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.
Marshall was/is an A hole. Not Philbins kind of guy.
Posted by: Albert | March 13, 2012 at 04:08 PM
All I can muster up to say is why?
Posted by: jrljr2 | March 13, 2012 at 04:09 PM
I know Brandon is insane BUT two 3rd round picks for a Number One WR who just made the Pro Bowl???? The Bears received more value in that trade.
Should be interesting who we replace him with.....
Posted by: We Have Draft Picks | March 13, 2012 at 04:09 PM
Traded Marshall to the bears? WTF?
Posted by: bagweech | March 13, 2012 at 04:09 PM
Antics BS!! The guy is top 5 WR talent!!
Posted by: JOE PHILBIN'S CLIPBOARD | March 13, 2012 at 04:09 PM
"The Bears had an extra third-round pick in this year’s draft from the Panthers for the Greg Olsen trade."
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-bears-acquire-pro-bowl-receiver-brandon-marshall-20120313,0,6269822.story
So they really only gave up ONE 3rd round pick for Marshall correct? The other was an extra.
Posted by: JackSparrow | March 13, 2012 at 04:09 PM
IF THAT DOESNT SAY REBUILDING, I DONT KNOW WHAT DOES!!!!
CAN WE TRADE JAKE LONG NEXT*LMAO*LMAO*LMAO*
Posted by: superPHIN | March 13, 2012 at 04:09 PM
So Peyton and Flynn are definitely out of the question then. Makes no sense to have star QB's with no WR's.
Posted by: JackSparrow | March 13, 2012 at 04:10 PM
They just traded one of the few offense of weapons they have.
Posted by: jrljr2 | March 13, 2012 at 04:10 PM
Led the league in drops, had phych issues, and saved his best for the Pro Bowl - don't let the door hit your sorry ass on the way out.
Posted by: That guy | March 13, 2012 at 04:11 PM
FIRE IRELAND!
Posted by: TigerSam | March 13, 2012 at 04:11 PM
They have to be getting Manning and Reggie Wayne that's the only reason to do this morning.
Posted by: jrljr2 | March 13, 2012 at 04:11 PM
They better have a plan intact!!!
Posted by: JOE PHILBIN'S CLIPBOARD | March 13, 2012 at 04:11 PM
The problem with Marshall is that the whole league knows that he is a high maintenance player. A mal content. You are not going to get top value for him no matter how good he is. By the way how many TD passes did he drop last year? Yeah a bunch.
Posted by: Albert | March 13, 2012 at 04:12 PM
This is ridiculous...two 3's? He made the probowl....should have been a 2 and 3...
MANDO... What gives??
Posted by: C63-AMG | March 13, 2012 at 04:12 PM
Refresh
Posted by: C63-AMG | March 13, 2012 at 04:12 PM
Brandon marshall traded to bears for 3rd round pick oh boy this team is in trouble now!!!!!!!
Posted by: Tommy K | March 13, 2012 at 04:12 PM
Makes sense for Chicago because they reunite Marshall with Cutler.
Posted by: jrljr2 | March 13, 2012 at 04:13 PM
F*ck!!! This sucks!
Posted by: JOE PHILBIN'S CLIPBOARD | March 13, 2012 at 04:13 PM
It's official all DolFans now know Ireland doesn't know what he is doing and is just throwing dice...Pathetic now we have no WR's and have even more needs.
Posted by: Joey | March 13, 2012 at 04:13 PM
Then why Ireland did not trade Marshall last year before the tradeline when his value was higher. He could added those picks to get a QB in this year's draft.
I'm done, out, see ya, fire Ireland and then I'll make my annual trip to Dolphin land, no more jerseys, nothing, NADA to support these clowns.
Posted by: TigerSam | March 13, 2012 at 04:13 PM
Don't diss Marshall...he's a top WR in this league no matter what his "issues" are he's still worth more than two 3's...disgusting..Ireland meets to get fired!
Posted by: C63-AMG | March 13, 2012 at 04:14 PM
I have to believe that Philbin was on board with this.
Posted by: jrljr2 | March 13, 2012 at 04:14 PM
yeah, this is fine if we get manning, Garcon, and Blackmon!!!
Good luck that will happen!!
I'm so tired of NE laughing at us!!!!
F*CKING TIRED OF IT.
Posted by: JOE PHILBIN'S CLIPBOARD | March 13, 2012 at 04:14 PM
This is going to be an interesting day. Either they got Peyton along with Reggie or Ireland done went stone cold crazy.
Posted by: JackSparrow | March 13, 2012 at 04:15 PM
I hoep they get Tommy Streeter in the 3rd rd this year...
Posted by: beerphin | March 13, 2012 at 04:15 PM
If it is about relationships with Manning as Armando says it is, Marshall is a very difficult individual to establish a relationship with.
Posted by: oscar canosa | March 13, 2012 at 04:15 PM
I'd be insane to working with insane people. God speed Brandon. I'm actually happy for him.
Posted by: JackSparrow | March 13, 2012 at 04:17 PM
Common sense says they got Manning along with Reggie Wayne and possibly, Saturday. it's the only motive for this move. Either that or they are signing Flynn and another wide receiver, possibly trying to acquire Vincent Jackson
Posted by: jrljr2 | March 13, 2012 at 04:17 PM
Losing our only playmaker. YIKES!!
