If I Was Peyton Manning...

If I Was Peyton Manning…

In case you did not know, I am a huge Peyton Manning fan. Ah, well, that is an understatement. I have dreams about the man. In my dreams we are best of friends. We go greeting card shopping together; lay in rafts in the lazy river, etc. … But anyway, since I am a huge Indy fan, I am trying to decide play the role of Peyton Manning’s agent. Or I am trying to think like Peyton myself. So if I were Peyton…

Look, you can make a case for almost any team in the NFL as a destination for Manning (sans the Pats, Packers, Giants, Saints, Lions, and Chargers). Most teams would improve dramatically with the addition of the Watson of quarterbacks. He is that good. He can make a below .200 team morph into a Super Bowl contender. With that being said, most teams would show that they lack intellectual capacity if they passed up on P-Dog.

So what should Manning look for in a team? I will tell you.

Things Peyton Needs:

1. Peyton needs a strong defense. No offense to my Colts, but their defense has been pretty bad in the past. Peyton has had to play perfect in order for them to win (In 2010 the Colts were ranked 20^th in total defense and 18^th in 2009.) Since he has had some overly noted health issues this year, he needs a team that can defend if he is having a subpar game or if he commits a turnover.

2. Peyton also needs a strong offensive line. He should not be put in a situation where he lands on his booty for half the game. He cannot risk injury. The lack of strong offensive line in the past has inhibited the running game – putting more pressure on the laser rocket arm.

3. Peyton needs a coach that is willing to hand him the keys to the car. Anyone who watches football or reads the sports page knows that Peyton runs the show. He has implemented an intricate offense that no one else can handle (Painter, Collins, and Orlovsky prove this fact). In order to play to the zenith degree, he cannot have a coach that stands in his way or an offensive coordinator with an ego.

4. Peyton needs a versatile running back. He needs a guy that can block, catch short passes, and run the ball. Joseph Addai was good at blocking and catching the short pass – but he did not run that ball too well. Their running game was not a threat. And as we all know, Peyton loves play action. No one will fall for it if you never effectively run the ball.

5. Peyton needs goal-oriented teammates. Teammates that crave a Super Bowl ring. He needs teammates that are willing to put in countless hours watching film. He needs maturity.

6. Peyton needs an AFC team. Baby brother rocks the NFC.

Things that Peyton Does Not Need:

1.     1. Peyton does not need a dome. Don’t be silly, people. The argument that Peyton needs a dome or an indoor stadium is ridiculous. He plays well anywhere. This argument makes me want to launch a football at the head of the person making this case.

2.     2. Peyton does not need all-star wide receivers. Remember when his receivers were all hurt a few years ago and he played very well with guys from the practice squad? Yeah, he makes mediocre receivers into all stars.  

3.     3. Peyton does not need a quiet, laidback coach. He does not need a Caldwell. P-Dog does not have an ego problem. He can work well for anyone. A loud mouth coach (like Rex Ryan) should not bother him either. The guy is defensive-minded and supportive of his team. Rex Ryan should NOT be a turn off for Manning.

4.     4.  He does not need an ‘Idiot Kicker.’

5.     5. Peyton does not need a warm climate. He is a professional. Come on. This argument is fruitless.

So with all of that analysis – where do I think Peyton should go? Easy. The New York Jets. Why? I will tell you.

1.     1. The Jets have one of the best centers in the league with Nick Mangold.

2.     2. The Jets have a decent running game.

3.     3. The Jets have a strong fan base.

4.     4.  Rex Ryan would let Peyton do his thing.

 5.  5. The Jets have the best corner in the league and one of the best defenses.

6.     6. The Jets have a good O-line.

7.     7. The Jets are starved for a Super Bowl and strong leadership.

8.     8. New York would welcome another Manning.

9.     9. The Manning children could play together (both Eli and Peyton popped out three kids between them).

10  10. The Jets kicker is not an idiot.

So that is what I think. Do you agree? Disagree? Post away. We can have friendly banter.