It doesn't seem so long ago that former head coach Josh McDaniels was busy obliterating a once proud NFL franchise. He pulled off his very own video scandal, dispatched existing All-Pro talent off to other teams and drafted like a drunk dart player. He did all of that while losing 17 of the final 22 contests he coached. Happily, the nightmare of Josh "Hoodie Junior" McDaniels gave way to Elway.
The former two-time Super Bowl Champion has been bold, brash and handling his desk job with the same swagger he once displayed on the field every Sunday. People questioned his choice of John Fox, yet, among players, credibility was instantly restored to the sideline. Somehow, the Broncos also found the playoffs with an offense built on the fly around the living three ring media circus in the form of Tim Tebow.
Now, we got this Peyton Manning guy ahead of at least nine other NFL teams that offered everything from partial ownership to keys of their cities. Elway won. Again.
And yes, it is still a gamble. A lot of money for an aging, injured quarterback that hasn't played in over 500 days. That said, he isn't just any aging quarterback, he may be the very best to ever play the position. There have been stronger arms, and faster legs, but the science, the art of being a quarterback by adjusting to your foes in real time is something Manning does better than anyone else ever has. So, I agree with most of Broncos Country as we all seem happily willing to take this risk.
This week we find out if he can take that hit everyone is talking about. Heck, even Peyton seems to be looking forward to it. Although it may never be a good idea to invite Brian Urlacher to be that guy to hit you. Sure, it is a good test, but maybe a third string backer who has a happier outlook on life would be a slightly less harsh challenge in Chicago.
Ah yes, the Bears. Isn't that where that Cutler fellow ended up? Does anyone care anymore if he got away or not? If, and this is the great season of "if"-- Peyton stays healthy, no will will remember McDaniels, Cutler or other bad things from 2009-2010. It also makes the preseason a little more fun at least to see if Elvis Dumerville or Von Miller can find baby Jay in the Bears' backfield a time or two.
A lot of other question marks for the Broncos, but the direction is clear -- the new old quarterback has a real chance to make everyone on his team better. Longer drives with the offense keep the defense rested, the passing game compliments the established running game and wide receivers are officially a part of the roster again this year.
Not to slight the outgoing quarterback, the kid had the will of a lion and a heart the size of Long's Peak, but he is being replaced by Peyton Manning. As one fellow fan often reminds me, Peyton FREAKIN' Manning! Over-hyped, over-covered for nearly every second of his time in town, and I still like seeing his name associated with the Denver Broncos. Super Bowl or bust, this should be a lot of fun to follow this year, and ain't that what football is supposed to be in this Mile High city?
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