Peyton Manning Signs with Broncos who are not the 49ers

            I would be lying if I said I didn’t think the 49ers were the front runners for Peyton Manning. If he truly wanted to go to the place that gave him the best opportunity to win a championship, he would be looking for apartments in San Francisco. The most glaring weaknesses last season for the Niners were: wide receiver, pass protection, to an extent the quarterback and Jim Harbaugh’s inability to keep his chin under control. The first concern has been addressed, the second is in progress, and the fourth one is a terrible joke that doesn’t make sense. That leaves us with the quarterback. If Peyton Manning is 70% of his 2010 self, this team would have a chance to go 19-0.  That’s how good the Niners defense is, and that’s how close the 49ers are to being beyond great.

            But alas, a man cannot dream forever, although my philosophy professor would beg to differ. Peyton Manning instead chose the Denver Broncos, kicking out Tebowmania and consequently toying with the fate of mankind, but that’s a different story. While he makes the Broncos the clear cut favorite to win the AFC west, the Broncos were severely overrated last season, and needed more than a stroke of luck to finish 8-8. Depending on what else occurs this offseason, the jury is still out on whether the Broncos can compete for a Super Bowl.

             So the 49ers are now left with Alex Smith. Probably. After the Niner’s were revealed to be in on Peyton Manning, Smith took the first flight he could to South Beach to negotiate a contract with the Miami Dolphins. Now that Peyton chose to enhance his bromance with John Elway in Denver, the fate of the 49ers quarterback situation is in Alex Smith’s hand. And if Smith has any sense, he’ll swallow his pride and return to the Niners. Sure Alex, you can go to the Dolphins because the Niners hurt your feelings, and play against the Patriots and Jets twice a year, while throwing to Devon Bess and Brian Hartline. Do the Niners and your career a favor Alex, and let David Garrard deal with that.

            Assuming Smith comes to his senses and signs the 3 year extension with the Niners, the team is still in a good place with a quarterback who’s shown glimpses of greatness.  He may not be Manning, but he’s in the same system for consecutive seasons the first time in his career, and his game against the Saints should give Niner fans hope. The team will still compete for a Super Bowl. Still, Peyton Manning would have been nice.