Could Peyton Manning Land in Seattle?
Seattle may be the place to make his second Super Bowl ring a reality.
The Seattle Seahawks are one of many teams courting Peyton Manning this offseason. After stunning the Giants and Ravens, the Hawks are poised to be a contender in 2012. Peyton Manning could be a piece to that puzzle that makes Seattle competitive once more.
There are many reasons why it would make sense for Peyton Manning to come to Seattle.
- It's hard to ignore just how similar the markets of Indianapolis and Seattle are. Both are modestly-populated cities with relatively minimal media presence. Both also have passionate, boisterous fans that seem to turn star players into idolized, larger-than-life figures.
- Unlike many of the potential new homes for Manning (San Francisco, New York and Washington), Seattle offers Peyton the weapons he needs for immediate success – including the security of a dominant rushing attack. With the boisterous, bruising Marshawn Lynch, Manning's offense can take on a dangerous added dimension.
- Set to make just $4 million next season, the 'Hawks can afford to keep Tarvaris Jackson in Seattle. Manning's health will still raise red flags throughout 2012, and having a serviceable backup in Jackson would be a serious relief. The presence of Jackson alleviates the overwhelming pressures that Peyton faces in his return to the gridiron.
- Throughout his career, Manning has been nothing short of dominant against the NFC West.
- Peyton wouldn't have to break a sweat over foreign West Coast formations or any other tricks Pete Carroll has up his sleeve. With the offense already tailored to his playing style, a West Coast relocation seems more and more natural.
With Manning at the helm, Seattle has a serious shot at earning its first ring. Peyton will be looking to bolster his resume with a second Super Bowl title, and with an impressive run game and defense, Seattle just might have the right pieces in place to make that a reality.