He probably got it from his father former New Orleans Saints QB Archie, who is now helping him sell pizza.

The eldest Manning has joined the Papa John’s Super Bowl coin-flip promotion.

How it will work is that starting Sunday, fans can go online and choose heads or tails for the opening coin toss. The winners will get free pizza.

Look for Archie to be one of the lead faces in that effort

“Only thing that would be better is if the Broncos were playing in the game,” Archie told the Associated Press. “Or the Giants. Or both. But it’s going to be good stuff.”

Yeah he might want to talk to his kids about that.

Archie recalled what it was like working with both of his Super Bowl winning kids for a ESPN spot.

“Before we went into that one, Eli said, ‘Know your lines,’” Archie said. “Anytime you do a commercial with Peyton, you should know your lines. He thinks an eight-hour commercial shoot should take three hours. He’s a perfectionist. The idea always is, ‘Don’t bust a play.’”

The leader of the pack also took the time to breakdown what Peyton has been doing since his team was bounced from the playoffs last Sunday.

Apparently he is on a cross-country hunting trip with Colorado Rockies first baseman Todd Helton.

“He told me he killed, in one day, a duck in Colorado and a deer in Mississippi,” Archie Manning told The Associated Press on Saturday.

“He’s trying to get it out of his system,” Archie said. “I don’t know when that happens or how. But when he reflects on it, he’s already said it, it was really a special year.”

It was certainly a special year and now father and son will get together to make a few extra dollars from their pizza hustle.

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According to ESPN, Panthers owner Jerry Richardson is consistently saying no to a group that wants to bring Cam Newton’s Hollywood-made smile to Los Angeles.

The report states that Richardson is firm in his commitment to the Charlotte area.

But what if the Panthers continue to spiral downward with their losing ways and the fans lose interest?

Certainly slumping ticket and merchandise sales will impact the cost of doing business.

And EVERY owner wants a city that will upgrade their coliseums of doom at their whim.

That is all speculation but what will help the team’s appeal in the area is for the Panthers to pull off a huge upset win against the Denver Broncos who is now lead by their former coach John Fox.

Players View Prediction:

Wade Thompson: The Panthers looked good last weekend but they won’t get past Peyton Manning. Their best corner (Chris Gamble) is on injured reserve.

Adrian Glover: I would tend to agree with you but when one of your starting linebackers is Keith Brooking that tells me that the Broncos are suspect in that area of their defense.

Going up against Cam, the linebackers must be strong and with the Broncos having such a glaring weakness, it tells me that the Panthers will offensively be successful.

Carolina’s pass rush has gotten better and they do have an outside shot to get this one. I pick an upset every week and so the Panthers get it for me this week.

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Manning’s wife Ashley is also rumored to be part of the group and she has personal skin in the game seeing that she is from the area.

The group has a lot of star power besides the Mannings as producer/singer/actor Justin Timberlake and Penny Hardaway will kick money into the pot as well.

According to ESPN’s Chris Vernon, this group will join tech billionaire Michael Heisley who is going through the league’s vetting process to purchase the team for approximately 350 billion dollars.

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In particular, defensive end J.J. Watt has stepped up and said that he plans on taking Manning to the ground when the two teams meet on Sunday.

“I want to have No. 18 on my sack list,” Watt told the Houston Chronicle. “That’s my goal.”

“I’ve always said you want the best,” Watt said. “You don’t earn your stripes playing against inferior competition you want to play against the best every single time and that’s a chance to prove yourself.”

“You’re not going to sack him every play so you need to get your hands up in the passing lanes, hopefully frustrate him,” Watt said.

“But he is a veteran quarterback, he’s seen that before, he knows people are going to try and bat his passes down. That’s another challenge. I’m excited about it. But I want to sack him, too.”

Watt’s passing lanes comment should not be taken lightly as he’s already batted down five balls through the first two games of the year.

It should also be remembered that Watt is a violently disruptive force that even coming from the end position can generate interceptions and is good to force a fumble,

His motor runs so high that he plays in a style that is similar to former Seahawk Patrick Kerney when he was at his best.

The road does not get any easier for the future Hall of Famer whom everyone in Denver is counting on to lead them back to glory.

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#10 Tom Brady’s Bloody Nose

Admit you laughed and if you didn’t laugh you snickered pretty hard when the NFL’s prettiest face was blown up like a tomato by the wayward foot of a Titans defender. Was it not even funnier when Brady was seen sporting the huge Band Aid across the bridge of his nose? Jokes be damned, Brady has once again proved that he can be a tough S.O.B. when he feels like it.

#9 Kevin Kolb Plays Well

Don’t reread the title, it’s not an optical illusion.  Yes, Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb did play well as he led his team to victory during a fourth quarter touchdown drive. Punching in for work after starter John Skelton went down to injury; Kolb connected on 6-of-8 passes for 66 yards that culminated with a 6-yard TD pass to Andre Roberts with 5 minutes remaining.

It may or may not happen again because the ginger Kolb is one hit away from third stringer Ryan Lindley getting his shot at hero duty as long as Skelton is out.

In the meantime, Kolb can sing along to the “Redemption Song,” he earned it.

#8 Tony Romo’s Game Winning First Down

Tony Romo is the NFL’s version of what LeBron James used to be. He’s a marquee performer that oozes talent that’s previously taken issue with leading his team to victory in the final ticks of big games.

