Peyton Manning and the Broncos are expected to make the official announcement of the quarterback's return within two weeks. (Tim Rasmussen, The Denver Post)
John Elway knows exactly what Peyton Manning is going through. He's been right there, done all that. Elway proved those people wrong. Manning will prove you people wrong.
The meetings Thursday were an encouraging sign that Manning will return to the Broncos. He said Jan. 30 after the Bart Starr Award banquet in Phoenix that he wanted to meet personally with Elway and Ellis before making his decision.
That Manning wants to play football in 2015 isn't the real question. The issue is how often he will play like a $19 million quarterback. Of course the Broncos want him back, but wouldn't it be wise for Elway to ask Manning to play at a discounted price?
"You won't see a square stance from a defensive lineman, so to speak, where he's reading the play," defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said. "This is an attack defense. I think people will be excited about this defense and how aggressive they play."
"Everyone keeps telling me I am going to love this offense. If 18 comes back, we will be still be in the air. But I think we will establish the running game no matter who is in the backfield."
The pertinent question is: How well can Manning play for the Broncos on a regular basis? That's why Manning cannot and should not be in any hurry, hurry to make this decision.
Broncos coach Gary Kubiak finalized his 22-man coaching staff Friday, continuing a homecoming theme over the past three weeks.
Kubiak walks into this backdrop, determined to transform the Broncos into a physical team with enough elasticity to make Manning fit if he returns next season. The Broncos ranked 15th in rushing last season. During Kubiak's 20 seasons as an offensive coordinator or head coach, his run game has averaged a ninth-place league finish, including eighth last season with the Baltimore Ravens.
Expectations remain enormous — the Broncos covet their first Super Bowl championship since the 1998 season — but Phillips inherits a defense that needs more cosmetic changes than a facelift.
With the exception of one throw, Peyton Manning can still do what Tom Brady did in the Super Bowl.
Beyond the general difficulty the Broncos had in protecting quarterback Peyton Manning at times this past season, two things stand out above the rest with their troubles up front.
| 
댓글 없음:
댓글 쓰기