful. It remains uncertain if that could work or if Manning would even want that. But they are talented enough all around to still be one of the top few teams in the AFC. And at that point, you have a reasonable chance to win a Superbowl, even if you're not the favorite. I think the biggest issues for Manning are: 1. What happens with his OC? Is it worth it trying to start over with a new one. 2. The schedule is a lot harder next year, with the NFC and AFC North teams, which include 3 of this year's 4 wildcard teams. 3. If he is truly declining, then is he willing/wanting to make the offense less Manning-centric?
And your argument would have more muscle if he did not showcase some pretty mediocre results over 8 straight games... easily the worst 8 game stretch in his career.
I thought this was just a rumor. Dang we could have two rings right now. Kubes had to have his QB though
....says the guy who supplied the link pointing out a major injury that he's been playing through. I don't need your help here But for real, agree to disagree. It sounds like both of us have a high level of respect for Manning and want to see him come back and play, in a perfect world. All I know is I didn't recognize the player I watched last night. It would be a real shame to watch one of the best ever to go out on such a sour note.
Certainly they can still be a winning team... over his 8 game mediocre stretch, the team still went 5-3. I'd be concerned that you wouldn't even be getting a "really-good" Manning from here on out... or you'd only be getting him for the first half of the season. I don't look at these guys in a vaccume with just their season stats and team records... you gotta look at game by game performance, injury-risk, age, ability to actually revamp the personnel in just one off-season, and consider the coaching staff changes that could occur (Gase could leave for a HC gig). But yes... a healthy (but not-elite) Manning still has a chance to be on a winning team and that team would have a chance to be a Super Bowl team if every other aspect is in place. I just don't see him holding up for a full season + playoff run anymore.
Agreed... and I already mentioned its not in Mannings nature to sit out, ever... even with injuries that he probably should rest. So going forward, either you bet on having a totally healthy Manning that can still do what he was capable of doing the first 9 games of this season... or you have one that may have to miss games here/there, or simply plays through injuries that could start to pile up (and we already know what sorts of poor results he's capable of). I don't want to see him go out badly either... but the fact remains that most players careers end badly. They can't all go out like Elway.
If neither the Texans or Steelers represented the AFC, I'm good with Manning and the Broncos in the Super Bowl next year. But I think the Broncos-Manning combo is out of juice. They took a step backwards this year.
Peyton's career ending is following the path of this guy you know , the one that never gets hurt Aaron Rodgers replacing Favre Andrew Luck replacing Manning
Peyton was injured for past month http://espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/201...ncos-played-torn-right-quad-last-month-season
One tough SOB: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Peyton Manning initially tore his right quad Dec. 14 in win over Chargers, per sources. MRI back in Denver confirmed tear.</p>— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/554669973692379136">January 12, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Specifically: Peyton Manning has a torn rectus femoris, which runs down center of thigh. Bruising was so severe it spread to back of his leg</p>— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/554683337458319360">January 12, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Torn quad Manning still better than over half of the starting QB's in the league, the lulz is on y'all.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>JUST IN: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash">#Broncos</a> are disputing <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter">@AdamSchefter</a>'s report of Peyton Manning having a torn right quad: <a href="http://t.co/xJ1CINDeqo">http://t.co/xJ1CINDeqo</a></p>— Dan Petty (@danielpetty) <a href="https://twitter.com/danielpetty/status/554681477636841472">January 12, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
A strained, or partially torn quad... is still a torn quad. I doubt Scheffer was implying it was fully torn... if so, Manning would not be able to walk/run without a noticeable limp.
I know I started this thread I will say he did not look good yesterday at all That said. NEITHER DID ANY OF HIS RECEIVERS nor THE VAUNTED DENVER DEFENSE Maybe the Coach needs an appreciation thread Rocket River
Yes, its partially torn... which is what a strain technically can be. The Broncos are refuting that it was fully torn... which I don't think Scheffer is saying at all. I think they are arguing over semantics... and the Broncos don't want to get in trouble with the league over not disclosing even the "strain" in the injury report.
