Colts taking a gamble with Manning (who could face Falcons)
The guy on the right (Jim Irsay) better hope the guy on left (Peyton Manning) can't still play.
Peyton Manning will go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. It follows that the Indianapolis Colts’ decision to release him sets up one of sports’ all-time greatest games of risk.
– Colts owner Jim Irsay did not want to pay Manning a $28 million bonus that was about to come due because he does not believe the player can fully come back from his third neck procedure in 19 months. Coincidentally, Indianapolis is in position to take potential franchise quarterback, Andrew Luck, with the No. 1 pick in the draft. The risk? If Manning has a successful comeback, he immediately makes his new team a Super Bowl contender and Irsay will look bad for releasing an icon and a hero.
– Several teams will “kick the tires” on Manning but only a few figure to be legitimate contenders. Whichever team ultimately signs him will be taking a risk. Manning will command a significant contract, loaded with guarantees. But there’s a good possibility that Manning won’t be able to perform at the level that he has in his career. (Remember, neck injury aside, he’s also 36 years old.) Given the amount of salary cap space he will take up, it’s basically an all-or-nothing gamble.
Personally, it wouldn’t shock me if Manning has played his final game. Nerve regeneration is a tricky thing. Manning is confident but even he admits he’s not there yet. Quoting from the news conference: “I’ve got some progress to make but I’ve come a long way.”
If Manning can play, here are five likely destinations – three of which are on the Falcons’ 2012 schedule.
1.) Miami: Manning spends a lot of time in south Florida (he owns a condo in South Beach). He also could convince himself that the Dolphins, who have a strong defense and a solid running game, can contend for a title with him there. The slight risk is playing for a first-year head coach (Joe Philbin). Dolphins’ current QBs: Matt Moore, J.P. Losman.
2.) Arizona (Falcons’ 2012 home opponent): The Cardinals found magic in a bottle and reached a Super Bowl with one old-timer, Kurt Warner, so why not again? They also have one of the game’s best receivers in Larry Fitzgerald and play in a building with a retractable roof. Cardinals’ current QBs: Kevin Kolb, John Skleton, Richard Bartel.
3.) Washington (Falcons’ 2012 road opponent): Is there anything or anyone that owner Dan Snyder hasn’t tried once? Snyder would give the loudest sales pitch and offer the most money if he really wants Manning. I’m not sure Manning, who calls and changes plays at the line, would mesh with coach Mike Shanahan, a bit of a control freak. Shanahan also likes his quarterbacks to be more mobile. However, if the two can co-exist, it would be interesting to see Manning compete in the NFC East, particularly against his two-time Super Bowl-winning brother in New York. Redskins’ current QBs: Rex Grossman, John Beck.
4.) N.Y. Jets: Fair or unfair, many are not sold on Mark Sanchez. At the very least, I’m sure there’s little concern about hurting Sanchez’s feelings if the team brings Manning in for a year or two. Defense isn’t the issue in New York, but the Jets may not have the offensive pieces around Manning to make this a good fit. Also, Rex Ryan is kind of a buffoon. Manning could get beat up in New York. Jets’ current quarterbacks: Mark Sanchez, Mark Brunnell, Kevin O’Connell.
5.) Kansas City (Falcons’ 2012 road opponent): Some feel an NFC West team, Seattle, will bid for Manning’s services, but he would be better served looking at an AFC West team, the Chiefs. The division is wide open with Denver, Oakland and San Diego. A lot of the Chiefs’ problems have centered on the quarterback position, which Manning would solve. Romeo Crennel did a nice job with the Chiefs’ defense. But can he do a sufficient job as the head coach, after taking over for the fired Todd Haley? Chiefs’ current QBs: Matt Casell, Kyle Orton, Ricky Stanzi.
So, do you expect to see Peyton Manning to play again — and if so, where?
By Jeff Schultz
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126 comments Add your comment
St Simons - we're on Island time
March 7th, 2012
3:44 pm
I had this surgery. I don’t see how he could play NFL football after it.
