Deion Sez:

Errrr.... Manning chose the wrong team.  What is he thinking?  SF is a TD away from the big game.  They just improved their receiving corpse - considerably, and the draft is yet to occur.  Picking the "right" team for a free agent is the most important decision.  According to Deion, Peyton whiffed.  We agree.

Is Peyton high on Oxy?

Who the eff knows?  But Manning's choosing Denver is more than a head scratcher - it's dumb.  Very dumb - which is why this blog commented there are reasons and motivations unknown and perhaps insidious in this Manning move.  Only time will tell what Peyton has in the tank - if anything.  All the rational thinking was Manning wants to win.  Ergo... a player picks the team best positioned to accomplish that goal.  Choosing Denver reveals something is amiss.  What is amiss is the only question.

If Peyton goes down in the pre-season, and never plays a game for Denver, he walks away with near 50 million dollars.  Is it unknown he had 4 neck surgeries and those close to the medical assessment were speculating the end of Peyton's playing days?  Even a healthy player can be injured permanently.  One with hardware in his neck is at much greater risk.  One blind side hit and Manning's playing days could end.

Deion is a HOF player who this blog respects immensely.  He knows the game.  His career speaks for his insight.  Sanders made the right moves at the right time.  He holds the rings to validate his insight.  Deion knows this Manning move is not legit.  Something is rotten.  Or... Manning is not the intellect others have speculated.  It may well be Manning is a simple minded rube who knows football, but who is unwilling or unable to interpret medical his prognosis.

2+2=5...  Ignorance is strength...  War is peace.... Peyton will win a championship with Denver.

Peyton Manning: Money, or, Ownership, or, Something

Peyton, the five, or six, headed, (as opposed to forehead-ed), dorky looking player is one tackle away from an injury that forces his permanent retirement.  THis must be more true than originally thought.  Peyton's decision to sign with Denver defies "conventional" reasoning.  Conventional reasoning was that Peyton's motivation(s) were to play in another Superbowl.  Heading to Denver is the least direct, and more difficult path.  Manning may value his contribution more highly than the rest of the world.  He must.

Apparently, Peyton is motivated by something other than winning a SB.  What else explains his actions?  Who knows? Obviously, not me.  Man, O, man was I off in my assessments.  I suck!

Let's consider some other reasons that explain Peyton's choice.

For good or ill, Manning worked with Colt owner Jim Irsay his entire career.  Prior to last year's injury, Irsay rewarded Manning a large contract/reward for his services.  They worked together for 14 years to enable the Colts winning ways.  To not consider Irsay in Manning's decision is ignorant.  That relationship maybe not have been love, but it did contain a mutual respect.  When it became evident Manning was more fragile and less dependable, the two mapped out a course of action.  Irsay would re-build a new Colts organization - he has begun that process.  Manning would sell his services on the open market.  Both men would not divulge the details of their agreement - as those details would ruin Manning's ability to land another team.  Irsay would have a valid reason for revamping the Colts top to bottom - preparing for Andrew Luck - He did the same thing with Manning.  Irsay has taught Peyton a few business tactics.  Manning listened.

Something's amiss here.

Manning has sold Denver a Bag of Magic Beans.  Peyton's motivations are dubious and filled with suspicion - none legitimate.  This action by Manning is desperate and not in keeping with Manning's public profile.  Denver will pay tens of millions of dollars to a washed up, ready for retirement on the next tackle, player.

Did Peyton avoid S.F. and Tennessee because he respected them more... not wanting to ruin their chances for winning - knowing he will never again be the player he once was.  Is there a hidden disdain Manning holds for Denver?  At least that is a viable question/explanation.  That explanation fits with what we have seen thus far.  Wow... Manning must really dislike Elway/Denver/Pat Bowen for reasons unknown.

Was Perhaps Manning promised an ownership role with Denver/Elway.  If that is true - that goes against all I know about Elway - egomaniacal.  Elway couldn't stand Tebow getting attention.  Now, he is prepared to share the spotlight with Manning?  This doesn't square.  It's not credible to speculate Manning's reputation and career outweigh Elway's ego.

