Can't really agree with those bashing Elway's "win now" approach.
Elway's only mistake was not trading for Rodgers or Brady. He had a once in a generation talent at QB who was sharply declining and thought the window had one more year.
He was a little off.
His idea though was pretty spot on. He loaded up what he probably figured would be Manning's (and the Bronco's he led) last legitimate chance at an SB for quite some time. It just wasn't enough. Can't argue with the idea.
It is a bad plan for New England because Tom Brady isn't showing many, if any, signs of being hit by father time yet while Manning (+ injuries) has been showing them since he returned to the NFL in 2012.
New England can afford to build a roster for future seasons because Brady should still be around and performing at a similar level.
Elway knew that wasn't the case with Manning. He had to go all in because barring a very lucky QB selection they'll be rebuilding no matter what. Win now or nothing.
This wasn't Elway's fault. Silly to think so, IMO.
Now, with the entire staff likely gone, Manning probably is too, either to retirement or he'll ask for (and respectfully so be given) his release.