I HATE that Peyton Manning is considered in the same discussions as Tom Brady when they talk about GOAT's. I HATE the media's ball washing of him and their selective memory of his playoff record. I understand that his physical skills have eroded to some degree. But here's the thing. Through 12 games Manning had 33 TD's, 9 picks, and a 109 QB rating. It's not like he sucks or anything. Now I don't fear him when he comes to play the Pats. They have ALWAYS seemed to defend him well, even at his peak. It's probably more true now. But the fact remains that most of the time his team plays a game, HIS team has the better QB.
Over the last 5 games the Bronco's played Manning legs were hurt. When your arm strength is marginal to start, now you have a real problem, and it showed. If he is healthy now, there is no reason to believe that the Manning that played those first 12 games isn't going to be there at the start of the season.
The reality for the Bronco's is this. There is no other QB who would come close to giving them the productivity they get from Manning. But the fact remains he's a declining asset, and the Bronco's brain trust has to thinking about spending $21MM against the cap wondering if that declining asset can make it through the season without incurring another relatively minor leg injury that he won't be able to play through like this year. It is a real dilemma, and one I'm glad we don't have.
Other problems that they have to deal with is a vastly underperforming defense that they have a lot cash tied up in. One which they might lose their top DLman. An offense that is likely to lose 2 of its top 4 receiving assets. Your division is likely to get stronger, and you biggest rival in the conference, kicked your ass, well Manning was healthy and your team was at its best.
Make not mistake, with Manning Denver will be one of the top teams in the conference, but one that is likely to start the season flying under the radar
BTW- Jacob Tamme isn't close to the receiving threat that Julius Thomas was.