Previewing the Broncos’ Long Offseason

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) walks off the field after his loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts won 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Peyton Manning’s Decision

The starting quarterback of the Denver Broncos next season remains a toss-up.

According to Lindsay Jones of USA Today, John Elway wants Peyton Manning back for another go at it.

"“Elway also met with quarterback Peyton Manning on Monday, a day after the Broncos’ 24-13 divisional round loss to the Indianapolis Colts. In that talk, Elway told Manning that he wants the quarterback to return to the Broncos in 2015.”"

For the first time in three seasons, it might not be Manning leading the way in Denver.

After Manning’s abysmal performance on Sunday and steady decline over the past month or so, it’s possible that we might have seen his last game as a Bronco. Although he was dealing with an awful quad injury versus the Colts, could he finally decide to call it quits after 17 seasons?

To those who want him gone, be ready to put all of your faith in backup Brock Osweiler, because that’s the best that Denver can get. Mediocrity is what they’ll find at the quarterback position on the market during free agency and it’s highly unlikely that the Broncos will be able to trade-up high enough for a Marcus Mariota-caliber of quarterback in the draft.

Manning is Denver’s best option if he decides not to retire, and that’s nowhere close to a bad thing.

He can still win with the Broncos and given the right coaching, can lead them to the promised land.

Obviously, his final hurrah would come next season, as it’ll almost certainly be his last.

That alone has its perks.

We all famously saw what the Ravens ended up doing when Ray Lewis announced that the 2012 postseason would be his “last ride”.

Be ready to put your faith back in “The Sheriff”, Broncos Country.