He took a step towards changing that mojo when he delivered a crucial third down strike to Kevin Ogletree at the two-minute warning to ice the world champs on their home field.

Figure in that he did it on Banner Day and you can see why for at least one week Romo can stand up and say ‘I’m the man.’

#7 Tony Gonzalez Dunks On His Old Crew

Tony Gonzalez has been a Falcon for several years but it was only just this weekend that he had the chance to return to his old digs at Arrowhead Stadium. He had previously stated that he was not sure if he would perform his goal post dunk celebration if he scored.

After Matt Ryan found him in the back of the end zone, he was egged on by his current teammates and off he went. Unlike Vernon Davis, the goal post had nothing for Tony G. The Chiefs faithful may have booed but somewhere within all of them they were glad they got to see it one more time before he checks out most likely after this season.

#6 Von Miller Tebows

In life you never know how cool you really are with someone until you are not forced to spend time with them daily. In a show of respect to his former teammate linebacker Von Miller saluted Tim Tebow after making a big play during the Broncos victory over the Steelers.

It has yet to be confirmed but it would not be surprising if Tebow’s current teammate linebacker Bart Scott is currently running through the Jets locker room screaming about how he CAN’T WAIT to show Tebow some respect if he gets a sack this weekend. You know competition and all…

#5 Peyton Manning Strikes Again

It wasn’t just one play or one moment. It was an entire game that brought forth the proof that Peyton Manning while not what he was, is still pretty dang good and much better than what most teams have to work with.

#4 Replacement Referees Give Seattle A Fourth Timeout

After seeing it happen live before having access to media reports that tainted my opinion before watching the game, I personally became appalled at how that particular crew of referees could be so inept and confused about how to run a football game.

Most of the replacement refs did a pretty good job but the ones that were bad (i.e. Green Bay vs. San Francisco) were horrible and this particular group was the worst of them all. Had Seattle pulled off the win, this would have been the biggest travesty to hit the league in a long, long time.

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#3 Adrian Peterson Lives Up To His Promise

Six weeks ago you could not find anybody in Minnesota that  believed that running back Adrian Peterson  would play on opening day. Peterson held true to his word that not only would be would play, he would shine. He racked up two touchdowns to drive his point home.  

#2 Ed Reed Is The Ageless Wonder

By the time that Ed Reed picked off the Bengals’ Andy Dalton and sent six points to the Ravens’ side of the scoreboard, the game was pretty much over. But the spirit in which he once again put the hammer on the nail for his team, Reed  was as vintage as you can expect from a future Hall-of-Famer. The best safety of his generation did it again.

#1 RG3 Starts A New Trend

Last year we learned how to Tebow and now it seems like Griffining is the new thing. This would be assuming the pose that RG3 took on the turf of the Super Dome as he lit up the Saints at the start of what was very confident win. The 88-yard touchdown pass to Pierre Garcon was magic and now magic has a pose.

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It seems that thanks to an anti-gang policy in their district of Weld County, kids are being denied the ability wear the jersey to school because Manning wears the number 18.

Apparently according to a Fox News report the numbers 13, 14, 18, 31, 41 and 81 are impacted by said rule.

“We’re Broncos fans ourselves; it has nothing to do with that. We’re just wanting to set a consistent solid, example,” said district spokesperson Roger Fiedler.

That example trickles all the way down to third-graders such as Konnor Vanatta who spoke during a televised interview with the network.

“They told me I couldn’t wear 18 anymore because it’s a gang number and I had to take it off,” he said.

“I’m pretty upset the schools have come down to this and I think they need to start paying attention to the education the children are getting rather than what they’re wearing,” added Pam Vanatta, the student’s mother.

You never know , you drape a third grader in the number 18 and the next thing you know he’s quoting Wakka Flocka Flame lyrics and drinking malt liquor by the swing set.

In all seriousness, it more than likely makes sense why this policy could and should apply to high school age kids who most likely created this situation to begin with.

Rules with no grey area lead to embarrassing moments such as this.

Especially seeing that Vanatta went to school today wearing the number 61 which was last seen on the back of DT Gerard Warren in protest.

The Youth Gone Wild…

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That seems to be the approach he is taking to life in his new digs in Denver or at least that is what he’s projecting.

It could be the former, the latter or a mixture of both and it all shakes out to the same conclusion. Peyton Manning is doing the right thing.

The world knows that he is the defacto leader of this team now. Heck, he has more stroke that probably most of the coaches.

What he understands that many don’t is that to be a good leader you must first be a better servant.

According to the Denver Post, Manning is stating that he’s just a guy.

“Other people’s perceptions, I can’t control that,” Manning said. “All I know is what I want to try to do. I truly do feel that I’m just one of the guys on this team. This team has goals and Coach (John) Fox has things he wants to accomplish, Coach (Mike) McCoy has things he wants to accomplish. Basically I said, ‘Hey, tell me what you want me to do and I’ll do it.’ But, yeah, you do feel like you want to make sure you do what they’re expecting of you.”

This is how he can walk in the door and get his teammates on both sides of the ball onboard with him. Subtract the posturing, deflate the ego and let your work lead the way.

Strategically, it’s important to how Manning plays the game.

He lives on the fly.  Each play call is a template for what is about to be a walking audible that lives and dies by whether or not he can communicate with the other 10 guys on the field.

