It has been argued that because Peyton Manning is so thorough in his approach to football, he is going to approach his search for a new team the same way. He's going to analyze a team's talent, salary cap, offensive line, relative strength within its division, all that before deciding where he'll land.
And that is probably correct. But none of those are the most important aspect of his search for a landing spot where he'll continue his career.
So what is that No. 1 variable that he's judging in the teams he's considering?
Relationship.
The Dolphins, who spent five hours with Manning Monday afternoon and evening, came away from their visit believing Manning is looking for a comfort zone, a group of people he can be at peace with and find a bond with. The club representatives that met with Manning during their meeting in Indianapolis did the best they could to make Manning feel like he'd be at home with the club.
They do not know if they succeeded. Nobody but Manning really knows, regardless of how plugged in any pundit (including me) tries to convince you they are on the matter.
Peyton Manning will probably decide which team he'll go to based on his comfort level with the people he expects he'll be working with, including coaches, general managers, assistants and perhaps teammates.
That is why Manning probably took his trips to Denver and Arizona first. That is where he feels the greatest sense of relationship going into the process. He is friends and respect Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt based on a bond forged years ago at the Pro Bowl.
He feels a kinship to Denver's John Elway based on their mutual experiences. He also knows coach John Fox.
Today he was reportedly meeting with the Tennesee Titans. He's quite familiar with the state, having played for the University of Tennessee Volunteers once upon a time. He's heard stories about coach Mike Munchak from father Archie Manning because they were teammates once.
And this: The Titans Monday confirmed the hiring of Dennis Polian, the son of former Colts General Manager Bill Polian, to serve as a personal assistant to Munchak. Polian is very familiar with Manning and vice versa and it is possible he will be present in the meeting between Manning and Munchak.
Relationship.
So what did the Dolphins offer in this regard? I do not know. The Dolphins aren't saying. It's a state secret. But my guess is it probably couldn't have been very compelling.
The truth is Miami's coaching staff doesn't have any strong bonds to Manning. Yes, offensive coordinator Mike Sherman reportedly recruited Manning to Texas A&M in the 1990s. But that seems to be it.
Unless the Dolphins got Dan Marino (a Manning friend) or Bill Parcells (a Manning confidant) or yesterday hired Cooper (the QB'solder brother) or Tom Moore (Manning's offensive coordinator in Indy) to come along on the trip, the ties the bind Manning to the Dolphins seem flimsy.
No, the Dolphins Monday were actually trying to build a relationship rather than rekindle one. On his other meetings Manning seems to be rekindling with people in Arizona, Denver and perhaps even Tennessee.
Does this mean the Dolphins have no shot at Manning? Not necessarily. Obviously Manning took this meeting because on some level he thinks it might work in Miami. Former teammate Reggie Wayne has been in Manning's ear about joining the Dolphins and making things work there. Wayne is a former University of Miami standout.
Manning also likes South Florida. He lives here part of the year and his wife is said to love it here.
But can the Dolphins consider themselves leaders with Manning on the relationship front? Even one member of the organization admits that isn't so.
In that regard, Denver is probably the leader, followed by Arizona, then Tennessee, then the Dolphins. So yes, the Dolphins have a lot of ground to make up on this all important issue. Does it kill their cause and chances?
No. But it definitely isn't helping.
MANNING TO DENVER FOR A REPORTED 3 YR $30 MILLION GUARANTEED!!!!!
Posted by: BREAKING NEWS!!!!!! | March 13, 2012 at 03:43 PM
Phins, I've got my phone ready to go. I'm expecting it to go like this: Ireland makes the call to the player, hangs up, then calls me to tell me, and I'll come back and let everyone know.
LET'S GET IT ON!!!
Posted by: DC Dolfan | March 13, 2012 at 03:43 PM
You wait until the 2nd to take Weeden if you are sold on him. No way I take him in Round #1 or trade back into Round #1 to take him.
Posted by: No Balls | March 13, 2012 at 03:43 PM
Beer and DC -- With Weeden as the choice you would have to know he could learn the pro style offense quickly enough to start at the latest in yr 2. To get your money's worth anyway. But I do like his talent level.
Posted by: Texas_Dolfan | March 13, 2012 at 03:44 PM
LoL, really and you're the moron that know absolutely nothing. Luck is having the number one pick when Manning comes out and not drafting Leaf. Polish said he made up his mind on which one to draft and hour before the draft. So go back to your computer fat boy, put your pocket protector in your pocket and go
Play Maddeb.
Posted by: Michael | March 13, 2012 at 03:45 PM
Forget Manning. He probably won't be entirely convinced wherever he ends up (poor baby!)
