Peyton Manning and The AFC West Roundtable

Peyton Manning entering the AFC West absolutely changes the dynamics of the division. Philip Rivers is no longer considered the best quarterback, and the Denver Broncos became the frontrunners to take the division crown overnight.

I wanted to get some AFC West perspective so I asked the three other senior editors from Fansided’s AFC West sites what they thought about the Broncos’ latest signing. Let’s hear what these gentlemen have to say about their respective teams facing Manning twice per year now.

Chris Shellcroft – Just Blog Baby

"So…John Elway went out a landed Peyton Manning. He’s no Carson Palmer but it’s a bold move for Denver none the less. I hear this Peyton guy has won a Super Bowl. Well, that makes him half as good as his brother. But the real question is can he lead a prayer group? That’s where Manning will have a hard time filling those huge clown shoes once worn by Tim Tebow.In all honesty, Denver’s acquisition of Manning is a no nonsense approach to competing in the wide open AFC West. Clearly Elway isn’t content with just winning the division. Any team with half a quarterback can do that as was proven last season.For the Raiders this has got to really create a sense of urgency. Reggie McKenzie is busy trying to undo all the economic disasters done by Al Davis. In addition he’s got a rookie head coach and a defense with more holes than a Krispy Kreme factory. Denver just added an offensive weapon unlike any other to hit NFL free agency plus they got themselves a coach on the field.When Oakland traded for Palmer the move was made to win now. All of a sudden that narrow window to just win, baby has become Courteney Cox on meth slim."

Ernie Padaon– Bolt Beat

"I love that Manning joined in our the division. It brings more competitive to this division and could wake up my Bolts to play for real for the whole season. We don’t need to know that we can sleepwalk through the whole thing and still make it in the playoffs at the end. The division has been called weak for too long and now Philip Rivers and Peyton Manning will be facing off twice a year! I am excited and the Bolts have owned Manning for a long time."

Patrick Allen – Arrowhead Addict

"I love that Manning joined in our the division. It brings more competitive to this division and could wake up my Bolts to play for real for the whole season. We don’t need to know that we can sleepwalk through the whole thing and still make it in the playoffs at the end. The division has been called weak for too long and now Philip Rivers and Peyton Manning will be facing off twice a year! I am excited and the Bolts have owned Manning for a long time.I have to agree with Ernie here. I don’t think the division being weak for so long has served anyone well, especially the Chargers. San Diego had a stranglehold on things for a while and then always choked in the playoffs. Had they had a little more competition during the season they may have been more prepared.There has been a major shift in the division recently and I think that process is still working itself out. The Chargers have lost a step and the Chiefs, Raiders and Broncos are all a bit better. Manning just adds to that chaos.As Ernie pointed out, Manning has always had trouble beating the Chargers and Romeo Crennel has had a ton of success frustrating Manning over the years. The Raiders are a bit of a wildcard as they are going through more changes but they’ve proved over the last two years they can beat just about anyone at any time.In 2012, the Wild, Wild West returns."

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