If that group takes a play off because they don’t feel like listening to his directions thanks to being put off by him, that play will amount to nothing but frustration which will carry on to the next and so on and so forth.

Look at Brett Favre’s one year stay with the Jets. The word out of that locker room was that Favre was a diva that expected to be treated above the group.

By the time he got to Minnesota, he was still a diva but he learned  that he had to pay respect to Adrian Peterson’s role, Sidney Rice’s ability and Percy Harvin’s talent.

He tried it for a year and almost made the Super Bowl. Had he tried that again the next year and skipped the “come and get me” antics his career could have ended differently.

Back to Denver, Manning knows he’s not the third string stiff fighting for special teams time to avoid the practice squad.  He understands that everyone else knows better as well.

But it’s the fact that he keeps all of that unspoken and he approaches the situation and those involved with a certain level of respect that makes him guilty of being one thing. A leader.

The Manning vs. Saturday Footage

Highlights

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Today, the Eagles e-mailed a press statement to Players View with Reid’s take on the story.

“We look into everything, as all teams do. And I have the highest regard for Peyton Manning. But as I said publicly last month, that wasn’t the direction we were heading in. Michael( Vick) is our guy.”

“As far as the personnel control, I have had final say on personnel matters for quite some time here and that’s never been an issue or a point of contention.”

“Our front office works very well together and that’s one of our strengths.”

The Eagles have gone on a tear of signings, trades and re-signings but that doesn’t point to some third world coup in which Reid stormed the place armed with a pistol in one hand and a grenade in another.

Last off-season, the Eagles made a lot of free agent moves, resigned Vick and were active as a whole.

The pure numbers of what they have done in 2012  is consistent with how they have behaved in the past.

As for the Manning thing, I think at some point it’s going to come out that every team was in some, way shape or form interested in Peyton Manning.

Unless, I was Alex Smith, Kevin Kolb, Tim Tebow and now Mark Sanchez, I couldn’t really have an issue with the situation.

Behind closed doors, people could be upset but it’s doubtful. Just like with anything else, human nature dictates that the more public a perceived slight is the worse it will feel.

By the numbers though, Peyton in Philly doesn’t make sense. Throw all of that extra baggage about playing in Eli’s division out of the window.

The chemistry that Vick has established with DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy and Jeremy Maclin within itself would derail anything good that could come out of that move.

It just was never going to happen.  So now that a few teams are out in the open, I can’t wait to see what team had interest next.

I wonder if Jerry Jones ever….you know… seriously…did he…?

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Since late last week,  it was felt as if the Broncos were the team least likely to land Manning’s services as late entries such as the Tennessee Titans and the san Francisco 49ers came through in a blaze of glory with loads of money and/or plenty of talent to help Manning’s Super Bowl aspirations.

At some point today or tomorrow during a press conference it’s almost certain that Manning will speak on why he chose the Broncos.

Two major dramas will spring out of today’s decision. The first and most obvious one is “what will the Broncos do with Tim Tebow?”

It makes sense to keep him and let him learn from Manning, but nothing in this entire saga seems to playing to common sense.

The second of which is “what will QB Alex Smith do now that he has the most leverage in this entire situation?”

Does he feel slighted by the 49ers? If so, will he put the screws to them and jump ship to Miami?

If that happens, how does that fare for a team that just spent a lot of money resigning free agents and plucking choice guys such as Randy Moss and Mario Manningham off the market?

Truthfully, Vince Young is the most viable name left in the free agent market. Or can they really trust what will available through the draft to run a team that is ready to win now? It’s all slim pickings to these eyes.

Now for a real twist, if Smith goes to Miami does that make San Fran the best logical trade partner for the Broncos for Tebow?

Talk about what comes around goes around.

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The Miami Dolphins now REALLY must hope that Peyton Manning chooses the San Francisco 49ers as his destination or they may go from being a team that was almost guaranteed a franchise guy this offseason to being the potential odd man out.

Depending on how passive aggressive Alex Smith is, he may decide to go with the Dolphins regardless of the outcome in San Fran as he is visiting with them today as he changes agents.

Alex Smith played well in the playoffs after sticking with the 49ers after years of suffering gets sort of disrespected in the team’s pitch for Manning.

This is a business, but I can only imagine how Smith must feel after the way things have gone down.  No matter what happens the 49ers have sent a clear message. That message is “you’re good but we don’t think you’re elite.”

But the primary news today is that the Seahawks have signed former Green Bay back-up Matt Flynn who is considered to be a genuine franchise guy.

Flynn has the leadership skills and the arm strength to win games and combined with a potent rushing attack, Seattle’s offense appears to be on the right track.

According to the Seahawks website, the deal is a multi-year contract. I can’t imagine that Flynn is heading to the Pacific Northwest to back-up Tavaris Jackson, so it looks like Jackson’s days as a starter in the NFL may be over.

So what have we learned over the past few days?  Arizona is going to give Kevin Kolb another shot, Miami missed the Matt Flynn train and is holding on to the Alex Smith option potentially by a wing and a prayer, with Jake Locker on the roster Tennessee really wants Peyton but the will be alright regardless, the 49ers have made a lot of upgrades but there is a chance that they have played themselves and Denver most likely has to face the option of another season of Tebowmania.

So, if I were Peyton Manning I would do something crazy like call the Ravens and do a last minute deal with them just to freak the whole world out.

And the way this week has been, I would not be surprised if something like that happens.