Aaron Rodgers says Flynn is a top ten QB.
So is Matt Moore (who should be better next season).
Let's move on!
Posted by: Betty Crocker | March 13, 2012 at 03:46 PM
the coach
Thats a very questionable reasoning for someone not to be a franchise qb. THere are a lot of great qbs 6-2 and under. Theere are alot of tall guys who suck. Maybe you should think about becoming a jets fan!
Posted by: Slam | March 13, 2012 at 03:47 PM
Check that on Cousins. He is only 6-3 and 202 lbs. Not big enough to take the pounding. Same with Matt Moore. Can't take the hits a such a light weight.
Posted by: The Coach | March 13, 2012 at 03:48 PM
Rodgers is 6'2" 225 hmmm. I would take him.
Posted by: Texas_Dolfan | March 13, 2012 at 03:48 PM
I can't see why Manning wouldn't want to face Brady twice a year.
Wouldn't he like the challenge?
Does he really just want to go to an easy-pickins' division?
Posted by: Swamy | March 13, 2012 at 03:49 PM
Not sure how we even have the MONEY to sign Manning. The entire thing is stupid if you ask me. Anyone who signs him needs to have some major cap space. Miami is under 10M after tendering their own restricted free agents. Miami has more needs then QB (like RT).
At this point, I think Miami needs to forget about Manning, sign Winston as your Right Tackle and one more top WR like Pierre Garcon, and hope to land Tannehill in the draft.
That is how I would play it.
Posted by: No Balls | March 13, 2012 at 03:49 PM
sign orton to backup moore. alot cheaper this yr. no flynn. I rather have more devlin and orton!!
Posted by: NEfinfan | March 13, 2012 at 03:50 PM
How hot of a commodity is Weeden? Im not sure, just asking. Depending on where Manning, Flynn, and Tannehill end up, i would wait until the second, take a chance on the curse. Which is only true if you believe in such things.
Posted by: finfaneurope | March 13, 2012 at 03:50 PM
There are guys that are exceptions. Rodgers has been knocked out of a few games with concussions. I don't see Rodgers or Brees getting as many chances to win superbowls as say Brady or Rothlesburger because of their size.
Posted by: The Coach | March 13, 2012 at 03:51 PM
nice breaking news, yet he has not met with titans, why would he sign for 10 million a year? he will get more than 30 guaranteed anyways.
Posted by: NEfinfan | March 13, 2012 at 03:52 PM
Its all on the draft now.....Manning and flynn wont be here(maybe flynn, but very unlikely given what he'll ask for $$$).......Philbins philosiphy is going to ring true....Free Agency is just another silent step for miami....Dont expect much unless resigning langford was all you wanted to hear....Just Sayin!!!
ROSS=EPIC FAIL
IRELAND=EPIC FAIL
SEASON TICKET HOLDERS=SUX TO BE YOU
Posted by: superPHIN | March 13, 2012 at 03:52 PM
Posted by: Betty Crocker | March 13, 2012 at 03:46 PM
Hi Betty.
Posted by: Chef Emeril | March 13, 2012 at 03:53 PM
I agree with DC take Garcon over Wayne more speed compliment Marshall better. Cut Hartline
Posted by: Clue | March 13, 2012 at 03:53 PM
offensive line is not a big of a need as you guys think. West coast offensive has very quick drops and throws. If i was gm, Id go for flynn, sign a receiver like garcon or wayne and pass rusher with 1st round pick. Id let murtha, jerry and 2nd or 3rd round pick battle for starting RG and RT.
Posted by: Slam | March 13, 2012 at 03:54 PM
*** BREAKING NEWS!!! ***
MIAMI HAS TRADED BRANDON MARSHALL FOR 2 3RD ROUND PICKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: No Balls | March 13, 2012 at 03:55 PM
Winston would be a very good RT pick up in FA if we can get him. I'd be calling his agent 1 second after his release.
Posted by: Texas_Dolfan | March 13, 2012 at 03:56 PM
WOW! That is one way to clear cap room. Rumor was Manning would not play with Brandon Marshall. Does this mean Manning is coming to Miami?!!!
Posted by: No Balls | March 13, 2012 at 03:56 PM
One thing about Rodgers and Brees is they have strong arms. But their sizes limits them. I know Brees has problems playing in cold weather because of small hands. To get multiple shots at winning superbowls you sometimes have to take the path of being on the road in the playoffs. It's all about the percentages of having the opportunity to get there.
Posted by: The Coach | March 13, 2012 at 03:56 PM
europe, take it for what it's worth, but at the Senior Bowl, the consensus was he was the best QB there. Now that doesn't include Tannehill, but from what I'm hearing, the ONLY downside of Weeden is his age. He's got a good arm, good leadership skills, good footwork, athletic. Only negative I've heard about him is age.
