Courtesy: justblogbaby.com
Storyline: Did you enjoy and appreciate Peyton Manning’s play over the years? Hope so. Why? He’s done.
I hate the amount of respect we have to show towards Hall of Fame players when their careers are obviously over. I’ve sat through several weeks now watching commentary; whether it’s from the Countdown crew on ESPN or Football Night in America on NBC, lying to the American public about Peyton Manning’s performance this year.
One, you hear how Peyton will get it together as the season progresses as his O-Line comes together, as the rushing game comes together, and just as this sentence runs on.
Manning is throwing balls that flutter. Will he get any better as the winter months approach? That was Manning’s problem the past two seasons: his arm strength decreased in the second half, the cold affecting his body.
Then there’s the overrating of the Broncos’ defense. Comparisons to the ‘85 Bears and the 2000 Ravens have started. And while I think Denver’s defense is playing well, I think it’s also fair to say that there aren’t many good offenses in the league, either…and the Broncos haven’t faced one of them.
The problem with comparisons to LEGENDARY teams is that people tend to forget this: they had weaker offenses, but…. McMahon’s 85’ Bears and Dilfer’s 2000 Ravens were not elite in sense of the word, but they had elite RBs. Does the name, Walter Payton, ring a bell? Have you ever heard of Jamal Lewis?
So while some people are eager to compare the Broncos’ defense to those championship teams (ludicrous as it may be) are they willing to say that McMahon and Dilfer were throwing “ducks” like Peyton? Are they willing put C.J. Anderson next to “Sweetness” or Jamal Lewis?
I hope not.
Let’s be real: Peyton had a great career. It’s now at an end. Hopefully you enjoyed and appreciated his talent over the years. If not, then (despite what you hear on TV) accept this: Manning is DONE.
