Manning To Ride With Broncos

Peyton Manning must have a thing for horses. He’s gone from playing with Colts to riding with the Broncos. That’s what happened Tuesday, when Peyton Manning agreed to a five-year, $95 million contract with the Denver Broncos.

According to the NFL experts, Manning picked the Denver Broncos after reducing his NFL wish-list to six teams, a list that also included the Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers and Tennessee Titans.

The big question is: Why did Peyton Manning sign with the Denver Broncos? Only he knows for sure, but here are three big reasons why the Broncos looked attractive to Manning:

1. Peyton is comfortable and familiar with the AFC. That knocks out the 49ers and Cardinals out of the picture.
2. The Broncos, playing in the weakest division, the AFC Central, have the best chance of making the playoffs. Check off the Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans.
3. Even after the Manning signing, the Broncos still have nearly $40 million in salary cap room. That means they have the funds to seek quality free agents to build around their new Superstar quarterback.

Before you go and make Denver the favorite to win the 2012 Super Bowl, think about this…

While the Broncos led alll NFL teams in rushing yards during the 2011 regular season (2632 total rushing yards/164.5 yards per game), they ranked 31st in total passing with 2179 yards (152 per game) and last in pass attempts (429), completions (217) and completion percentage (50.6%).

Perhaps the Broncos rushing attack is perfect for Manning and his passing game. Defenses will have to put the same emphasis on stopping the run as the pass. That’s something Peyton didn’t have in Indianapolis. This balanced offensive attack should minimize the pressure on passing downs.

Peyton Manning and the Broncos will be interesting to watch in the 2012 NFL season. We’ll see how well Peyton does getting off the Colts and hoping on the Broncos.

The 2009 NFL Free Agency began today, Friday, February 27, 2009 at 12:01 AM EST and the Denver Broncos have wasted no time getting busy. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Brian Dawkins, the free agent safety of the Philadelphia Eagles, has agreed to a deal with the Broncos and will hold a press conference on Saturday. However, ESPN.com refutes the report and says the deal is not yet completed.

Brian Dawkins is no spring chicken and at 35 years old there are questions about his ability to have a positive impact the Broncos defense.  In addition, the Broncos already have two starting safeties in Marlon McCree and Vernon Fox.

According to scouting reports, Dawkins is not the player he was a few years ago but still has the leadership qualities that could benefit the Broncos.

Dawkins, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, is a member of the Philadelphia Eagles 75th Anniversary Team and 20/20 Club. He was selected by Philadelphia in the second round (61st pick) of the 1996 NFL Draft out of Clemson.

This deal is definitely not done and some football analysts are questioning whether the deal will be consummated.  We will know the outcome in less than 24 hours.