But he and Blackmon made a great team. Imagine what he and Marshall could do.
Posted by: DC Dolfan | March 13, 2012 at 03:56 PM
sign wayne or garcon saturday and clark by 4pm on tuesday and you have relationships with manning it's that simple especially reggie wayne!
Posted by: bryan in ohio | March 13, 2012 at 03:56 PM
DC,
It is definitely a worry to wait until the 2nd rd. I think that the teams picking 1-7 will look to be drafting Weeden as insurance cuz of last years draftee didn't pan out like they thought it would... ie. Vikings' Ponder(low possibility),Bucs' Freeman (mid), Browns' McCoy(mid) Jaguars' Gabbert(high possibility).
If it comes to Tannehill being off the board at #8 and we miss out on Manning then the phins should consider a valuable trade down to the end of the 1st rd. for Brandon Weeden QB Oklahoma State. It is a deep draft getting another 2nd rd pick and maybe more would be great.
Or they could bank on waiting for the 2nd and going with Cousins if Weeden is off the board. I think that the drop off there is huge though. Cousins won't shine right away but he is a hard worker w great intangibles. I think in a few years we are looking at a Brees type player there. Weeden on the other hand I think is ready to start immediately and would beat out Moore this year. His downside of course is his age. He'd need to play right away either way.
Posted by: beerphin | March 13, 2012 at 03:57 PM
WOW that is crazy. Traded away Marshal for 2 3rds.
Posted by: Texas_Dolfan | March 13, 2012 at 03:57 PM
*************** WOW *****************
I could easily see Miami persuing a top WR in free agency now. Perhaps Vincent Jackson (big $$$) or Pierre Garcon?
Talk about losing star power though!
Posted by: No Balls | March 13, 2012 at 03:57 PM
ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME. WE TRADED MARSHALL FOR 2 3RD ROUND PICKS. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!!!
Posted by: Clue | March 13, 2012 at 03:59 PM
MAJOR NEWS!!! AT LEAST THAT CREATES SOME CAP ROOM.
Would rather sign a free agent at WR this year then have to deal with head case Brandon Marshall!
Posted by: No Balls | March 13, 2012 at 03:59 PM
I would like to cut Marc "the turnstile" Colombo and sign Eric Winston to replace him.
Let's do this while watching this episode of Peyton Place to unfold.
Posted by: Tim in Tampa | March 13, 2012 at 03:59 PM
Coach,
1. Cousins is not a franchise QB
2. Mallett is not a franchise QB
3. Flynn is not a franchise QB
4. Drew Brees is a franchise QB
Posted by: NHFINSFAN | March 13, 2012 at 03:59 PM
This is just sad.
According to Mortensen’s tweet, coach Joe Philbin and Manning met for approximately six hours in Indianapolis, as the Dolphins try to jump into the race to land the star quarterback cut by the Colts last week.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=nfp-20120313_manning_meets_with_philbin_in_indy
Peyton didn't even want to go to Miami to meet with them.
Posted by: JackSparrow | March 13, 2012 at 03:59 PM
Wow.....Marshall just traded to Chicago for two 3rd rnd picks!
Posted by: wolfman13 | March 13, 2012 at 03:59 PM
BRANDON MARSHALL TO DA BEARS....
Posted by: Kris | March 13, 2012 at 04:00 PM
I'm not a fan of Flynn. Way too expensive not enough experience and on the Phins he might look worse then Henne. IMHO the packers made him look good. plus Rodgers gamecalled almost all passes...
Posted by: beerphin | March 13, 2012 at 04:00 PM
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? MARSHALL FOR 2 3RD ROUND PICKS. I HATE THE DOLPHINS.
Posted by: Clue | March 13, 2012 at 04:00 PM
Sign reggie wayne and dallas clark. heck, maybe even jeff saturday. take all of manning's former teammates off the market so he has no choice but to come here!
Posted by: Dave | March 13, 2012 at 04:00 PM
Michael your ramblings are getting you nowhere. Old, clueless & with saggy old man nutz is no way to go through life.
You're starting to make home look like a smart guy. With this in mind, please stop!
Posted by: LOL | March 13, 2012 at 04:01 PM
THE ONE AND ONLY PLAYMAKER WE HAVE AND WE TRADE HIM. FOR 2 3RD ROUND PICK! 3RD ROUND PICKS! NOT EVEN A 2ND. A 3RD ROUND PICK!!!
Posted by: Clue | March 13, 2012 at 04:01 PM
3rd Round pick in 2012 and 2013. NOT BOTH THIS YEAR!