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Stay tuned as the show continues.

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The Denver Broncos continue to wave their flag of eligibility claiming that they are “95%” sure that Manning will be throwing mile high darts.

The Miami Dolphins allegedly still don’t have a definite meeting date set.  They are confident that they will get time with him.

UPDATE: The Dolphins coach Joe Philbin  and his staff reportedly met with Peyton today for 5-6 hours in Indianapolis.

The shocker of the day ( and you knew there would be one) is seemingly out of nowhere, Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams stepped up to and all over the plate on Sunday to take charge of this situation.

These are several of his quotes that appeared in Sunday’s edition of The Tennessean

“He is the man I want. Period.  And the people that work for me understand that. They know who I want. I want Mr. Manning with the Titans and I will be disappointed if it doesn’t happen.”

Bud Adams

“Since he went to school in Tennessee, I think Tennessee is where he should be. I think he could play for two or three years. I think he’s the guy that could come in and turn this around for us.”

“That’s why I am so anxious to get him to come visit with us and I want him on my team. I could sit down with him and show him what (we’d be willing to pay). If he would come (meet) with me he would be happy with what he’d get.”

“But I want Manning. I’d love to see him in Titan blue after watching him so many years with the Colts,” Adams said. “I will be upset if I didn’t get him. I want him. I am ready to do what it, takes to get him aboard and I think he’d be the guy to get us into the playoffs.”

“I want him to be with me the rest of his working period of his life, even when he doesn’t want to play anymore,” he said. “I want him to come to work for us as long as he lives.”

And with that, now the Titans are one of the next stops on Peyton’s Magical Mystery Tour.  As an owner, I have always admired Bud Adams.

He may be coming up on the other side of 90 years old, but he’s one of the most passionate owners in the NFL consortium.

When some owners mettle in football affairs it seems to be a huge distraction. When Bud Adams does it, he’s simply just doing the will of the people; or so it seems.

What I also like about his intentions is that he’s already made it known that Jake Locker is the future and didn’t leave his 2011 number one draft pick hanging in regards to his future.

If Manning comes to Music City, Matt Hasselbeck on the other hand, can call it a day, but it’s not like he’s spent his entire career there.

As a matter of fact, it may give him a graceful out as there was really no way he was going to avoid a public showdown with Locker for the starting job anyway.

It was a bit odd to find out that Bud’s man crush is that deep that he wants to put Peyton in the front office trophy case forever and ever but hey, it is what it is.

Obviously, if Peyton ever does the front office or coaching thing it only seems right that he would return to Indy but stranger things have happened in the NFL.

All we know now is that Bud’s got himself a date, it’s quiet in Tempe, Denver apparently is trying to speak this thing into existence and Miami’s new motto is  ”have Peyton will travel.”

Stay tuned, we’ll be back tomorrow.

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Manning spent close to six hours meeting with the Broncos on Saturday. As soon as owner Pat Bowlen’s private jet touched down with it’s precious cargo in tow, it was “on” for the Denver media and fan base as what seemed like the entire city showed up to get a glimpse of Manning.

What spread equally as fast was the rumors in regards to what will happen to QB Tim Tebow.  Since Mike Vick’s entry point never has a QB divided a community as much as Tebow has.

His style of play is limited and his mechanics are “sigh” not the best, but as soon as Peyton touched down, Tebow was allegedly being shipped off to remote destinations such as Jacksonville.

Let’s say Manning picks Denver. For a moment, let’s not be conspiracy theorists.  Do you really believe that Peyton will even play five more seasons in the NFL?

When we discuss issues with things such as mechanics, what better leadership group could he have than John Elway and Peyton Manning to help him get right?

I personally think that it would take a lot to pry Tebow out of Denver’s hands because his leadership ability, his character and his desire to win have been proven. He can do those things on a pro level.  IF anything Manning to Denver could set Denver and Tebow up for a long time to come.

So if Denver is the place, I don’t think that automatically means Tebow is out.  The Broncos do have to deal with this situation and if they can’t get Manning in the door, that could prove more to Tebow’s  downfall as I’m not sure Elway and John Fox want to wait a couple of seasons as Tebow can take the next two steps needed for him to run the system they obviously want to run.

Now Arizona, they and Kansas City have been our top two picks right out of the gate.  They are both set-up to win now; just add water.

What the Cardinals run from a style perspective sits nicely with how Manning likes to play football. They will need to pick-up a tight end that can make big plays; as that position is Manning’s preferred “check-down.”

The Colts did release Dallas Clark and maybe he’s following Manning wherever he goes. If not, Martellus Bennett is floating out there in free agency and that option would blow the roof off.

Manning and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald are both quality character guys and born leaders and the option to form a formidable duo has to be attractive. The Fitzgerald card is one that no other team in this race has.

Miami’s Brandon Marshall has borderline Fitzgerald talent but his career so far as been weighted down by Ron Artest style controversy.

Kansas City has Dwayne Bowe but Bowe has one more step to take before he can say that he’s on Larry’s level.

Denver has a group of young guys that could work but only if they were filled out with Reggie Wayne and Wayne seems to have Miami on the brain.

But Fitz?  Fitzgerald was magic with other veteran QB in Kurt Warner. He knows his role in this rodeo and he excels in it.

As for what this means for QB Kevin Kolb…yeah he would be done.  To simplify the matter, The Cards can get off the hook with Kolb and have that mistake only costing them $2 million dollars against this year’s cap.  You and I say “only” $2 mill?!

