Peyton Manning will be a Jacksonville Jaguar in 2012
With rumors spreading of Peyton Manning’s impending release from the Indianapolis Colts, theories have been abound on where he will call home next season. While the bigger markets always take the limelight, Manning’s most realistic landing spot will be with the Jaguars. Here’s why:
THE AFC SOUTH: Next to Tom Brady, Peyton Manning is as competitive as they get. He is renown for his work ethic and borderline obsession with studying film to the point many have questioned if he even has a social life. We know Jim Irsay has not handled the all but likely departure of Peyton well and if anything has been confrontational at times. Their social media disputes have dominated the post Super Bowl media and there does not seem to be a middle ground these two can agree on. Given Peyton’s competitive nature, where else would he rather play than within the same division where he would have the opportunity to stick it to the Colts twice a year. Not only that, the AFC South is possibly the weakest division right behind the NFC West. Though the Texans are sure to be the team to beat, with a few moves to aid Manning, the Jaguars would instantly become the top contenders. It may seem like much to ask, but the Jaguars finished 8th against the pass and 9th against the run. Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon are both likely to test the market as well and could potentially follow their captain down south. Think it’s still too much of a stretch? Take a look at the money…
45 MILLION DOLLARS IN CAP ROOM (Projected):
Most news outlets put the Jags at about $45 million in cap space which ranks them among the top 5 teams in the league. The others are the Bengals, Chiefs, Broncos and Buccaneers. While the Chiefs could decide to make a run at Manning, the only other possibility would be the Redskins whom are sitting on a projected 41 million in cap space. The question is if anyone other than Dan Snyder would be willing to outbid the rest of the teams. Enter Shahid Khan, the Pakistani born businessman who built an empire out of just $66,000 dollars. After purchasing the Jaguars for a reported $760 million, Khan has stated he intends for the Jaguars to be competitive. He has even stated he is not in love with Blaine Gabbert and would have opted for Tim Tebow instead. He has 100% control of the team and has stated he does not plan on moving the team. Presuming we take him at his word, what better way to put backsides in the seats than signing a future Hall of Fame quarterback who the fan base is very familiar with? Money won’t be an issue given their cap room and Manning’s willingness to structure a contract which helps the team bring in weapons. If Manning was willing to do it to stay with the Colts, think he won’t do it if it brings Wayne, Garcon or some other top tier receiver like Vincent Jackson into the fold? Shadid Khan will want to make a splash which earns him returns quickly and is not going to make a joke of himself after becoming the first ethnic owner of an NFL Franchise.
WEATHER:
While it might sound like a very weak point, take into consideration Peyton’s recent history. After a rumored 4 neck surgeries which are said to have involved anterior and posterior cervical fusion, he is not likely to ever play to his elite level again. That doesn’t mean with the right rehab and environment he can’t come close. I have a close family member who has undergone several spinal fusions so know first hand the affects weather has even decades after the surgery was performed. Visit some chat rooms and speak with some doctors about just how much weather matters to a person with this type of fusion and you will find cold weather is enemy number one. Since the spinal cord and it’s nerves are so instrumental in total body function, large fluctuations in temperature can wreak havoc. From the months of August through December, the average high in Jacksonville starts at 91 degrees and lowers to an average high of 67 degrees in December. The average lows run from 73 degrees to 44 degrees during that same period. Washington’s average highs are from 67 degrees in October and drops to 47 degrees by December. While Peyton would have to deal with constant rain storms in the south, the overall conditions are far better as it pertains to keeping any flare up’s at bay. There is a reason the elderly move down south for retirement. There is less of a toll on the body and Peyton is sure to at least take this into some consideration. Not only that, his doctors are likely to already have informed him of the potential pitfalls of playing in cold weather climates. While the Miami Dolphins also fit the criteria here, Manning would have to visit New England, New York and Buffalo during less than comfortable conditions. In Jacksonville he is guaranteed hospitable environments.
MAURICE JONES-DREW:
When Manning won the Super Bowl, Dominic Rhodes rushed for 641 yards on 187 attempts and had 36 catches for 251 yards. Some of Manning’s best seasons came before that, during the Edgerrin James era. A time which Manning had a back rushing for 1,000+ yards and receiving 300+ yards out of the backfield. By moving to Jacksonville, he gets a back nearly exact in production and versatility. The combination of Manning and Jones-Drew would help one another thrive, allowing MJD some running room while taking the load off Manning and allowing him to be more efficient. Both players have been victims of being keyed on by defenses and had the burden of offensive production rest on their shoulders alone. The tandem would immediately rocket this offense from the bottom of the barrel to the top. The same cannot be said of Washington and Miami. Though Roy Helu did have a solid season, he is far from a proven commodity and the Redskins defense would have Manning playing catch up far too often. Miami may have the defense, but Reggie Bush is not the work horse, dependable back Jones-Drew has proven to be. The days of Manning throwing 550+ plus times are likely over and MJD helps to compensate that fact. It is worthy to note that Peyton had his best overall statistical year in 2004 when he threw only 497 times (2nd fewest attempts in his career) but had 49 touchdowns, a QB Rating of 121, and a completion percentage of 67 percent. That also happens to coincide with Edgerrin James’ presence.
Teams will likely be throwing themselves at Peyton Manning during the courting process and the decision will be a tough one. Though only a few teams are realistic potentials, none set up such a perfect scenario for Manning as the Jaguars do.
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