Peyton Manning chose the Denver Broncos for a number of reasons. But Head Coach John Fox isn’t looking past one of the biggest reasons — Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway.
“He’s definitely a legend here — he’s a legend in the NFL, but I look at his success,” Fox said of Elway. “The guy has been a winner in everything he’s done, both on and off the field. He’s extremely smart. A lot of people weren’t sure because of his lack of experience in an executive role, but I think he’s done a tremendous job, and I’m sure (he) was helpful in getting Peyton.”
Manning admitted as much during his introductory press conference, citing Elway along with Fox and Owner/CEO Pat Bowlen as determining factors.
“Certainly I have had a relationship with John and it goes back a long way, but I’ve seen John now in a different role,” he said of Elway. “I’ve always seen him as a quarterback, never had to play against him, but that’s always the role I saw him as. Now I’ve seen him as a leader of a franchise and I really like what he had to say.
“Everyone knows what kind of competitor he is as a player, and I can tell he is just as competitive in this new role. That got me excited, I know he’s going to do everything he can do to help this franchise win and it certainly helps with leadership at the top in Mr. Bowlen. Coach Fox is a guy I have known a long time. I know he’s hungry to win. I’m just looking forward to being a part of that.”
In his new role, Elway said he’s harkening back to what former Head Coach Mike Shanahan did for him late in his career and looking to do the same for Manning — “give him the best opportunity to be successful.”
That parallel wasn’t lost on Manning.
“I think certainly John knows what it’s like to play quarterback at the ages of 35 and 36, and so certainly that helps.”
Now the two quarterbacks are under one roof, and Elway said he can’t wait to help Manning see similar success late in his career.
“I just know he is going to play great football,” Elway said. “That is when I played my best football, the older I got. (When I was) 37 and 38 were the two best years we had in my career.”
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
As of his introductory press conference, Manning hadn’t met many of his new Broncos teammates. But he’s getting there.
“I met Eric Decker on my visit,” Manning said, cracking a smile. “Elvis Dumervil and Champ Bailey have been blowing up my phone — hopefully that will die down a little bit and I can get to know them in person.”
As for his new receivers, he’s excited to get to work.
“They’re young and talented,” he said. “I’ve played with guys that age before. I can tell by watching these guys on tape that they love football. They’re excited about it. That’s all rewarding to me, getting on the same page with these receivers in the offseason and seeing that come together on the playing field. I look forward to that part of it, getting together and talking football. These guys are going to have to help me too. I will lean on them. I’m the new guy here.”
Manning agreed that Demaryius Thomas is likely the tallest receiver he’s ever thrown to, which is “new and exciting.”
“He’s big,” Manning smiled. “The guy’s got a ton of talent and a ton of potential. I’m looking forward to helping him. I’m looking forward to having him help me as well.”
Will he throw with them during the offseason?
“Certainly, the rules have changed in terms of what you’re allowed to do in the NFL, so I sort of need to get some clarity on that. But I’m going to do whatever I can to get with these guys and talk with these guys.”
“The sooner we can get started on that, the better.”
-Gray Caldwell
Millertime im not saying anything about that. Throwing in a game is different then what he is doing now. Any serious injury there is always question about pain. Many experts have talked or written about Manning having pain and what not.
AB, Cmon dude, now your judgeing his integrity, we know theirs a difference Bro, just like when TT says hes been work on his mechanics rt, on an empty field wont know if it really works till he has pressure in his face next yr.
AB – never said it was, but I think John Elway and all the other teams wanting to sign him, have a better gauge than a bunch of arm chair QB’s in here….
Yea everytime I see that video it pumps me up. We need to be shopping around for another player like that or like Steve Atwater for our backfield, a big time hard hitter on the Defense that makes people afraid to catch the ball. I wouldnt mind even seein another Bill Romanowski on our D, A Linebacker Running Backs are afraid of on and off the field. Haha.
Big difference when you can read a Defense do you agree AB?
Dont want to get in a big debate or anything, again it just goes down to football luck. Everyone is in the same boat, everybody on that field has had an injury on something, on any givin hit it could end their career.
First i never said or pretended to know more about QBs than those wanting to sign him. Anyone who has played football knows game situations are different from workouts and practicing. Also i havnt said anything about TT ive actually be trying to avoid that since hes not on the team anymore and im trying to keep it Denver related. But you are right nobody would know how much TT improved till he was on the field in a game situation.
OT, my sentiments exactly bro, lots of people on here could probably be a better coach, cordinator, GM, and owner, then the ones making the decisions cant believe that.
I know there is a big difference when a D can be read or not. Never said there wouldnt be. I played LB I have seen what a highschool QB can do when he cant or can read a D. I know how big of a difference maker it is.
I remember one QB i think he plays for SDSU now but he tore my team up. My worst game ever. When i even was hiding what i was doing he seemed to now right off the snap. Never been beat so bad in my life….
It’s as if no one had heard the term “high risk, high return” or “go big or go home”….
well congrads again AB, Ill be reading the blogs like I have for the last wk or so, just had to vent alittle, get some positive views in here again, its always nice talking with you guys, see you in a few days. BRONCO ON ROCK ON
When you guys start saying stuff like that it actually gets ridiculous. No one on here pretends to know better then the guys actually doing the job. We all are voicing our opinions. As you are doing. People have concerns as they are allowed to have and they voice them. No player has come back from serious neck injuries before (that I can find) so that is a concern for many. As i have said I hope that Manning can return and play to the level that he was.