Coach Ralph Fontaine
March 7th, 2012
3:44 pm
Denver is the best place for Manning, great defense, great coach. He puts them in the AFC champ game. Why would he play in the NFC. Too Many great QBs’, Rogers, Brees, E. Manning, and good QBs, Stafford, Ryan, Newton, Cutler. Who is in the AFC, Brady and ummm. It will be an AFC team and Denver is the best option. It will not be about money but about a ring. To do something no other great QB has done, leave your team and take another to a SB.
TheAntiMe
March 7th, 2012
3:46 pm
No matter which team Peyton Manning signs with you can pretty much count on his contract being structured so that no more than 50% of the money is guaranteed in salary and/or bonus money and around 50% or more of the total contract being earned by Manning via incentive clauses based on his actual performance.
Manning will most likely have the opportunity to be paid very handsomely with his next contract but it will not be as risky as all that because his next team will be sure to benefit as well, as Manning will likely have to meet performance-driven goals for much of the money to be earned by him in what will surely be a heavily weighted incentive based contract.
Joe Tess Fish House
March 7th, 2012
3:49 pm
OK….So U all dont like me. Fine I just wont post here N E more. Im tired of your little click N E way. None of U no much about football 2 begin with so I will be beter off!
Later suggers!
Camaro Bob
March 7th, 2012
3:51 pm
I kind of liek the idea of Teabow coming here. Hes a winer and a good christan 2. This team need a palyer like Teabow.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
March 7th, 2012
3:54 pm
Jim Irsay is the latest example of why the One Dimensional QB is a dying breed.
The Mike Vick prototype is the new mold of qbs in the NFL.
Aaron Rodgers, Tim Tebow, RG3, Luck, Big Ben, The Guy in Carolina etc.
What’s going on with Peyton Manning & Drew Brees is the latest example of owners not putting players before franchise. Only the Falcants would put CHOKE before success.
One final note: Has Vick ever had to fight for a big contract? I rest my case.
HA HA HA
It’s over folks……………..no more one dimensional non athletic qbssssssssssssss
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
March 7th, 2012
3:56 pm
I wouldn’t be surprise though if Peyton is wearing a Falcant uniform this season.
I mean think about it…………..CHOKE or Manning?
HA HA HA
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
March 7th, 2012
3:57 pm
You guys foolishly compared CHOKE to Manning. Calling him the next Peyton and crap
like that. Well guys you may get your wish…………….
The REAL Peyton and nott a knock-off like CHOKE
Bad options
March 7th, 2012
3:58 pm
Kansas City is the only suitable option of the 5 mentioned. He’s too old to rebuild so Miami, Arizona and Washington are out because they’re not legitimate contenders. The Jets already have a talented qb. Sanchez is not as good as Manning, of course, but the gap between the two isn’t as big as people think. Kansas City is only a contender because their division is weak. If Manning wants another ring, he might be out of luck. If he just wants a challenge, then his next 3 years will be all he can ask for.
Hollywould
March 7th, 2012
4:10 pm
choke/ what was vick’s record last year?
italian_29
March 7th, 2012
4:19 pm
Joe Tess said that he is leaving and then promptly posts as Camaro Bob.
italian_29
March 7th, 2012
4:21 pm
Payton is a Winer, HAHAHAHAHA.
italian_29
March 7th, 2012
4:22 pm
Sorry, Teabow is a winer. HAHAHAHAHA.
Camaro Bob
March 7th, 2012
4:24 pm
OK U can pick on Vick all U want but at least he can throw the ball deep. Haw far can Ryan throw it? Not even 20 yards I bet.
Guyr
March 7th, 2012
4:27 pm
Why is nobody mentioning Denver? Elway doesn’t want that freakshow for a second season, he wants a real quarterback – he can get one and get a sweet deal from Jacksonville or the Dolphins for the half-season wonder.
Camaro Bob
March 7th, 2012
4:28 pm
I dont no what you R talking about. I just started postng a litle awhile ago.
Bud Wiser
March 7th, 2012
4:33 pm
Best fit for Manning: Tennessee Titans
He could really stick it to Irsay in the same division.
Revenge.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
March 7th, 2012
4:33 pm
Hollywould
March 7th, 2012
4:10 pm
choke/ what was vick’s record last year
__________________________________________________
I have one thing to say……………….
