They Really Are Mile High Tonight In Denver, Welcome Peyton!

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Peyton Manning, four-time MVP quarterback and future hall of famer, made it official today selecting the Denver Broncos as his new team.  Manning, far and away the greatest free agent of all time in the NFL, chose the Broncos over Tennessee and San Francisco ending what has been two weeks of great NFL suspense.  Manning's arrival in The Mile High City makes the Broncos an immediate threat not only to repeat as AFC West Champions but to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. 

"Music to my ears", was Willis McGahee's response when told of Manning's selection of Denver.  McGahee will give Manning the running back that he hasn't had in Indianapolis for years.  All of a sudden, Denver will have a balanced offensive attack.  Von Miller, Denver's defensive star said, "I love Tim Tebow on and off the field; he is a great teammate, but we can learn a lot more from Peyton Manning because he's been to Super Bowls, he's a four-time MVP."  One has to suspect that even the Tebow faithful in Denver will embrace Manning's arrival.

Word has it that Tim Tebow will be shopped immediately.  One has to believe that either Jacksonville or Miami will make a pitch to grab him just for ticket sales alone.  Tebow's value will only bring Denver a third or fourth round draft pick at best if a team decides to trade for him.  Otherwise, Tebow will be released from Denver. 

The signing of Manning not only makes the offense more balanced and dangerous but it immediately makes a huge difference for the Denver defensive unit.  The defense will not need to be on the field as much with Manning controlling the ball and eating the clock every Sunday.  The defense will be able to take greater risks with their pass rush and secondary coverage knowing that their offense will be able to score points.  Manning's signing changes all the dynamics of this team.

The real question will be how long it will take Manning to take the Broncos back to the Super Bowl.  Can he do it in his first year?  Will it take two years?  John Elway, Denver's President and former hall of fame quarterback, will do his best to put all the pieces together to make a run in Manning's first year.  Two of those pieces might include Manning's long-time center at Indianapolis, Jeff Saturday.  The other piece might be one of his favorite receivers, Dallas Clark.  The addition of these two players would add immediately to Manning's comfort level.

The fans of the Broncos must be flying high as they envision what could be a multiple year run at the Super Bowl.  Tebow will be fondly remembered for his exciting 2011 season and playoff run.  The fans of The Mile High City should be a mile high tonight.