As the 2009 NFL Season approaches, everyone is looking at the rookies who were recently drafted, the schedules that were recently released, and of course, the fact that Bret FAV-REE (that is how his name should be pronounced) is still possibly playing. I direct you to a very subtle change that could have a significant impact and may have no impact at all. Regardless, for a serious NFL fan this should be on the radar as a notable situation to monitor.
Several NFL assistant coaches have considered retirement recently, because the coaches pension is no longer being handled by the NFL but has been given to the individual teams. Many coaches are apparently worried that this could cause a significant impact to their pension benefits, as there is not a union for NFL coaches. Rather than risk losing benefits, some NFL coaches, especially older ones, have opted to retire immediately. This has created a "possibly developing situation" with the Indianapolis Young Male Horses and Peyton Manning.
Peyton has had a Hall Fame career and most likely nothing will change this season barring injury. However, there are some significant pieces missing from Peyton's team as they enter the '09 campaign. First, as you all know by now, Tony Dungy retired at the end of '08. Although his replacement was on staff and hand picked by Dungy, he (I believe it is Jim Caldwell) is a first year head coach with absolutely no experience as a head coach. It will be interesting to see not only how he performs but how Peyton interacts with him if Peyton should disagree with some of his decisions, strategies. or coaching styles. Dungy was a respected head coach before Peyton became a Hall Fame player so the respect was in place when Dungy was hired. Peyton may know this coach well, but respect is earned at EACH coaching position. Should the new coach struggle and Peyton disagree with him, how high will the Peyton "FRUSTRATION-Meter" read? Could it have am impact on Peyton and the team? We all remember the Peyton "FRUSTRATION-Meter" after the Steelers beat them in January of '06, the emphamis how did Roethlisberger tackle that defensive back returning Bettis' fumble divisional playoff game. Peyton torched his offensive line with the quote to the media of "We had protection issues". Also, how many times have we seen the "FRUSTRATION-Meter" soar with the shaking head, frown, and throwing up of the hands as Petyon walks off the field?
Dungy retired to pursue other very admirable interests in life. However, two very important assistant coaches have now decided to retire in the early weeks of May due to the pension issues. Offensive coordinator, Tom Moore, and offensive line coach, Howard Mudd announced their retirement effective immediately. Sure, Peyton does not need an offensive coordinator but Tom Moore is the ONLY, that's right, ONLY offensive coordinator that Peyton has ever had in his NFL career. Howard Mudd is considered a legendary offensive line coach. Peyton has almost always had outstanding line protection, as any quarterback has to have to be successful. Both of these coaches have been referred to by many executives, coaches, players, and media personnel as great, influential coaches. Peyton is a coach on the field, no doubt. But it will definitely be worth watching how the loss of these two coaches will impact his team and his performance. Will the protection be as good? Will the offensive scheme be as open and imaginative? Will the discipline and the execution of the offense be the same?
Finally, another small but dependable piece is also missing for the first time in Peyton's NFL career, Marvin Harrison. Marvin has been a shell of himself since injuring his knee two seasons ago. Reggie Wayne is now the go to receiver while Anthony Gonzalez and Dallas Clark are outstanding. But Peyton shared a chemistry with Harrison that will never be duplicated. Peyton has thrown more TD passes to Harrison than any QB to WR tandem in the history of the NFL. They worked so hard and flawlessly together that they knew what each other was thinking in every situation. Harrison had to be some sort of security for all of those games, if Peyton ever needed any security. Peyton had great confidence in Harrison not only from a physical point of catching the ball but from a mental stand point of reading the defense and knowing where the weak points were and being on the same page as Peyton.
Peyton Manning's career speaks for itself. He has been great. Currently, I have him as the 4th greatest quarterback of my lifetime (first memory Super Bowl 6) behind Montana, Elway, Brady (feel free to make your own rankings of any QB's). It is very hard for one not to think that losing your head coach, only offensive coordinator you have ever had, great offensive line coach, and favorite receiver of your career would not have an impact on your play and your team. Most likely, Peyton will perform as he always has or maybe even better. If Peyton does perform even better his legend should grow after losing all of the people listed above. However, if Peyton "just doesn't quite look right or like himself" or if you start to hear the whispers "Peyton is getting old, his skills are diminishing", well, it may not be all Peyton. It could be what or who Peyton lost this off season.
P.S. After drafting RB Donald Brown in the first round this year, the Young Male Horses have now provided Peyton, during his entire NFL career, with 9 first round draft picks that are or were skill position players for his assistance - RB, WR, TE. The list includes Marvin Harrison, Edgerrin James, and Dallas Clark to name a few. Feel free to research the others yourself.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment