The up coming NFL season for Denver and New Orleans could leave their fans shaking their heads in disbelief at the conclusion of the regular season. This writer has never witnessed a news conference like the one held by Denver to announce Manning's signing. It was too long with too many questions and answers and unfortunately void of the important answers that can not possibly be answered until the end of the season. What is ahead for Manning and Denver is as follows.
Will Manning be gun shy because of his neck injury and bail out and let the ball fly too soon? Will Manning be able to keep his cool and not think about his injury or being reinjured? Will Manning's timing, agility and athletic ability still be there after missing a full season? Will his desire to play be at the high level necessary to compete once the season gets underway? How much help will the team give Manning? That long news conference was a boon to the news media and hype but was clueless as for how Manning and Denver will end the season. That will tell the real story.
Drew Brees is still waiting to sign a contract with the Saints as of this writing. Some local sports journalists and many fans are on record thinking the Saints should give Brees whatever he is asking for salary wise. In fact one journalist said if Manning signed with Denver for $19 million than Brees is worth $25 million. That kind of logic or lack there of is one reason professional sports has so many problems. Brees has led the Saints to 4 winning seasons out of 6 years, no where near the number of winning seasons Manning led his team. Manning has also won more playoff games than Brees.
Fans and sports journalists should not be surprised if Brees and the Saints end up with a break even or 9-7 record at the end of the season. Their losses in the playoff the last two seasons were ugly to say the least and neither Brees or Sean Payton really had an answer. The coaches and players suspensions will have an affect on the team and its record despite the pep talk going on by journalists and the Saints orginazation. I am not a mind reader or have a crystal ball but I think I see the hand writing on the wall. Only time will tell.