Peyton wants a Manning vs Manning Superbowl?  Sure... he chooses the team least able to accomplish that dream within the confines of his playing years - healthy!  I'm not buying it.

How this plays out will clarify and confirm these suspicions.  

Peyton Manning Signs with the 49ers

(Image THANKS to Ohmyjuly.wordpress blog))

I'm confident in making this statement.  All the "measurables" favor his signing with the 49ers.

I offer today for your consideration:  "SEVEN... yes SEVEN compelling reasons why Manning will sign with the 49ers.  Seven's the number... seven little chipmunks twirling on a branch; eating lotsa sunflowers on your uncle ranch... you recall that old sailor's song by the sea... SEVEN's the number!  SEVEN!!!  Now step into my office..."

1. Money is NOT the issue. Peyton's motivations are equaling his brothers' SB ring total -- at a minimum.  The others - NFL records, are also improved if he signs with the 49ers, but winning at least one more SB is the Biggie.  Manning  doesn't need money or a huge contract. He will make money on and off the field.  His celebrity status offers him a variety of money making ventures as spokesman.  Peyton has shown he has no qualms about doing whatever is needed to take a paycheck -- Oreo eating duel with his brother?  When Peyton leaves the NFL, he will walk into a broadcast booth.   His earning potential in and around football will end when he dies.

2.  Peyton has said he doesn't want to face his brother regularly.  Don't know when this was said, or how important this is as a deal breaker.  I suspect the comment was made BEFORE S.F. expressed interest.   Peyton has limited time to acquire another SB trophy - I submit this is a greater concern.  The 49ers are not in the NFC East.  The risk of playing Eli while with Indy was only a little less likely.

3.  S.F. provides Peyton a fast track to the SB.  SF has made recent acquisitions to improve their WR core.  Davis, Crabtree, Moss, Manningham, Walker, and my draft prediction - Brian Quick, will provide Manning ample targets.  Save Quick, these are veteran, savvy receivers.  No other team in the running can match this WR lineup.  (Name one elite WR on either Denver or the Titan's team.)

4. The Niners have cap space to accommodate Manning; and provide him ample protection.  The 49ers will structure their draft to acquire O-Line protection, and/or trade for players specifically suited to Peyton's style of play.  Manning career MAY extend another 4, maybe 5 years with adequate protection AND providing him the ability to avoid pressure with a sound running game and good WRs.

5. With Manning under center, opposing defenses cannot stack the line as they often did with A. Smith.  The 49er running game will get silly.  This will provide Manning options that work to also protect him from injury.

6.  SF's head coach is a huge positive.  Make no mistake about it.  Harbaugh KNOWS what it takes to play QB in the NFL.  He and Manning share an intensity about the game that is unavailable elsewhere.  No other team has this benefit.  Elway is in the front office, not on the field.   Munchak was NOT Coach of the Year, nor is he the competitor Harbaugh is.  Manning's play can only improve with Harbaugh on the sidelines.  Conversely, Manning's input will improve the coaching decisions.  This relationship has numerous benefits obvious to both.

7.  SF's chances of competing for the SB are in the top 5 - at least!  All facets of S.F.'s team are improved over last year and the draft has yet to occur.

7+.  Manning's number 18 is not retired at S.F..  Admittedly, this is a lame consideration, if a consideration at all.  But after considering the above, we won't be considering this issue much longer.

Peyton will sign with the 49ers as soon as his anniversary duties are completed.  Write it down and hold me to account.

Comments?

A Cold Blooded Hard Baller

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Coach Harbaugh will keep the 49ers competative so long as he coaches the team.  Increasingly, he is showing he possesses a remarkable insight, a command of strategy, and a take no prisoners "Football" business sense.  I admire him more and more -- as information is released that provides insight into his thinking and strategies.  As Coach Vince Sad:  "Winning isn't everything.... it's the ONLY thing.".

Honestly, I may have a man crush.  Harbaugh has shown us only a glimpse of his abilities.  The future of the franchise is in capable hands.