But for a huge misfire at the QB position, that’s getting out of dodge pretty easy. John Skelton performed at a much higher level (and a better price) than Kolb did in 2011, so it’s assumed that he would get the long-term benefit of sitting behind Manning and preparing for the future.

Though I can’t see Manning leaving the desert with a contract in-hand,  as I do feel that he has committed to seeing at least a handful of teams before he makes a decision, it’s still the PV pick that he will breakout the Cardinal red when all is said and done.

Keep up with the Peyton Report tomorrow as we will update his next step and provide analysis on what happened in today’s meetings.

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After the franchise tags were handed out and a few choice deals were done, we have arrived here.   

#10 Curtis Lofton- LB

Atlanta has made a rash of signings over the past few days and none of them include their stand-out MLB.

His 87 solo tackle, two interceptions run in 2011 was again excellent value for the team that would like to keep their LB core together.

Recently, names such as Channing Crowder and now Lofa Tatupu have either been talking about or been seen working out for the Falcons, so it looks like the Dirty Birds might just let Lofton fly.

The doors open for business next week and he’s still not on paper, so look for him to find a home in another group that needs his style of play such as the Eagles or the Giants.

#9 Matt Flynn -QB

If there is anybody in the world right now that is anti-Peyton Manning, it’s Matt Flynn.  Without the ongoing saga of The Peyton & The Restless, Flynn would more than likely be able to pick his own shots come next week.

As it stands, he’ll have to wait until Manning makes a move to see what kind of market develops for him. Also killing his dollars are a handful of choice draft picks that may not command as much money as he is likely to ask for.

I would not rule out a surprise destination for Flynn, who has all of the tools to become a top 15 quarterback in this league.

#8 Mike Tolbert -RB

San Diego has a habit of preparing great running backs for other teams and not getting anything back in return.

Tolbert can do it all and is a crusher around the goal line. Technically he’s a FB but he handles HB duties in the passing game better than many that come to mind.

The Running Back Committee is a staple force these days and there are plenty out there that are missing that head buster that will give up his body to get that extra yard or clear out a gap or two.

Tampa could be the perfect destination as QB Josh Freeman would love to have him as a check down option.

#7 Martellus Bennett -TE

We all know the tight end position has evolved into the type of affair where if you don’t have extreme athletic skills, you will be left behind.

Bennett has those skills and beyond and he is poised to be one of this year’s breakout free agent pick-ups if he lands on the right squad.

He’s a vertical threat, a physical blocker and is the one playmaker that the Cowboys failed to make sincere use of.

If he were to slide into an environment like Atlanta and begin to take the throne from veteran Tony Gonzales, he could be the final piece that could make them unstoppable.  However, the NFC West has the Cardinals, Seahawks and Rams that could all greatly benefit from his skill set.

#6 Cortland Finnegan -CB

The scrappy cornerback with the attitude to spare will generate serious interest.  The way he carries himself off the field though makes him a true fit in a few markets.

The Steelers have both the need and the emotional make-up to support Finnegan as do the Patriots. Another key point about those groups is that they both have the internal leadership to help Finnegan take that next step in his development by learning when to temper his aggression and use it to his benefit.  So may teams need secondary help (Detroit, Carolina) that I will be surprised at his future destination.

But if we’re talking what’s best for all parties involved, it has to be New England or Pittsburgh.

#5 Peyton Manning-QB

Put your tongue back in your mouth.  Even as recently as early 2011, Manning is obviously going to be at the top of this list.

Thinking with the head and not the heart, it must be understood that we have no idea what is about to happen when he gets back under center.

The risk factor is definitely there as if his neck injury was severe enough to require multiple operations and it took him away from the game for in theory for well over a year.

The only thing that is known now is that somebody is about to roll out the best mind in football. The body?  We just have no idea.

#4 Mike Wallace-WR

His status is restricted so there’s a great chance that he will return to Steel City. The 49ers have been mentioned as the team that is in hot pursuit of Wallace.  But with QB Alex Smith still yet to sign, how deep the 49ers will go is another question.

This year’s WR class is very deep, so my feeling is that there will not be an offer made on Wallace that is out-of-reach for the Steelers to match.

Unless the Steelers have their sights set on another WR in the draft, Wallace should remain Big Ben’s favorite target. Besides, who unless can get that deep, that fast?

#3 Carl Nicks-G

As the world at large whispers about how upset QB Drew Brees is allegedly at the Saints right now, one reason that is not brought up is how they are letting one of his best guards walk out of the door.

At 26, Nicks is a lifesaver that is still young enough to put roots down with another club and enjoy a long run there.

In a league that only fields champions that can dominate the line of scrimmage, I can think of 31 other teams that would probably love to have him.

#2 Vincent Jackson-WR

No matter what the route is, Vincent Jackson can own it; just as Chargers QB Phillip Rivers.  The SD front office has spent two years going back and forth with Jackson and now is the time where the rubber must meet the road.

If he stays, he will go down as a legend in a town that has seen some amazing wide receivers in its day. If he goes, it’s plausible to see him snatching balls in Chicago from Rivers’ nemesis Jay Cutler or whomever the QB will be in Seattle this season.

He’s a guy that you look at and say ‘ it would be weird to see him in another city.’