0-3 & ZERO offensive points in the playoffs………………………..
HA HA HA
Camaro Bob
March 7th, 2012
4:34 pm
I must say that Joe Tess has some decint ideas about football.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
March 7th, 2012
4:35 pm
CHOKE is the missing link to the Falcants winning in the playoffs………………..
Peyton is the missing piece……………………
I just may take out my Falcons jersey if that happens………………….
You know Blank is already negotiating………………
HA HA HA
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
March 7th, 2012
4:36 pm
All CHOKE is doing is holding up another roster spot.
He needs to fulfill his destiny as a clipboard holder and ride that pine………….
HA HA HA
Colts taking a gamble with Manning (who could face Falcons) | football-feed.com
March 7th, 2012
4:40 pm
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Camaro Bob
March 7th, 2012
4:46 pm
U R wrong. Tim Teabow is the 1 2 take the Flacons to the Superbowel. Hes already won a playof game. Ryan hasnt Hes not as old as Payton and he is a good christan.
Ken Stallings
March 7th, 2012
4:47 pm
It’s not merely a risk. It is a foolish and myopic move. Irsay will regret this.
Mora less Petrino
March 7th, 2012
4:47 pm
The weekly Jeff Schultz Bloggers Remedial Grammar and Spelling meeting will be held tonight at the Holiday Inn on Holcomb Bridge Road. If you post here, attendance is mandatory. 7:00-9:00. Refreshments will be available.
Get a life dude
March 7th, 2012
5:02 pm
So this moron that calls himself Matt CHOKE Ryan, does he have a life other than running down Matt Ryan? Probably. Choking on stuff I would guess. By the way, Manning would not fit with the Taints. Manning has class.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
March 7th, 2012
5:03 pm
Antonio Pierce was forced to retire for the same injury. Peyton Manning could be one blitz away from being paralyzed.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
March 7th, 2012
5:05 pm
0-3 in the playoffs & ZERO points in the playoffs……………..
Next comment?
HA HA HA
Get a life dude
March 7th, 2012
5:07 pm
You obviously have a strange man love for Ryan.
Dog Island Gator
March 7th, 2012
5:15 pm
This is some of the funniest stuff I’ve ever read on here. Tears of laughter. Keep it comin Joe, Italian and Camaro. Brings me back to the red panties days, funny stuff.
Birddroppings
March 7th, 2012
5:25 pm
Why not the Falcons. The Braves already have Chipper who is on the DL more than he plays so the Falcons might as well have a QB who might not play again. Throw that money away.
atlvol55
March 7th, 2012
5:38 pm
I’m surprised the Titans aren’t mentioned more.
1. Peyton is a God in Tennessee.
2. Peyton loves to run the ball but the Colts just couldn’t the last three years. He would LOVE to have Chris Johnson as a running back.
3. Peyton’s wife is from Memphis I think.
4. A little revenge toward the Colts couldn’t hurt.
I think Denver or the Jets are possiblilites too. For some reason, I just don’t think it will be Miami.
Who knows, it could be a wild card that no one is thinking about at all.
Atlcracker
March 7th, 2012
6:02 pm
I watched the press conference. Manning could only turn his head about 30 degrees before he had to start to turn his shoulders to look at the guy standing to his left. He might be able to get by in a shotgun but would be severly impaired operating under center. Medical journals say once you have documented nerve damage from a disc (muscle weakness and/or atrophy) you can relieve pain but you only have a 50 % chance of restoring function with surgery. Nerves aren’t muscles. You can’t make them better with exercise. They either get better or they don’t.
Mora less Petrino
March 7th, 2012
6:26 pm
If Boras is his agent, I bet the Yankees will sign him!
Rtruth
March 7th, 2012
6:41 pm
You’re right Choke. Vick lets his dogs do all the fighting.