Peyton will sign with SF.

Why?  That's the easy part.  Manning is a competitor.  All great athletes are, for good and ill, driven to win.  His little brother has one more ring than he.  That alone will move Peyton to sign where he has the best chance of at least matching his little brother.  If you are a sibling, and if you competed with your sibling, you know the truth of this assertion.  Coach Harbaugh is the little brother, and his motivation to best his big brother (Raven's Head Coach) is nearly a mania.

This combination of emotions, properly channeled, is one of the most powerful motivations in humanity.  In the sports arena, its importance grows exponentially.

Both Manning and Harbaugh share a maniacal obsession for winning.  Both view this opportunity with the proper reserve.  Both have shared the disappointments of playing in the NFL and know the tenuous nature of success in that environment.  These oportunities do not come often.  Both men know the stakes, expectations, and difficulties -- even with a great team.

Is this opportunity too good to be true?  Perhaps.  But neither can ignore it.

With Alex Smith as QB, the niners came up short one game.  Add Peyton Manning and the odds of a 49er Championship are sick.

Peyton knows he has two, maybe three years to fulfill his goals.  Coach Harbaugh wants a ring too.  The 49ers provide the best chance to both.

49er Free Agent Updates

Center/R Guard veteran Snyder is moving to the Cardinals.  Fine, take off already.  His moving on improves the odds SF takes a lineman with their first pick.  An improved guard or center is badly needed for the offense to cultivate its talent.  Chico sucks.  Neither Chico, or Snyder were adequate.  The right side was porous last season.  It was pathetic at times.  The turnstyle twins looked horrific at times.  Fortunately, no one was hurt badly.  Snyder was better than Chico, but that is not a ringing distinction, or an endorsement.  The Raven game clearly revealed the  right O-line deficiencies.  Chicos play was, is... exceptionally bad.  He is not an NFL caliber player.

Is Mario Manningham worth a contract, or would his signing prompt the team to avoid taking a WR early in the draft?  Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State is the 40 Effing 9ers numero Uno WR choice.  Quick resembles the  GOAT, Jerry Rice.  His YAC is sick.

The Chaz Schilens person; WR, Raiders, is interesting.  He's young with unknown potential.  He is large, 6-4, 225.  He has decent performances.  However, he was injured two seasons worth, since being draffted - Rd 7, 2004.  Chaz will likely be a - low cost, low risk, why not? kind of player.

A quality guard and or center is vital to improve the offense.  I'm repeating and re done dent but that weakness is huge and may AGAIN derail SB hopes.

Alex needs to quit effing around and sign.   His improved play did not include stats that make him attractive past a backup role.  Alex... sign the damned contract.

Free Agency Antics

(Image THANKS to: Ohmyjuly.wordpress)

Carlos Rogers resigns with the Niners.  Okay...  he's adequate.  With the right surrounding cast, he may avoid being exposed - again!  Oh.... you doubt me?  Do you recall Victor Cruz making Rogers look very much less than average? Add Mario Manningham, and the WR/TEs from the Saints and Giants - they exposed Rogers for what he is.  Rogers is a "serviceable"  Corner.  Carlos looks better than he is because of "HAVOC"  Justin Smith and crew.  It is their rushing that enables Roger's improved play.  Take away the HAVOC boys and Rogers returns to being - average.  IMO - SF overpaid.  Hopefully, the team drafts his replacement.

Perrish Cox - a Bronco DB was also signed.  Cox was charged with sexual assault and released by Denver at the end of training camp last year.  Cox was acquitted of the charges.  He's 6'-0" and 200 lbs.

Josh Morgan goes to Washington DC.  Fine!  See ya... wouldn't wanna be ya.  Pfffft!  Besides, Morgan's departure free up #81 for Moss.

I'm still jazzed about the Randy Moss pickup.  Nice!  I wonder if Randy will return to wearing #88 - his college number?   Ask yourself... Moss or Morgan?  Did you know Moss ran a 4.25 forty at his pro workout back in the day?  4.25!  Even if he lost a step, he's still clocking in under 4.5.  If he's lost two steps, he still as fast as the average large wide out.