#1 Mario Williams-DE

It’s Julius Peppers all over again ya’ll.  Somebody is about to break the bank to secure the services of this former #1 draft pick.

The Texans struck gold with defensive end J.J. Watt so it looks as if they will not pony up to keep Williams in house; especially after being placed on injured reserve last year.

A handful of teams such as the Falcons, the Patriots, the Jets, the Chargers, the Cowboys and the Seahawks already have allegedly leaked their intentions on bringing him on board.

The number will be obnoxiously large and he will most likely be amongst the first pieces off the board come the 13^th.

The post NFL Agency: The Best 10 Overall Pick-Ups Left On The Board appeared first on Players View.

Here are their complete statements given to the press as provided by local TV affiliate WTHR 

Peyton Manning

“I sure have loved playing football for the Indianapolis Colts. For 14 wonderful years, the only professional football I’ve known has been Colts football. Our team has won a lot of games here, I’ve played with so many great teammates here and I’ve been part of a great organization here – an organization and an owner who I respect and continue to respect,” Manning said.

“I’ve been a Colt for almost all of my adult life but I guess in life and in sports, we all know that nothing lasts forever. Times change, circumstances change, and that’s the reality of playing in the NFL. Jim and I have spoken extensively about where we are today and our conversations have led both of us to recognize that our circumstances make it best for us to take this next step. This has not been easy for Jim and it certainly has not been easy for me,” he said.

“Jim, along with Bill Polian, drafted me 14 years ago. Jim and I have always been close. We’ve made a lot of great memories together. He’s always been good to me, and Jim, I will be forever grateful.”

“This town and this team mean so much to me. It truly has been an honor to play in Indianapolis. I do love it here. I love the fans. I’ll always enjoy having played for such a great team,” Manning said as he fought back tears. “I will leave the Colts with nothing but good thoughts and gratitude to Jim, the organization, my teammates, the media and especially the fans.”

“I haven’t thought yet about where I’ll play, but I have thought a lot about where I’ve been. I’ve truly been blessed. I’ve been blessed to play here. I’ve been blessed to be in the NFL. And as I go, I go with just a few words left to say…a few words I want to address to Colts fans everywhere. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. I truly have enjoyed being your quarterback. Thank you.”

Jim Irsay

“We are here to announce the conclusion of Peyton’s playing career with the Colts. We are here very much, as well, to honor all of the incredible memories and incredible things that he has done for the franchise, for the city and for the state. In the history of sports through the last century there have been, in team sports, a handful of hall of fame great players that have done incredible things for franchises. I know that this parallels the handful of people through time that have meant so much to the franchise. I know in my heart and the hearts of our fans it is unparalleled for the Colts. It is a difficult day here of shared pain between Peyton, myself, the fans and everyone. I think in that vein as well, the (number) 18 jersey will never be worn again by a Colt on the field. This process has been a long, difficult process.

I know Peyton and I have had numerous conversations over the months, and we always kept trying to come back to the circumstances that were before us. We tried to put each other in each other’s shoes, and tried to realize what the situation was for the franchise and what it was for Peyton. In the end, those circumstances were to difficult to overcome. Circumstances that dictated to us, to the franchise, that really were unavoidable. It is something where, as we are going forward, being a rebuilding team with salary cap problems and Peyton is on the mend, to try to resume his career, we both wanted to be together. It has been very difficult and just tearing at our hearts to try and look at the situation and find the best solution.

I think Peyton has been completely unselfish in terms of looking at (where) the franchise was at, and where we are at in this point. I tried to put myself in Peyton’s situation as well. In the end, before we ever got into any specifics, it has never been about money. It’s never been about those type of things. To be blessed here today, to have gone through the experiences we have together as an owner, having Peyton as a friend and a player, and all of the things that we’ve been through, it is an incredible blessing. As difficult as this day is, it is made difficult because of the greatness and the things Peyton has done for our city, for our state and for our franchise. There will be no other Peyton Manning. That is something that in a special place, in a special time over the last decade and a half, we have been so blessed to have him. The good times that we’ve had together and the laughs we’ve shared together.

Growing up together in the organization, when a 37-year-old owner met a 22-year-old player coming out of Tennessee, and the dreams that we had and experienced are just beyond my imagination. As difficult as this is, I know that our journey together hasn’t ended. It has really just begun. When I look down the road and see the many decades going forward that we’ll share together and how he is always part of the horseshoe. It is something where I can’t thank him enough. When I look back and reflect back on everything that has happened, whenever we went on the road the circus was coming into town. And Peyton was the ringleader. The memories that we have and the great people we’ve been blessed to be around I will always treasure.”

The post Peyton Manning & Jim Irsay: Their complete statements on Manning’s departure. appeared first on Players View.

There’s only a few guys in this league that you look to and say ‘he could never play anywhere else.’  Tom Brady is a prime example of that train of thought. Then again so was Brett Favre. Then again, we never thought the New Orleans Saints would struggle to get a deal done with Drew Brees. So it happens and now comes the uncomfortable part of Peyton’s career. He wants to still play football that much is certain.

For all he has meant to this game by way even of the example that he has set for players at every position, if he wants to play and can play, we should embrace him playing.

Like Montana playing Kansas City, Emmitt playing in Arizona and McNabb playing in Washington, we are about to immerse ourselves in images that won’t ever sit right.

