You expect up to five more years out of a QB with Manning's medical history. Montana came to the Chiefs with back issues and couldn't stay on the field. Favre came to the Vikes a bit older, but also nursing an arm injury he suffered while with the Jets and could only give one more season. I'd say he will probably last two years, but as soon as the neck problems come up again, he should quit.

I don't know why Brady even comes into the conversation. He's a year younger than Manning, and doesn't have the medical baggage.

:spock:

Those guys played in a different era. The QB's weren't protected back then the way they are now. Manning has taken very few shots throughout his career because of how fast he gets rid of the ball.

His neck will not be an issue, it will be stronger than ever. And the nerves in his arm are regenerating at an alarming rate. Every team that has worked him out has said that he looks like the same Manning from two or three years ago.

Spin away little top ROFL

I have no doubt that Peyton will be effective, and maybe for up to 3 more seasons, but the problem is he can't fix everything that needs fixed in Denver. He can take care of the QB issue (barring injury) but that doesn't fix everything else by a long shot. I think he's gonna collect a paycheck but not a Lombardi Trophy.

An interesting and valid point, and I wonder if that's what's been happening to the Patriots for the past few years. (On the other hand, maybe the Patriots simply weren't talented enough to seal the deal in '07 and '11... which is something else the Broncos have to realize: one player, even at QB, doesn't necessarily mean a Super Bowl title.)

Honestly, I think Manning, even at 100%, only has a few seasons left and while he'll certainly elevate the Broncos' overall level of play, he's not going to win them a Super Bowl. They may go 11-5, 12-4, win the AFCW, win a playoff game or two, but I don't see much more. To win consistently, you need an organization that can build and sustain (e.g. New England, Pittsburgh, NY Giants). The Colts were the unusual instance of a team literally being carried by one of the greats in his prime. Look at Montana's post-Niner career, and that's what you'll see from Peyton.

Manning's arrival turned the once one-quarterback AFC West (San Diego's Philip Rivers ) into one that boasts Manning, Oakland's Carson Palmer , Rivers -- and a good Chiefs team.

I did the same thing...

The good thing about Manning going to Denver is that all their salary cap money is gone. Any chance to improve the team is out the window. At the end of 3 years there will be a lot of younger players that go to FA because there is no money to pay them. You end up with a 2-14 husk and maybe a 1st overall pick when hes done

Brady will be 35 before the start of the season, and is not coming off major (and possibly career-ending) injury and surgery. And even with that, Brady probably only has three good seasons left in him.

Manning will be 36 in only a few days. He's a year and a half older. In football years, that's significant. I would say "two good seasons" would be about right.

I can see either of them playing into their Favre years but not as effectively by any means.

Brady is 34. So Brady might have 3 good seasons left in him.

Manning is going to play at a high level until he's 41? Are you that ****ing stupid?

Elway's last year he only started 12 games. And second, he had a MUCH better surrounding cast than what Manning has now, or will have next season. It's not even close.

Manning will be good for a couple of more wins than last years team, but not much more. 10 wins or so I'd guess. That's if he manages to make it through the whole season. No one knows how his neck is going to hold up. And if he does get injured again, he's done.

He's not some missing piece to a team that is ready made for a SB run. The Donks have a shit defense and shit offense for the most part. In Indy Manning had weapons galore.

Now he's a doctor too.

You have no idea how the neck will respond to the hits, the conditions, the elements in Denver.

It's a good move for the immediate future, although the weapons he has suck and Clark and Stokley aren't making them much better.

Whole lot of truth here.

The Broncos D is trash. Their skill position players are average at best.

The line is a terrible pass blocking unit.

You have the typical AFCW games and then...
Home:
Cleveland
Pittsburgh
Houston
New Orleans
Tennessee

Road:
Baltimore
Cincinnati
Atlanta
Carolina
New England

They still need more than Manning... there are some really difficult games in that group of 10. Manning gives them more than a fighter's chance to win, but they need some other players and the defense is going to be just as critical to their success as Manning.

I hope most Denver fans realize this when they're throwing out the 11-12 win comments. It's easy to say they are 3-4 wins better with Manning, and in a generic conversation, it's true. But, apply that to the 2012 schedule and it's going to be a tough battle to 11 wins.

So, Manning is going to account for $40M this year on the cap? :rolleyes:

Finally some objectivity. I'd be doing handstands if Manning is in KC, but there's a reality here that few Bronco fans want to realize.