Let’s assume for the sake of argument that Manning is 100% and ready to start the season. If you bring him to the team you have to be willing to let him be Peyton Manning. What I mean by that is you don’t want him doing a lot of rollout passes or QB keepers. That’s a given, but the coaching staff has to be willing to let him make calls at the line and control the offensive flow. It’s what he does. It’s what has made him a HoF QB.
To my knowledge Manning has never the run the type of WCO that the Shanhan’s run here. Does that mean he couldn’t adapt to this system? Well….no, I just don’t think he’d be nearly as effective as he would be in an offense more suited to his style. This offense isn’t it. I don’t think the staff would be willing to change what they did to suit him exclusively anyway, nor should they. Especially if they think their offensive system is a good one. Why would they install it if they didn’t?
I’ve been bitching about a franchise QB in DC for years, and I want one so bad I can hardly stand it, but this would be a bad fit for a lot of reasons. There would be a whole new set of issues that would come along with his arrival; system/coaching (as I mentioned), age, continued health and supporting cast. That’s just too many things to worry about for a guy who isn’t going to come cheap and has a small window left.
If healthy, Peyton can be a great QB for someone, just not us. Too many things on the wrong side of the ledger on this one.