The Miami Dolphins are a front runner in this race. Peyton Manning is not a Miami type of personality. It will be odd to see entertainers such as South Florida rapper Rick Ross walking around with their custom- fit teal green jerseys with the name Manning on the back of them.

Manning in Miami seems so much like a fish-out-of water scenario that it may be crazy enough to work. WR Brandon Marshall must be on best behavior to make it go.  RB Reggie Bush will benefit greatly from the situation especially since he’s got elite hands for a RB.  He just can’t expect Peyton to hit after-parties with him at the nightclub Liv. It just all seems so odd, so strange.

The Redskins are another allegedly hot landing spot. C’mon man, let’s get real here. We call this guy the smartest QB to ever play the position right?  No offense to the Skins players or their incredible fans, but why would Manning come play for Mike Shanahan?

Shanahan has done the Jedi Mind Trick on three different field generals in two seasons and it’s a big reason why they as a team have not played at a higher level.

Much respect to what Shanahan has done in the past, but since the day he set foot in Washington he’s shown very little if any loyalty to the guys under center.

Manning is coming off a potentially career ending injury.  We may all respect and love Peyton and his achievements but it’s hard to see how Peyton is not looking at this with his hand on his chin saying ‘ hmm…if this guy pulls me in the middle of the game, it’s going to detonate my legacy.’

The first reaction is ‘pull Peyton Manning?  Shanahan would never do that!’  That was the first reaction. Now envision on your second reaction a game where he’s not playing well and Shanahan starts getting that beet red anger face going.  In that same thought, what happens if the Skins have a QB of the future waiting in the wings from the 2012 draft? Thank you.

You have your other clubs that we have all make positive and negative arguments for. But the fact is when you really, really think about it. It all seems weird and not right.

Our perception doesn’t matter though because like death and taxes, it’s going to happen. Let’s just hope that this swan song will be a fitting end to the best career that anybody could ask for.

The post The uncomfortable truths of watching Peyton Manning in another uniform. appeared first on Players View.

INT. EXTRAVAGANT SOUTHWESTERN OFFICE-DAY 

Football team owner JERRY JONES, an older distinguished southern gentleman with an icy glare is sitting behind a large marble desk. The wall behind him doubles as a fish tank that contains two hammer head sharks.

Across the desk sits TONY ROMO, his 31 year-old quarterback with the boyish charm. They are meeting about the future of Jerry’s team the Dallas Cowboys. Jerry is obviously not happy with Tony.

Jerry takes a sip of bourbon as he speaks.

                                   JERRY

                         Tony, we need to sit down today and

                         have a talk.

Tony takes a deep breath.

                                   TONY

                         I know Jerry. And before you say

                         anything I just wanted to say

                         things are going to be different

                         around here from now on. I’m going

                         to be the leader you need me to be;

                         the man you need me to be.

                                   JERRY

                         Tony, I’ve heard all this before.

                         I’m gonna make a change.

Tony is shocked.

                                   TONY

                         Just like that? You gonna just

                         throw me out like old cattle?

                                   JERRY

                         Tony, we need new leadership here

                         in Dallas. But I’m not just gonna

                         toss you out. I’m going to bring

                         you in a mentor. Somebody that can

                         really show you the ropes.

Tony is suddenly excited.

                                   TONY

                         Mike Martz? I knew he didn’t retire

                         for real!

                                   JERRY

                         No Tony. I’m not bringing in

                         another offensive coordinator.

                         I’m bringing a real good old

                         fashioned gunslinger to town.

PEYTON MANNING, the future-Hall-of-Fame quarterback appears from the shadows and joins Jerry behind the desk. He opts to stand not sit as he looks a frightened Tony in the eye.

                                   JERRY (CONT’D)

                         I present to you Peyton Manning.

                                   PEYTON

                         Afternoon, Tony.

                                   JERRY

                         Rule the NFC we will! Get you over

                         that hump he can Tony. Champion you

                         will be!

                                   TONY

                         Why are you talking like Yoda?

There is an awkward pause in the room as Jerry pours another glass of bourbon.

                                   TONY (CONT’D)

                         Jerry, we don’t need him. I can do

                         it!

Jerry stands his ground.

                                   JERRY

                         P.M.’s a closer. He’s done it all.

                         He might even be the greatest ever.

                         You’re just pretty “ok.” 

                                   PEYTON

                         Tony, you’re young, sorta. Swallow

                         your pride. Watch how I do things.

                         You’ll be a better number two than

                         even Kitna was.

Tony begins to panic.

                                   TONY

                         I can’t. I won’t.

                                   JERRY

                         Tony, don’t fight this. You’ll make

                         me do something like ship you off

                         to Arizona for a couple of late

                         round draft picks.

Tony is suddenly firm. 

                                   TONY

                         Well then send me to Miami.

                                   JERRY

                         No boy. If I get rid of you, I

                         gotta make it hurt. You ever been

                         to Buffalo? You can back-up that

                         Harvard boy.

Peyton finds light in the situation. 

                                   PEYTON

                         There’s good eating in Buffalo

                         Tony. Their wings will make you

                         want to slap your mama!

Peyton makes a back-handed slapping motion with his good arm. Tony naively grins as if he has the answer to a hard question.

                                   TONY

                         Jerry, you are just testing me to

                         see how I will react. P.M. won’t

                         come to Dallas! Right? P.M., your

                         brother works this same territory.

CLOSE-UP ON PEYTON MANNING’S EVIL GRIN.

