Man(ning) down: Should Peyton Retire?

Matt’s Take:

It’s sad to watch his decline. Statistically, he is one of the greatest to ever play the game. He is the NFL’s all time touchdown leader.

He is a Super Bowl champion, a multiple time NFL Most Valuable Player, and a class act.

But with all of that said, it’s time for Peyton Manning to hang up his cleats. After the Bronco’s loss Sunday, Manning should transition away from the game and into a TV roll.

We know he is incredibly humorous, so I’m sure he’ll have plenty of offers after retirement. I mean, what more does Manning have to prove in the league? He’s done it all, except capitalize in the playoffs.

He’s a regular season warrior, we know that, but his playoff performances leave a lot to be desired. A telling stat: Manning has gone one-and-done in nine seasons as a pro, and for the second time in three years as the Denver QB.

It’s obvious Manning is not the same player he was before neck surgery, and nobody should expect him to be. There’s no doubt he’s a top 10 signal caller, but his window with the Broncos has been slammed shut.

Plus, the Broncos really have to think long and hard whether the 38 year old is really worth the $19 million he’s on the hook for next year. The money probably doesn’t motivate the QB anymore, so.

With head coach John Fox out the door, and Offensive Coordinator Adam Gase and Jack Del Rio likely to follow, what would motivate Manning to come back?

It’s time for Denver to see what they have in Brock Osweiler.

Manning is still the G.O.A.T.

Andrew’s Take:

Logic is being defied in Colorado.

In multiple ways, actually.

One, marijuana is legal, and society hasn’t collapsed. How on Earth?!

Two, Peyton Manning has become a loser.

Manning should always be favored in a football contest. But now, he’s merely considered “good.”

That’s not enough. Something has to happen.

It is glaringly obvious that the Denver Broncos cannot win a championship with their current team. And it’s not that something is missing. Something is wrong.

When John Fox arrived in Denver, followed by Manning, I said, “Well there it is. They’re automatically Super Bowl favorites.”

But I was wrong.

I know. Weird right? Tastes like vinegar to say.

I didn’t think Fox deserved his firing in Carolina. I thought he was a good coach with unfortunate circumstances.

Now he’s been exposed. There is no reason for the Denver Broncos to not dominate. The calls from the sidelines are not appropriately utilizing expensive resources, which reveals clear reason for a change in leadership.

This isn’t to say that Manning’s game doesn’t need work. If you watched Sunday’s game, you know that his passes were “ducks.” But I’ve got faith in the “Man thing.” He can clean that up.

Maybe the Broncos should pull a “Bill Russell” and let Manning player/coach his way to a second ring.

In any case, it’s time for a coaching change, and as Manning considers his future, he should heavily consider one more shot.

The Denver Broncos, as far as the field goes, are perfectly set up for a championship run. But it was very clear, going into this year’s playoffs, that they had no chance.

I have no idea who is going to coach the Broncos next season, but it doesn’t really matter. With this team, anybody would be an upgrade.

So, Peyton, please stick around. I’m not a Broncos fan, and your presence is a huge pain, as I cheer for the Packers. But I’ve consistently referred to you as the best in the history of the game. Back me up.