OT, my cup is always half full, lots of peoples is half empty. Ive always try to see things in a positive way myself.
I also think it’s an rare injury, so the sample size is not that great..
Thanks again Millertime.
OT im sure many people have heard those. That doesnt mean that those who have concerns cant have them.
Manning is a High risk high reward guy right now and I hope that we get the high reward. Im sure everyone on here hopes for that but that doesnt mean the cant or dont have their concerns.
Many people had their concerns about TT being a QB. Why was that ok when those who have concerns about PM and his injury not ok?
I’m with you Miller! No one ever got rich or achieved great success in life without risk… It’s a give and take…
Thats why i am saying serious neck injuries. Not just injuries like Mannings but all serious neck injuries. Like Wilson and Sharpe had.
Yes any player can be hurt on any given play. Every Denver fan should know this because what happened a few years ago back when we had Cutler in a game against the Bills where a Bills player was paralyzed.
It’s similar, but not quite the same IMO.. On one hand we’re talking about a young man learning things vs. another man’s health and well being..
Yet concerns are concerns. So why can those who had concerns about TT voice them without backlash yet those who have them about Manning cant? I would think the fact that someone health comes into play gives people a even more reason to have concerns about him.
You asked me if the concerns were the same, and I said similar.. I don’t think it’s the same for people to say that PM will most likely get hurt, vs. TT not learning something.. One outcome leads to harm on someone, and maybe that shouldn’t be discussed so freely
Actually i asked why is ok for people to voice their concerns about TT without backlash yet people cant voice concerns about PM when his is about health?
The fact that it deals with his health actually should mean its taken into more consideration because i dont think anyone on here wants to actually see harm come to Manning. I know i dont. I have always liked Manning.
I have no problem with concerns, where I have a problem is when people say it’s a forgone conclusion that he will get injured..
OT agreed that is not ok. But many of us do have concerns about it. I hope he doesnt get hurt for many reason. Even if he wasnt a Bronco i wouldnt want him to get hurt. PM has always been one of my favorite players and dont want to see his career end like Favres. I have much hope that Manning can play more and more like he did before. When i see/read things about him working out and what not it raises my hope. But like i said, in game situations is different.
No one has any idea how Manning will be after the first hit on him.
Theres a new blog by the way.
KKOD: BBBP’s have to be about a specific player, not the team as a whole.
Maybe something like PM will pass for 7000 yards and lead the Broncos to a 15-1 record.
I hear ya, I have concerns as well.. I think all of Broncos Country will hold their breath on each hit.. But like we said, everyone can get hurt on any gcen play.. Even NY’s newest QB, running out of the wildcat will take a lot of hits, and I’d be concerned there too..
OT I was always concerned when TT ran the ball lol. He didnt shy away from hits.
But im gonna be more concerned about our current QB.
Well, he’s got Clady on his blind side, so that’s something….
True. and Franklin who i thought did a great job on the other side. I am expecting to see a lot of 3 step quick release throws.
Me too.. We do need another RB, but I think our early season run game woes could be contributed to such a young O-Line, they really gelled as the season went along IMO.. Kuper better be back at full strength, if not we might want to draft an OL late
I wouldnt mind drafting Miller in round 5 or 6 if we can. Him and Solder were beasts for the Buffs on the line.
I hope we get Hightower in round one then spend the next three picks on DTs. A RB. DE/LB/OG two of the three in round 5 and a CB (Brooks) in 6th.
I like Hightower because he could fill in at MLB if Mays and Irving dont step it up and of they do we could see how he plays as a DE. He is as big as Ayers is now i believe. But i would rather keep him at MLB and see what Mays and Irving can do on the outside and possibly replace DJ in a year or two.
I’m on board with Hightower.. Very disruptive
I just like that with his size he can also switch to a DE but like i said id rather keep him at MLB and see what Irving and Mays can do on the outside.
People want a DT and i understand why but there are a lot of good DTs in rounds 2-4 i wouldnt mind grabbing.
Too bad we got 31 days….. Lol
Ughhh!!!! Lol.
Just wondering but has anyone noticed the NEW BLOG!!! lol
Tim Tebow and Peyton Manning will effectively kill me as this debate rages on!!! LOL Here is the deal NO ONE knows if Manning will be the same and if he will be prone to injury easily!!! The Competitive nature of Peyton Manning is ridiculous it is a whole nother level from that of TT it is Elway esque! Lets not be so pessimistic about his chances of staying healthy and succeeding! Because chances are we will be fine and Championship bound
Just got of work. Usually like to completely catch up before I respond, but, Turtle, C’mon.
Same chance with a healthy PM as with KO? Seriously. C’mon. Higher potential this season with TT over a healthy PM? C’mon. Our run game will be terrible without TT? C’mon.
PM has proven he alone can contribute upwards of 14 wins in the regular season. He took the Colts to the superbowl only 2 years ago. The same Colts that has one win (or so) the year before they drafted him and 2 wins the year he sat out. Where else did there roster change between coming up a little short in the superbowl, vs winning only 2 games and the number one draft?
And Fox has had a solid run game throughout his career as a coach, for the most part. We won’t be first in the league again, since PM wont be contributing 660 rushing yards of his own, but most likely he will double TT passing output of about 2000 yards.
I wish we had kept TT for the future, but to say that this team is worse of in the next 2-4 years with PM is absurd.
First time posting. To be honest I haven’t been this excited before a season in a long time. We have one of the best QB’s to ever play the game throwing for us. Throwing is something we all missed last season. My outlook is that his best football has yet to be seen with Elway having his back.