Posted by: NFL Analyst | March 13, 2012 at 04:17 PM
where is the breaking news?!!!!!....The phin's just traded MARSHALL to the bears for 2 number 3's good bye Manning.....
Posted by: James | March 13, 2012 at 04:17 PM
DC,
you still here? help me out with this Marshall deal. Im having a hard time swallowing this one down.
Posted by: finfaneurope | March 13, 2012 at 04:18 PM
This is definitely a preemptive move. Another shoe has to be falling very soon.
Posted by: jrljr2 | March 13, 2012 at 04:18 PM
By that standard, Reggie Bush is difficult to work with. He was always blasting the team on the record. So was JT.
Posted by: JackSparrow | March 13, 2012 at 04:18 PM
Common Manning, do it or get off the pot. It's simple, If you want to spend the rest of your career being known as the QB that hid from the competition several teams can help you. Only Miami can still offer the chance to beat Brady twice a year?
For a quarterback that thinks like a champion this is a no-brainer. Join the Dolphins and dare to be great.
Posted by: Jack K | March 13, 2012 at 04:20 PM
They only really gave up ONE 3rd round actually. One of them was an extra from Carolina. They get Marshall and still keep a 3rd round pick.
Posted by: JackSparrow | March 13, 2012 at 04:20 PM
This team is a disaster!!
If Jeff Ireland doesn't rectify this, he will be fired by the start of the season!
Posted by: JOE PHILBIN'S CLIPBOARD | March 13, 2012 at 04:21 PM
Common sense says they got Manning along with Reggie Wayne and possibly, Saturday. it's the only motive for this move. Either that or they are signing Flynn and another wide receiver, possibly trying to acquire Vincent Jackson
Posted by: jrljr2 | March 13, 2012 at 04:17 PM
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That's my thought process also. A GM can't make that move for that price and not have a trick or two up his sleeve. It would make no sense. Its almost like they took the first available offer.
Posted by: JackSparrow | March 13, 2012 at 04:22 PM
Either this paves the way for Manning or they are in total rebuilding mode.Rebuilding might not be so bad. Dansby would be next. Another head case who thinks and often says he is the best lb in the league.
Posted by: The Coach | March 13, 2012 at 04:22 PM
Of course they are going to bring Garcon/Wayne if Manning signs here.
Posted by: oscar canosa | March 13, 2012 at 04:23 PM
Didn't Philbin say he prefers to build through the draft? That could be another reason for this trade.
Posted by: JackSparrow | March 13, 2012 at 04:23 PM
Adam Shefter is such a boob. He said he thinks this will hurt their chances of acquiring Manning because he would like to work with Marshall or a player of his caliber. I see it as a cap Clearing move to acquire either Manning or Flynn among other players. He is such an egotistical idiot.
Posted by: jrljr2 | March 13, 2012 at 04:24 PM
I'm insane just by posting on this board. Can you imagine being a player on the Dolphins?
Posted by: JackSparrow | March 13, 2012 at 04:25 PM
I see it as a cap Clearing move to acquire either Manning or Flynn among other players. He is such an egotistical idiot.
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Problem I have with that is why Marshall? Why not all the other garbage we have on the team? Marshall may be insane but I don't care as long as he catches the ball.
Unless Manning didn't want Marshall. That I can believe!
Posted by: JackSparrow | March 13, 2012 at 04:27 PM
Ray Lewis is insane! That's insane! Marshall is just misguided.
Posted by: JackSparrow | March 13, 2012 at 04:28 PM
It's like Coach Shula wrote this morning, all those People in the Northeast are shiiting in their pants should we acquire Manning, specially Bob Kraft.
Posted by: oscar canosa | March 13, 2012 at 04:28 PM
On second thought. If we had Peyton or Flynn then Henne should have been the first one traded or released.
Posted by: JackSparrow | March 13, 2012 at 04:29 PM
Marshall may have been a headcase but if he continues to have 1000+ yrd seasons he will be a HOF nutcase
Posted by: beerphin | March 13, 2012 at 04:29 PM
Marshall may have been a headcase but if he continues to have 1000+ yrd seasons he will be a HOF nutcase
Posted by: beerphin | March 13, 2012 at 04:29 PM
But a head case always comes up short in a big game or a pressure moment. They always do something stupid or choke. He lacks character.
Posted by: The Coach | March 13, 2012 at 04:33 PM
We could also say to many here that knocked Marshall and are now complainig, "He drops too many balls".
Posted by: oscar canosa | March 13, 2012 at 04:33 PM
Do you think Marshall is gone because this opens the door for Reggie Wayne to come to Miami? Then if this is so why don't you believe Manning will be a Fin?
Posted by: Diamondmarc | March 13, 2012 at 06:31 PM
Wait to see Ireland talking to Manning. He will ask Payton if his father Archi was a former pimp in New Orleans, and his brother Eli a midnight cowboy in NYC.
Posted by: marchcool | March 13, 2012 at 06:33 PM
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.
Posted by: Relationships by Ramada Killerig | December 07, 2012 at 09:25 AM