                                   PEYTON

                         EXACTLY…

                                                         FADE TO BLACK.

The post A few pages from the script of Dallas if Peyton Manning joins the cast. appeared first on Players View.

#3 Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks have a strong running game with Marshawn Lynch pushing the pile. They also have an enthusiastic coach in Pete Carroll and young talented receivers that can benefit from Manning’s guidance. If the Seahawks want either the Tavaris Jackson or Charlie Whitehurst experiments to work out, a season or two behind Manning can cure either of those ills.

#2 Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are well suited for Manning’s arrival. The organization as a whole knows how to work with a veteran QB after handing Kurt Warner like gold. WR Larry Fitzgerald is the type of receiver that Manning can communicate and soar with. The running game is intact with Chris “Bennie” Wells. Throw in a solid defense that is complemented by CB/KR ace Patrick Peterson and you have perhaps one of two clubs Manning can seriously win another ring with.

#1 Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs’ 2011 season was as a hot ghetto mess.  They were racked with so many injuries I swear I thought I saw Pop Warner kids on the field.

2012 will see the return of their prize players that are still without a true signal caller to lead their charge.

Peyton? It's Bowe, let's go get this title man,

Running back Jamal Charles will be back.  Strong Safety Eric Berry will be back. WR beast Dwayne Bowe avoided injury but he’ll be back too.  WR Jonathan Baldwin had a solid rookie season and his physical style of play that complements him as a naturally large target makes him one to keep an eye on.

Romeo Crennel is a studious veteran coach that Peyton loves playing for.  The Chiefs will keep Peyton in the AFC and put him in an immediate position to go forth and seek another ring. Most importantly the Chiefs have a fan base that is ready to be rewarded for their years of sell-out games with no results.

The post There are only three teams that are a good fit for Peyton Manning. And it seems nobody is talking about them. appeared first on Players View.

Thought: Greg Schiano may be the new coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but there are a lot of people that he left behind at Rutgers that are unhappy with him.

Today, Schiano was set to meet with his staff and several new undecided recruits. The funny thing is left them all hanging and never showed up as he lied in secrecy as the new Bucs coach.

I guess the lives of his staff and those young men were no longer of value to Schiano as he’s now a big dog in the NFL.

Apparently not a single person that worked with him had a clue as to what was going on even as National Signing Day approaches.

It’s not a problem that he moved forward in life. It’s how he did it that is dead wrong. That Rutgers program is now “scrambling” to put together its recruiting efforts since there was no contingency plan in place. Normally coaches of integrity leave the collegiate ranks with grace and dignity. A move like Schinao’s is only worthy of the Bobby Petrino Award.

Thought: Philadelphia Eagles TE Brent Celek was caught up in somebody else’s DUI drama last night. Thankfully his apparent birthday celebration or not, Celek was smart enough to come to the conclusion that getting in the car with a driver who had been drinking was not the best of ideas.

Thought: The New York Jets needs to put their publicist/p.r. person in a coaching situation. Whoever he or she is, they have done a great job keeping them relevant all the way through the Super Bowl. Just saying…

Thought: I really hope this Jim Irsay/Peyton Manning mess doesn’t get really ugly. C’mon fellas, if the kids can’t look at Peyton as the guy who takes the higher road, who can they trust?

Thought: Who enjoys the Pro Bowl more than the players? Don’t worry I’ll wait for that answer…

The post New Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coach Leaves Rutgers Recruits Hanging, Brent Celek Avoids Drama, Peyton Manning vs. Jim Irsay Are All In Thoughts For Today appeared first on Players View.

Ryan Madson

Thought: Shouldn’t all of this Eli will surpass Peyton talk be better served after they are both officially out of the league? I think some folks would feel stupid if Peyton comes back somehow and eeks out another ring. Especially if …well I’ll save that for after the Superbowl.

Thought:  Is anybody really surprised at the string MMA related steroids “controversies?” C’mon now.

Thought: As MLB teams continue to do their business in the free agent market, do we look at deals such as the Cincinnati Reds pick up of relief pitcher Ryan Madson and say ‘wow that relief pitcher is the missing piece that they need.’ And if we do, do we do it on the scale of similar NFL free agent acquisitions?

Thought: Now that former Green Bay OC Joe Philbin has taken the Head Coach gig in Miami, should QB Matt More watch his back? Matt Flynn after all is considered a free agent prize. When training camp opens can you imagine media phrases such as ‘the Dolphins are having a good old fashioned Matt-Off.’ Yeah…

Thought: Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice turns 25 years old today. Do you think OC Cam Cameron will wise up and give him 25 or more touches in today’s AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots? C’mon Cam it’s his birthday.

Thought: Ryan Braun accepted his MVP award last night dignity and style last night. Good for him. Most people have not taken the time to review the true circumstances surrounding his situation. Unless something sincerely conclusive pops up, we salute Braun and the manner in which he is holding his head high. Here’s to the hope that supporters such as ourselves will not end up with egg on our face.

 Thought: If you think all of the coaches changes are no big deal within the NFL, you are wrong. Look at the 49ers. Some teams will become much worse and some teams may be playing for glory this time next year. That is presuming that the Myans were wrong.

The post Eli Manning, Peyton Manning,MMA, Ryan Madson,Miami Dolphins,Matt Moore, Matt Flynn and Ray Rice Are All In Thoughts For Today appeared first on Players View.