The Redskins Shouldn’t Stick Their Necks Out For Manning
picture via cbssports.com
After nearly a month off, I can’t think of a better way to return to blogging than to lead with a cheesy pun in the title of a blog post about an over hyped rumor…I’m back baby!!!
It’s actually kind of amazing that after witnessing 20 years of inconsistent play at the Washington Redskins QB position that I would be against the prospect of obtaining one of the greatest players to ever play the position. I just lost another year of my life watching John Beck and Rex Grossman lead this team to a 5-11 season, surely a near crippled Peyton Manning would be a tremendous upgrade, right?
The simple answer is yes. However, I’m firmly against seeing Peyton Manning in the burgundy and gold. Here’s my reasons the Redskins should not custom make a helmet to fit around Manning’s huge forehead:
#1 Neck injuries and football don’t mix.
This entire post may be a mute point as Manning may never receive medical clearance to play again. But, if he does…how can a team that’s in the middle of rebuilding put the franchise in the hands of a QB who may be one hit away from never playing again? That’s way too risky a proposition for the Redskins to consider.
#2 Manning won’t come cheaply.
Manning is set to earn a $28 million dollar roster bonus from the Colts on March 8. Of course, he’s never going to see that money as he will be released beforehand. I have no doubt that Manning will be looking to recoup a large portion of that money in free agency. If a team’s willing to drop $50+ million for Matt Flynn, there’s going to be a team that’s going to be willing to guarantee Manning $15-20 million for a year of his services. That’s money the Redskins could use to fill other holes on their roster.
#3 Manning doesn’t win in the playoffs.
Manning’s been to the playoffs 11 times in his career and has 1 Super Bowl ring to show for it. If he couldn’t find a way to win more Super Bowls with rosters that were loaded with Pro Bowlers in the prime of his career then how’s he going to win a Super Bowl with an inferior Redskins roster on the downslide of his career? Manning was 1 loss and out in 7 of those playoff appearances.
#4 Manning is the exact opposite of what the Redskins need.
The Redskins need Andrew Luck, whom the Colts will pick #1 overall…oh yeah, the Colts already have Peyton Manning on their team. What I’m trying to say is the Redskins need a young QB to build the future around, not the Colts sloppy seconds. If the Redskins were to sign Manning and have him go down with a career-ending injury…the franchise will be set back another 3-4 seasons. I’m getting too old for that shit!
#5 Manning will not be a good mentor for any future Redskins QB.
Peyton Manning’s next stop is going to be about re-establishing his reputation as the best QB of his era, it’s not going to be about mentoring some rookie backup. In my opinion Manning can be a selfish player. Manning was in control of all play-calling and of his playing time during his Colts career. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen Manning call his own number or call passing plays on 1st and goal from the 1 yard line. I can tell you how many snaps he allowed his backup QB’s to take over the last decade when he was healthy…about as many NFL snaps as I took over that period. So, even if the Redskins signed Manning and then drafted a QB after the 1st round I don’t see that being beneficial for the franchise. Manning’s next gig will be about Manning.
I’m sure that some of you reading this will argue that the risks are worth it and the Redskins should roll the dice…#47 if you’re reading this I’m sure you’re in that category. But, for me…I’ve been thru too many short sided “win now” decisions to last me for my lifetime. Let’s draft our QB of the future.
Cheers and Hail