Moss = big, strong veteran with a desire to win it all.
Morgan = the SF version of the human potato chip.

RB's aside:  I like Tim Tebow.  He's a good young man in the traditional sense of the word.  Goodness is a great virtue.  Tim can offer much to an NFL squad, but his QB skill set is not suited for the modern game. Perhaps his role is not QB... but what about Tight End?  Tim is a big target.  He is elusive and runs well.  He knows the offense.  He can catch and throw.  He can block.  A team could make use of his skills and passion for the game by making this TE option viable.  Why not?  Playing TE and remaining in football may be an option Tim would consider.

The Cox signing is dubious.  I hold strong opinions on players who cannot avoid trouble - particularly assaulting women.  You're a pro football player.  If you cannot get women to pay attention to you - you have other Issues.  Take Roethlisberger... the Rapist.  IMO -  Ben, a two timer offender, should be banned from the NFL.  He did something sexual with the women who persist in accusing him.  Somehow... someway... for reasons unpublished, prosecutors refused to prosecute.  He's guilty of giving the NFL a black eye and continues to act like an arrogant ____.  He's bad for the league, children, and women.  

The Forty Effing Niners

The Forty Effing Niners is a new blog dedicated to the City By the Bay - bye the buy - and one fine Football Team .  This blog is dedicated to the Forty Effing Niner Faithful, and others who do not have a blog dedicated to their team and their fan base.  Sign up.  Be a member/follower.  I will keep you inform-ed on the latest news and quality insight. Last year was a small disappointment that will soon be a forgotten bad memory.  We have a bright... bright... bright... sunshin-eee season ahead of us.  

Randy Moss Signs with 49ers

Whodathunkit?   Randy Moss signs with the 49ers.  Today's blog will consider the negatives of Moss' signing.

This blog argued that T.O. was a quick fix for the ailing passing game last season at playoff time.  The up-side surpassed the risk - literally.  Missing an experienced WR during the playoff run doomed the 49ers.

During the season, the 49ers stalled in the Red Zone repeatedly!  How many times were field goals the result inside the Red Zone?  That's right... 42 !!! A new league record.  No More.

Moss at 6'-4" is large target with great hands and jumping skills.  He will immediately create coverage trouble and permit Vernon Davis, or Mike Crabtree, or Delaney Walker, or... Himself, to grab TD passes in the Red Zone.  Smaller DBs will not appreciate the mismatch.  The threat Moss poses in the Red Zone is substantial.

Moss will draw attention down field.  Defenses must cover Moss as a deep threat, or he will become one.  The threat is enough.

Moss is an excellent compliment to a team that was a TD pass from a Super Bowl appearance.

Some writers argue Randy Moss is not a good teammate... A locker room cancer...  He takes plays off... He is ego driven... He won't block...  All true at different times in his career.  No More.

What's different now?  Moss is mature.  Moss wants a SB ring.  Moss wants vindication he can still play.  The 49ers offer Moss an opportunity to accomplish his goals.  The 49ers will benefit from Moss' presence - even if he lacks the physical skills he once held.

Who's the odd man out with Moss' signing?  Josh Morgan?  He may leave but it won't be due to Moss.  Ted Ginn is the likely loser - (if there is a football God).  After all, what did Ginn do last year; other than short running first down yardage, dropping passes, and getting hurt at the worst possible time?  IMO- Ted was frightened to play in the big games.  He's not at OSU anymore and the competition is more than Ted can handle.  He knows this.  If he played, the same regular season mistakes would marr the playoffs.  Good-bye and good riddance.

The Niner draft should include: an OL guard or Center with pick one - DeCastro, Glenn, or a FA pick is need #1.  Signing Moss renders the skill position less critical.  My favorites?  Brian Quick from Appalachian State.  Trumaine Johnson; Safety from Montana.  We will see how much of a Nostradumbass Iyam.

For now... I'm a happy fan.  Seeing Moss line up wearing a 49er helmet will inflict terror and give me a smile.  A new Moss jersey is in my future.