We’re still a few months away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. This month, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.
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Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning has been a subject of debate among NFL fans for over a decade, and while that argument typically relates to their on-field résumés and legacies, the two quarterbacks are battling it out again this week, as a Manning trade rumor threatens to overtake Brady’s suspension appeal as the NFL’s hot topic du jour.
After a report surfaced that the Broncos and Texans discussed a potential Manning deal this offseason, sources from both sides came out and shot down the report, with the Broncos’ denials sounding particularly emphatic. We may never hear the full story on just how extensive the conversations between the two teams were, assuming they happened at all, but for the purposes of today’s discussion, we’re not interested in the specifics — we’re curious about the general idea of the Broncos trading Manning.
As Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com writes, the Broncos may find themselves at a crossroads soon, with their window for a championship potentially closing. Head coach John Fox, offensive coordinator Adam Gase, and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio all left Denver this offseason; Eric Decker, Julius Thomas, and Wes Welker are no longer Broncos; Ryan Clady is out for the 2015 season with a torn ACL; and – perhaps most importantly – while Manning had another excellent season in 2014, he didn’t look like quite the same quarterback that shattered records in 2013.
The initial report on Manning yesterday, from 94.1 FM Denver/96.9 FM Boulder radio host Benjamin Allbright, suggested that certain members of the Broncos organization wanted to get the Brock Osweiler era underway in Denver. That may or may not be true, but what do you think? Would it have been in the Broncos’ best interests to move on from Manning this offseason? Assuming the team could’ve gotten at least a modest trade haul for the future Hall of Famer, would it have made sense for Denver to see what Osweiler can do, rather than clinging to the hopes of making one last run with Manning?
Jump into the comment section below to voice your thoughts and opinions. We look forward to hearing what you have to say.
I wouldn’t count out Peyton Manning…and the chatter about him losing his talent are quieter than those about Brady…but this would have been the best opportunity for the Broncos to sell high on Manning. He lost his TE, doesn’t have a reliable running back, and now his LT is out for the year. Manning could be in for a rough year even if a RB steps up to carry the load…though likely to happen in Kubiak’s offense…and who knows how long his neck is going to allow him to play. One big hit could sink the Bronco’s season and Manning’s career. Elway is desperately trying to win a ring with Manning at the helm and it doesn’t seem they have confidence in Osweiller. If Manning stays healthy and puts up decent numbers they should listen more closely to trade offers next offseason.