tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post7613790006711512948..comments2023-10-31T06:31:41.395-04:00Comments on Bottom of the Barrel: Mark Kriegel Disapproves of Peyton Manning's Choice to Sign with DenverBengoodfellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09401971573776672570noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-43971334200820546742012-03-27T10:34:40.196-04:002012-03-27T10:34:40.196-04:00Rich, I can't make incest jokes about Tennesse...Rich, I can't make incest jokes about Tennessee. I don't have family from there, but I try to stick to road-kill jokes. Other than that, I have no idea what "the most Southern guy in sports" means. <br /><br />I haven't really thought too much about Manning on the 49ers. I feel like Alex Smith was a good fit for what they did last year and when I look at Harbaugh's QBs: Josh Johnson, Luck, Smith...you do have a point. There is some mobility required in the Harbaugh offense. <br /><br />I personally like Manning in Denver. I don't know if he will win a Super Bowl there, but I think the defense is on the rise and I know they are going to upgrade the running game in the draft. Also, McGahee is an injury risk, but so is Gore. The Broncos offensive line is just a step below the 49ers line...I don't see Denver as the bad choice. <br /><br />Justin, Manning wanted that offense. When I wrote something a few months ago a/b where he could go, I factored that in, but not nearly enough. I gave too much weight to the supporting cast around Manning and not enough weight to the fact he wants to run the team HIS way. He can do that in Denver. <br /><br />One of my criticisms of Manning is how comfortable he has to be in order to play well. He is a person who loves repetition and knowing what is going to happen. That's the key to his success, preparation. I also didn't think a/b him not playing in NY b/c that's where Eli plays. Denver was the best spot he thought and it goes long with him wanting control of the offense.Bengoodfellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09401971573776672570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-54160255847448135732012-03-26T22:54:50.461-04:002012-03-26T22:54:50.461-04:00Manning was never going to go San Francisco for ex...Manning was never going to go San Francisco for exactly the reason you pointed out: there was no chance Jim Harbaugh was going to back off and let Peyton Manning run the offense. Neither is Mike Munchak or Ken Whisenhunt, for that matter. It was always obvious that Manning would sign with a team that has a defensive-minded head coach and a good offensive line.<br /><br />I think the theme of Peyton Manning's career has been comfort. I think he has an extreme need to feel comfortable. When the pass rush is mostly not bothering him, he is unstoppable. When pass rushers are disrupting his timing he is human. I know this is true of all quarterbacks except Ben Roethlisberger, but I think it is really, *really* true of Peyton Manning.<br /><br />So when he hit free agency my instinct about it was, he's going to look for the most comfortable situation for him. That means a team that can reasonably be expected to be a Super Bowl contender if Manning joins it; a defensive-minded coach that will let him run the offense; a good o-line; and some reasonably talented receivers. That meant the Jets, Chefs and Broncos. That was pretty much the entire list from Day One. And even the Jets I doubted because I don't think Manning would be comfortable playing in New York (because (1) it's New fucking York, and (2) his brother plays there.)<br /><br />So once he ruled out the Chefs it was already pretty clear in my mind he was going to Denver, and nothing that's happened since January regarding Manning has surprised me, except I thought he would give KC a longer look than he did.Justin Zethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11960963276563539839noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-64590547872929065982012-03-26T15:59:29.918-04:002012-03-26T15:59:29.918-04:00This
His gift for anticipation, while imperfect, ...This<br /><br /><b>His gift for anticipation, while imperfect, remains superior to any computer program.</b><br /><br />Followed by<br /><br /><b>He cares less about the roster than controlling the offense, his offense.</b><br /><br />Makes no sense. If he's better than a computer... wouldn't you want him to be running the offense? <br /><br /><b>Manning is the most Southern guy in sports. </b><br /><br />Um... the fuck? Chase Daniel grew up in Texas, went to school in Missouri and plays in Louisiana.<br /><br />Gregg McElroy grew up in Texas and went to school in Alabama.<br /><br />Matt Stafford grew up in Texas, went to school in Georgia.<br /><br />Kevin Kolb grew up in Texas, went to school in Texas and plays in Arizona.<br /><br />Drew Brees grew up in Texas, went to school in Indiana and plays in Louisiana.<br /><br />So... um... <br /><br /><i>Is there something in the water in Tennessee that causes a higher incidence of twins being born?</i><br /><br />There's an incest joke laying around here somewhere.<br /><br /><b>Only one team among the finalists for Manning’s services seems Super Bowl ready.</b><br /><br /><i>Even if the 49ers are more Super Bowl ready, they aren't necessarily a perfect fit for Manning.</i><br /><br />And I'll add to that this: does Manning really make that Niners team that much better? The Niners offense worked best when Smith scrambled around a lot. Manning can't scramble.<br /><br />Manning would definitely be an improvement over Smith, but I'm not sure if Manning's skill set would really boost that team.<br /><br /><b>At running back, Frank Gore is coming off his fifth 1,000 yard season, but is still only 28.</b><br /><br />Here's the thing - Since being in the pros, McGahee has been relatively healthy.<br /><br />Gore missed significant time in 2010 with an injury.<br /><br />Also, McGahee is older, but only has about 140 more carries in his career than Gore, so it's not like he's on pace for a Larry Johnson type drop off in his production.<br /><br />Finally, McGahee's backup is Moreno, who is a capable runner himself. Gore's backup is Kendall Hunter.<br /><br />Basically, Denver's offense is less talented, but more able to withstand injuries at the skill positions than the Niners.<br /><br /><i>The two teams that met in the Super Bowl last year were ranked 27th and 31st in total yards given up during the 2011 season.</i><br /><br />Manning actually had some decent defenses in Indy. The year they lost to SD I think they actually had a top 5 or 6 defense. Didn't matter. When you talk about single elimination games, there's no "rule" in place.<br /><br />NO won a SB with a pretty meh defense, same with the Packers and Giants (this year).<br /><br />What also matters is that Denver's defense was on the field a lot. Manning instantly keeps the defense off the field longer than Mr. three and out.richnoreply@blogger.com