Sid
March 7th, 2012
6:43 pm
I am stunned at the number of nimrods who have mentioned Houston. Why not Denver…….? Tebow isn’t a Mesiah and probably his Lin moment is just that….a moment. Manning will play some of his best football this year (given he has some protection). Would I like to see him suit up for the Falcons? I’d like to see it just for fun but he would get killed behind our O line. He is a class act and will end up in the Colts front office ie Elway, I have no doubt that has already been cemented. Wouldn’t it be fun to see him in the Super Bowl 2/3/13 in New Orleans. But here is the best part, we know the opponent won’t be the Saints.
Dawgdad (The Original)
March 7th, 2012
6:45 pm
Arthur you say you want to win a Superbowl, well here is your chance. Peyton throwing to Julio and Roddy, and Gonzales, wow!
doc
March 7th, 2012
7:24 pm
nerve regeneration is 1 mm per day. i dont know how much he lost but it is going to obviously take a long time to get it back. there is no evil person here, it is life. who in irsay’s shoes would pla it any other way? good luck to peyton, a classy guy who is smart enough to know when to hang it up on top vs getting a beat down and show us a side we never want to see like we did with the quintessential colt qb mr. unitas. watching him in a charger uniform was blasphemy. peyton is rich enough and able to go to the booth with a plumb where i hope he can hang it up before it gets ugly. wait another year if you have to peyton.
Monday Morning QB
March 7th, 2012
7:28 pm
The Vick Years
Dog Fighting
Weed Smoking
Flipping off Fans
Spreading Herpes
Losing Seasons
No Rings
No Class
No Brains
No Effort
But at least he could throw the deep ball and run fast
Anyone that supports that a$$ clown is beyong ignorant.
daisy the cloned sheep
March 7th, 2012
8:04 pm
Arizona is intriguing with Fitgerald and the Warner experiment, but Miami will have 3 first rounders on the offensive line to protect his neck (and a pretty good defense). Depends on money as usual.
Joe Tess Fish House
March 7th, 2012
8:42 pm
Hey. Teabow is the messiah and I sure hope the Brocos give up on him so the Flacons can sigh him. The only problem is the Falcons have Dummytroff as the GM and it will never hapen sense he have Matt cant throw more then 20 yards Ryan on the rooster. A man can dream
Peyton Manning
March 7th, 2012
8:55 pm
No way I’m coming to Atlanta. You people are too country, and I only play in domes bigger than my noggin. Dream on, Joe Tess, your best bet is to replace Matty Ice’s arms with that robot arm from Terminator 2. And put that chip in his brain too, so he won’t forget his objectives: scoring touchdowns NOT FIELD GOALS!
Chef Boyardee
March 7th, 2012
9:07 pm
Enter your comments here
hind tit
March 7th, 2012
9:48 pm
It’s just not worth the chance for more money, which he don’t need and for the glory, which he already has. One freak sandwich hit to the upper body could paralyze him from the neck down for the rest of his life. There is nothing else to gain or prove but the rest of his life to lose. I hope he has a long talk with mom and dad about this life changing possibility.
Pete
March 7th, 2012
10:13 pm
San Francisco? Wasn’t Jim Harbaugh the QB at the colts prior to Manning?
falconfreak
March 7th, 2012
10:33 pm
All of you guys are wrong. Peyton is going to be the new head coach of the VOLS!
tom
March 7th, 2012
11:13 pm
Why did I read this. Waste of time.
dcb
March 7th, 2012
11:23 pm
This is not a matter of if or where Manning will play. Rather it is a matter of “why”? He’s always been a class act. No doubt already a guaranteed Hall of Famer and obviously financially well set for life. Forgetting for a moment the issue of why risk further injury. I don’t blame the Colts for hedging on paying him a 28 mil when there are questions if he will or should ever play again. So the bottom line – If Manning is serious about always wanting to be a one team career player, then voluntarily give up the 28 mil bonus. But if his agent wouldn’t allow him to do that, retire from putting his neck on the firing line. There will always be plenty of room for him in the sport. He’s the best representative/spokesperson for professional football that in my 70 years I have ever seen.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 7th, 2012
11:45 pm
If the Falcons are smart, Manning should be facing other teams as a Falcon, not facing the Falcons.
falco 1
March 8th, 2012
3:31 am
Falcons should try and get payton matt Is not a sb quaterback