So here's the thing about Peyton Manning...

by Floppy P Key on Feb 9, 2012 10:47 AM EST

I've been flip flopping internally for a few days now as the Manning to Skins rumors have been kicking into hyperdrive as I truly want to believe that Manning can be who he was in the Indy days but I have my doubts about his ability to get that ol' thing back. However, its the latest stories about the Manning-Shanahan pairing that really have me concerned. So some sites (sorry I'm not that thorough but I think it was CSN and WashingtonPost) have been saying that either 1: Peyton will have to conform to our offense or 2: Shanahan will have to go to an Indy style offense and give Peyton the reins.

In the case of #1, I am terrified of this because Peyton is old and immobile and I don't think that is his game. He is best at 3-5 step drops, reading defenses, and getting the ball out of his hand quick. I can't see him rolling out much and learning a whole new offense will surely take some time of which he doesn't have (did I mention that he's old?).

Its scenario #2 that really bothers me though because this requires us to change our ENTIRE offense for which we have been assembling and instructing guys to run Shanahan's offense for the last 2 years. Young guys like Hankerson, Helu, T Williams, and now were pulling the rug up from under them for 2-3 years so Manning can do his thing. I thought we were trying to establish some continuity and offensive identity here. On top of that, I assume we will be grooming a young QB at the same time but which system will he be learning, or will we simply flip a switch and go back to the Shanny offense once Manning is done?

This is what I don't like about the Manning thing. Yes, there is still much to be sorted out and I hope the Skins braintrust is smarter than this but these are things that can seriously retard our development and the pursuit of a new Redskins "brand" of offense.

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I see where you got your name...

I’ve been flip flopping internally for a few days now

You make some excellent points, ones I have had “internally” myself. It isn’t just Manning who would be running his offense; he needs the WRs to be on the same page, which would take some time, UNLESS we were to sign Reggie Wayne.

Nice thoughts out loud…

by jgibbsfan1 on Feb 9, 2012 4:46 PM EST reply actions

I keep hearing this "change the offense" argument

I don’t really get it though. It’s not like Rex Grossman was bootlegging or working outside the pocket much. We started him because of his understanding of the offense and because he can make quicker reads out of the snap than Beck. Even though Beck was more athletic, we did ~~fine~~ better with Grossman.

I also don’t understand how this is going to undermine the progression of our young players. If anything, I see Peyton as a coach on the field that will teach our your receivers and rbs where they need to be when running routes, etc. I don’t see how the running game is going to be affected outside of audibles.

That being said, I’m not with or against bringing Peyton here. I just want him to show more progress with his arm before any final decision is made.

by Nobetterthenbob on Feb 9, 2012 5:56 PM EST reply actions

Floppy is right

Realistically, there is no “thing” about bringing Peyton Manning here. It goes against everything we should be and have been doing. If I continue seeing people who are favoring bringing a 37-year-old QB with a half-ready arm to this team, I’m going to lose it.

by The Agent C 83 on Feb 9, 2012 7:46 PM EST reply actions

Haha

I would agree if our other options weren’t so bleak. I could live with Manning if a trade-up was not possible & we drafted a prospect to sit & learn for a season or two but if the plan is to have Manning be our “franchise QB” with no long term successor in sight then I think that I will also “lose it”

by ENsDad27 on Feb 9, 2012 8:59 PM EST up reply actions