The debate of our generation has added another chapter to its compelling story. As Tom Brady prepares to take center stage this Sunday, Peyton Manning will have a front row seat on his couch. Earlier this month I blogged about the NFL QB rankings and had Brady leading the way. Barring a 4 interception performance this Sunday, it would seem that he can do nothing but increase his lead on Manning until the 2011/2012 season kicks off. There will be plenty of time in the coming weeks to talk about Brady, but for now I want to discuss Manning.
It is all but assured that Peyton will sign back with the Colts and receive the largest per season contract in NFL history. Should he sign that contract? Should he even stay with the Colts? Let’s explore the unthinkable.
Let’s examine the only two quarterbacks with multiple Super Bowls since 2000. Brady has Belchick and had great defenses back when they were winning Super Bowls. Roethlisberger has a defense that consistently ranks atop the NFL. Aside from their Super Bowl year, Manning has had to win despite how poor the Colts are on defense. Well that’s ok because he has great weapons on offence. Wait, does he?
There is no doubt that Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark are outstanding players, but who else is their? Are Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie really starting on other teams? The Colts offensive line is pathetic and they although Joseph Addai is a decent back, they can’t run the ball at all. I have the utmost respect for Manning because he is able to tow the party line and stay positive while he watches teams like the Jets (who knocked the Colts out of the playoffs) splurge in free agency. Every year analysts talk about the concerns along the offensive line and on defense but always revert back to, “it’s ok though because they have Manning.” Sure Manning is able to put up great numbers behind a brutal offensive line, but imagine what he could do with the Jets line! Heck even an average offensive line would be beneficial and don’t look now but it’s about to get worse as Jeff Saturday nears retirement.
Manning won’t leave because his legacy is rooted in Indianapolis, but it’s time for Bill Polian to give him some help. In light of that, here is what they should do:
1. Sign one offensive linemen in free-agency that will start upfront
2. Sign one defensive starter
3. Spend the first 3 draft picks on OL/DT/LB
The reason the Colts lost to the Jets is not because Peyton struggled moving the ball. It’s because they had two possessions in the second half due to the Jets ability to run the ball at will. Indianapolis needs to add enough to the front seven to get them into the top 10 in overall defense if they want to contend. They also need to improve their offensive line to create a more balanced offense.
When Tom Brady went down the Patriots still won 11 games with Matt Cassell. If Manning went down does anyone think the Colts would win more than 3? Peyton, tell management to start giving you some help and use the very real threat of leaving this season. It’s time for the Colts organization to realize that if they don’t’ act soon, they will have only themselves to blame for getting just a single world championship out of one of the NFL’s all-time greats.
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