Peyton Manning to Denver: Smart choice?

Peyton Manning (18) and Tim Tebow (15) meet at midfield after a game at INVESCO Field at Mile High on September 26, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Colts defeated the Broncos 27-13.

/ Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

(CBS News) The drama is over. In a move that surprised many football insiders, Peyton Manning has picked the Broncos over the Titans and 49ers as his next team. But did the coveted free agent quarterback make the right call?

Peyton Manning picks Denver Broncos

While the frigid weather may not help an aging QB coming off major surgery, Denver certainly has its perks. The defending AFC West champ has a stellar defense and should contend for the playoffs again. Of course, fans and pundits are still debating whether the Broncos playoff run last year was because of, or in spite of, polarizing quarterback Tim Tebow. With Manning's arrival, Tebowmania is a quiet footnote in Broncos lore. The QB is likely on the trading block since there's a new (four-time league MVP) sheriff in town.

In picking the Broncos, Manning doesn't exactly inherit an offensive juggernaut. Last season, the team had trouble putting drives together, ranking 23rd in the NFL in total offense. Only one team (Jacksonville) had a worse passing game last year. But Denver has a tremendous rushing attack, which should open up play-action opportunities for a quarterback of Manning's caliber.

Still, Manning's alternatives seemed equally if not more appealing. He could have landed on team that was one win away from the Super Bowl had he chosen to sign with San Francisco 49ers. And had he picked the Titans, the former University of Tennessee star would have gone back to his roots and led a squad with a 9-7 record, an improved offensive line and one of the game's best running backs in Chris Johnson.

But numbers don't tell the whole story. As CBSSports.com's Andrew Mason notes, the intangibles may have been what swayed Manning.

"(John) Elway and coach John Fox have changed the culture at Broncos headquarters in the last 12 months, replacing the technocratic, occasionally paranoid mindset of the Shanahan and McDaniels eras with a more relaxed, player-friendly approach," Mason notes.

Elway needs to surround Manning with more than good vibes - the quarterback needs good players to succeed in Denver.

"Now that Manning is headed to the Broncos it is time to build around him," CBSSports.com's Pat Kirwan writes. "Sign Jeff Saturday, Dallas Clark, Jacob Tamme, and maybe even Brandon Stokley and Joseph Addai. John Fox will let Peyton start installing his offense. Some of these former Colts may not make the final roster but they will help put the offense in place."

So, in the end, Manning spurns the Bay and Music City and takes his talents to the Rocky Mountains. Time will tell if his stint in Denver is rocky or if he can take the Broncos back to the mountain top.

[euge005]

for a great play at the end of his playing years who maybe has still got some game, sure it is and they will pay him ther money to find out for sure. Good for him, not so sure about the team or the fans.

[nojoy01]

Why would the Broncos turn Tebow out? True, Manning is good, or actually, was good 2 seasons & 3 surgeries ago. Now? We'll just have to wait and see. Also, in 5 days he will be 36 years old. In QB years that's equal to about 60 years old for somebody who visits the gym faithfully & sells cars for a living. No, they will keep Tebow. First, for insurance. Second, if they can get 2 or 3 good years out of Manning what better way for Tebow to realize his potential than by being mentored by Manning? Nope, they'll keep Tebow.

[ppaulville]

Manning will never win a Super Bowl in Denver. The 49ers have a young, tough defense, 3 stellar receivers, an all-pro tight end and great running game. He would have won possibly three Super Bowls with the '9ers. He will win nothing with the Broncos, even if they sign his aged Colts buddies.

[visitrubyfalls]

Tebow is the future! Elway has made a huge mistake,and blown a lot of money. Not to mention, the disrespect he has shown to Tebow! Tebow turned last season into a winning, exciting, uplifting time that I will remember for years. Tebow fan for life!!!

[Aceduece]

This is good news; now I can pull for Denver again. With Tebow in charge I wanted them to lose every game.