So basically we got Brandon Marshall for 2 years, gave up two #2s and got back two #3s and cleared cap room.
If Miami signs a TOP WR this is a WIN for the Miami Dolphins (and we don't waste the draft picks).
If Miami doesn't sign or draft a TOP WR then this is probably a BIG LOSS!
I figure Miami has a WR on their radar. Maybe Reggie Wayne or Pierre Garcon.
Posted by: No Balls | March 13, 2012 at 04:01 PM
Why trade a guy who cost 2 number TWO's....for 2 number 3s
Posted by: Kris | March 13, 2012 at 04:02 PM
I CAN"T BELIEVE THIS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MARSHALL FOR WHAT!!!
Posted by: JOE PHILBIN'S CLIPBOARD | March 13, 2012 at 04:03 PM
Peyton told them you need to dump Brandon Marshall and show me you really want me in Miami. Wow, here comes Reggie Wayne, watch...
Posted by: Craig | March 13, 2012 at 04:03 PM
Kris --- CAP ROOM and a top WR is being target in free agency or the draft.
Posted by: No Balls | March 13, 2012 at 04:03 PM
This had better be on the ORDERS of Peyton Manning...
Posted by: Kris | March 13, 2012 at 04:03 PM
DOCTORS HAVE DETERMINED THAT PEYTON MANNING INDEED CANNOT THROW WITH FULL VELOCITY
MEDICAL EXPERTS SAY THEY DID NOT UNDERSTAND THAT MANNING WAS THROWING FROM HIS LEFT HAND AND NOT HIS RIGHT HAND AS STATED IN MEDICAL RECORD
ALSO IN RELATED NEWS, BUD ADAMS, TITANS OWNER CHOKES ON FAVORITE WISHBONE DUE TO EXTREME MENOPAUSE MOMENT AFTER HEARING MANNING WILL NEED MINOR SURGERY ON LEFT BUTTOCK!
Posted by: BREAKING NEWS | March 13, 2012 at 04:04 PM
That's not bad value at all for Marshall. Gives Miami much draft flexibility (especially if they want to move up in a round) and clears the way for them to pursue V. Jackson or perhaps Wayne as part of a combo with Peyton.
I have NO problem with this move.
Posted by: tj | March 13, 2012 at 04:04 PM
Wow
Posted by: beerphin | March 13, 2012 at 04:04 PM
cause he is a head case new blog
Posted by: NEfinfan | March 13, 2012 at 04:04 PM
I read he shined at the senior bowl. Would love to see Blackmon in a Fins uniform. I think he will make any QB look better. Just hope the fins move on from Manning and Flynn.
Posted by: finfaneurope | March 13, 2012 at 04:05 PM
I'm kind of glad they got rid of Marshall. He's a head case and is unprofessional.
Posted by: The Coach | March 13, 2012 at 04:05 PM
Way to go Ireland! You just created another void on the roster which likely won't be filled by a 3rd round pick or anyone else on your roster! LMAO
If this team brings in Manning & Wayne/Garcon at the expense of Marshall....this team is clueless!
Posted by: U R ALL KIDDING YOURSELVES | March 13, 2012 at 04:05 PM
Fins just traded Marshall to the Bears for 2 3rd rounders (2012 & 2013) -ESPN
Posted by: That guy | March 13, 2012 at 04:06 PM
Oh my God! I'm just checking in on this. Is this true? Marshall was traded?
Oh boy, if that's true then I cannot see how the Ireland lovers are loving this. If that was the plan then WHY not trade up for RGIII if you planned on trading Marshall?
Posted by: JackSparrow | March 13, 2012 at 04:06 PM
wow no balls i thought you were bsing.. Marshall for 2 3rd round picks makes me wanna be a jets fan.
Posted by: Slam | March 13, 2012 at 04:06 PM
He had over 1200yrds this yr and all Ireland got was a 3rd rd this year and a 3rd rd next year?... The Bears are a good team so they are more like 4th rd picks. Terrible value... They better resign Bell and Langford atleast, then go get Wayne and Garcon now
Posted by: beerphin | March 13, 2012 at 04:06 PM
It's gotta be about money
Posted by: beerphin | March 13, 2012 at 04:07 PM
I can't understand this organization anymore!!!
Posted by: JOE PHILBIN'S CLIPBOARD | March 13, 2012 at 04:08 PM
I guess Marshall was a mistake (gave up 2 2nds to get him and traded him for 2 3rds) - or they have something planned. Either way I don't think you want his head case antics around with a young qb that they are going to have to get sooner or later.
Posted by: That guy | March 13, 2012 at 04:08 PM