With the Redskins connected to every quarterback, it seems, it’s time to take a look at who might be their next QB. First up: Peyton Manning.
The case for: Well, he’s Peyton Manning. Do I need to go further? Actually, I do and will. First, though, we have to assume he’s healthy because if he’s not then he’s not worth pursuing. But a healthy Manning provides the Redskins with a chance for their best QB play in a long, long time. Yes, he missed an entire year but in 2010 he was still playing at a high level; he put on a passing clinic at times when facing the Redskins that season. Manning instantly makes others better. He played with some talented players in Indy, but there’s little doubt he made them even better. While the Redskins lack legitimate playmakers on offense, they can address this need in free agency and with their No. 6 pick. There are options. All Manning would cost is money. Yes I know the line has issues. But the Colts line has not been considered a good one for several years. But Manning’s ability to get rid of the ball quickly, making pre-snap reads, saved them from looking bad. And keep in mind that the head coach is pushing 60 and has 11 combined wins in two years. He needs to — and wants to — win.
The case against: He’ll be 36 and there is that injury situation. The fact that his neck is fine is not the point; it’s all about the arm and there’s no guarantee that it will return to what it was. So there’s a definite risk. Also, Manning has been in one system for his entire career. Mike Shanahan has run this system forever. Which one has to change? Manning is not mobile; Shanahan’s system demands a lot of mobility. One knock on Rex Grossman was, and is, his lack of mobility. Granted, you can live with an immobile QB if he plays at a Hall of Fame level. But this would require serious adjustments from both sides – each of whom is known for their desire to have control. As one NFL source said, Manning would become the offensive coordinator – and if you try to have it any other way it’s not smart; tap into his knowledge. And while I said Manning can help the line, this unit was built more for moving around, not just protecting straight drop-back passes all day.
Why he would be interested: Because he’d at least be playing for a coach who took a QB of a similar age and rode him to two Super Bowl wins. No other coach with a QB vacancy can say the same thing. The Redskins would have to upgrade the supporting cast, as Mike Shanahan has noted quite a few times since the middle of the season. But there are options in free agency as well as in the draft. They do have two quality tight ends. They have a solid defense. Others have attractive situations: Miami has more playmakers on offense and a solid defense. They’d be limited by the salary cap after signing Manning, however. They also have a coach who comes from a different offensive system.
Why he wouldn’t: Because the Redskins would have to overhaul a system, one that the head coach strongly believes in. How much would they change? One NFL source said that it was tough for Manning to play his younger brother in the past; would he want to do that twice a year if he has another choice? If he signed with Miami, he could stay in a conference he knows and face teams he’s familiar with. He has a home in Miami (and has since 2007). Maybe Joe Philbin comes from the Packers system, but he’s a rookie head coach. If the owner signs Manning – and it sounds as if he wants to – then the owner will demand that he craft an offense for him. And Philbin will say, ‘Yes sir.’ Why? Because he’s a first year coach who has no power. And while the Redskins can improve through other means so, too, can other teams who are starting with a higher talent base. The Jets, if they want to unload Mark Sanchez, could be an option. They have explosive talent — but also locker room issues with some of that same talent. They do have a top-5 defense.
Chance it happens: Decent; tough to bet against a Dan Snyder/Shanahan combo. But right now I’d probably lean toward him going to Miami. That seems to make more sense, at least for now. One moment my gut says he’ll be the starter here in 2012. The next day it doesn’t make sense for this marriage to happen. But as long as the Redskins are in the race, there’s at least a chance it will happen.
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