Of course, I had been hoping against all the media signs pointing to the recent separation of Peyton Manning and the Colts. There are so many articles that have been published to this point as well, both in remembering everything Peyton has done as well as speculation as to where he will go. So I don't want to go into all of that again...but simply offer up a couple of thoughts.
1. I get that he is supposedly preferring to go to an AFC team, since those are the teams that he has mostly scouted and better understands already. Manning's game is as much mental as it is physical, and his scouting and film preparation would be best suited in staying in the AFC.
2. So of the AFC teams - what is the best situation for Peyton?
Miami does make sense with Brandon Marshall (if he willingly submits to Peyton's level of intensity), Reggie Bush, and the ties that make Reggie Wayne a viable signing as well - even if I don't like them.
I know the Broncos want him, but honestly what about that offense excites you? Willis McGahee? Demarius Thomas? Don't see the pieces to make the Broncos attractive - even though I do like the Broncos. Plus, remembering some of the Colts over Broncos playoff games...
The Chiefs make some sense, with franchising Dwayne Bowe and having some other receivers as well. Their defense seems to be decent...I see it as an option!
The Jets - no way. Not happening.
3. Personal Favorite. I have to pull for an NFC team still - the Arizona Cardinals. Yes, it has a lot to do with the fact I live here in AZ, so I want to see Peyton play out his career and follow/watch it closely! Also - I do think that Peyton could probably throw it to Larry Fitzgerald every single play and they would connect on 70% of the passes. Of all the Wide Receivers out there, Manning to Fitzgerald most excites me. The Cardinals have young pieces in place on both sides of the ball - and all they have to do is give up on Kevin Kolb. I'm good with that.
4. What actually happens? I don't know - I'm going with hoping for the Cardinals even if that is a long-shot!
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So on to the Colts - what about them? They are definitely changing regimes. I think all we know is that there is a lot of change in roster personnel. Here is what to look forward to:
1. Andrew Luck - he's going to be QB, so I just hope he stays healthy. He seems like he will be good.
2. Robert Mathis - glad he's be resigned. He could be the veteran cornerstone of this defense.
3. Anthony Castonzo - Hoping for the year 2 leap in getting the game. Stay healthy and he will be a solid LT.
4. RB? Donald Brown showed something. Will Addai be there?
5. Pat Angerer is set. Everyone is saying Gary Brackett might be out, but if they are really swapping to a 3-4, that would be a pretty solid middle 2 LBs in my humble opinion.
6. Get some support around Antoine Bethea in the secondary.
7. Who is going to play WR?? Seriously, how did this go from a strength to an absolute mystery overnight?
UPDATE (3/9/12 3:35 MST) - Just saw this article on ESPN...so lots of familiar names are now GONE. Another sad day.
