Where Should Peyton Manning Play Next Season?

I have avoided blogging about the drama surrounding Peyton Manning from the beginning. I wanted to wait until Manning and Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay made their final decisions. Reports have come out this evening that the two have decided to split ways with the official announcement coming at a press conference tomorrow. I do think that Irsay handled the process poorly and ultimately made the wrong decision, but it is his money to spend not mine. That being the case, I finally feel safe giving my opinion on the best three places for Peyton Manning to play next season, with number one being the best choice.

3. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins are the media favorite. After all, it is South Beach, hot weather, and most likely the biggest contract offer. The Dolphins do need a quarterback and have some talent on offense. The problem is that the talent has yet to prove itself. Also, the Dolphins brought in a coaching staff that runs a west coast offense, something Manning has no familiarity with. Miami could be attractive, but I think Manning will be smart enough to know he can do better.

2. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are an intriguing option. They are only one season removed from making the playoffs and play in a weak division. The Chiefs have a solid defense and plenty of young-talented offensive targets for Manning, including wide receiver Dwayne Bowe and running back Jamaal Charles. They are really only two knocks on the Chiefs. First, Manning is leery about playing in a cold weather city. Kansas City isn't the coldest, but it will be something he will consider. Second, the offensive line has been a weakness. That would need to be fixed, as the last thing you want is Manning taking shots. Overall, the Chiefs are a great option. Does this remind anyone of Joe Montana?

1. Arizona Cardinals

Does anyone remember veteran quarterback Kurt Warner nearly leading the Cardinals to a Super Bowl win over the Pittsburgh Steelers a few seasons ago. Well the team has improved in some areas since then, but the one gaping hole is at the quarterback position. If a healthy Manning was able to step in and fill that void, I believe this team would immediately become a Super Bowl contender. Sure the defense isn't the best, but neither was the Colts when Manning was playing. He would have some great offensive weapons to work with, especially Larry Fitzgerald. Just like Kansas City, the Cardinals' offensive line would need some upgrades to protect Manning. The Cardinals do have some other options at quarterback, but a chance to return to the Super Bowl should be too good to pass up.

Who's Marching Into March, and Who's Not?

Marching Forward

1. Pittsburgh Penguins - 83 points, 4th place in the Eastern Conference

The Pittsburgh Penguins won their sixth in a row tonight and are 8-2-0 in their last ten. Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury has been a rock in the net. The win tonight gave him four straight seasons with 35 or more wins. He is one of only four goaltenders in NHL history to accomplish the feat. The winning streak has pushed the Penguins past the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia Flyers into fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

2. St. Louis Blues - 89 points, 2nd place in the Western Conference

The St. Louis Blues are marching to the tune of 5-1-0 in the last six. The streak has the Blues tied with the Red Wings for the Central Division lead. Center T.J. Oshie, who leads the team in points, has seven points in his last five games. The Blues begin a three game homestand tomorrow, before heading on a big seven game road trip. That road trip could have a lot to say about who will win the Central Division.

3. Chicago Blackhawks - 79 points, 6th place in the Western Conference

The Chicago Blackhawks are 7-3 in their last ten, including a nice 2-1 win at the Detroit Red Wings. The streak has pushed them ahead of the pack trying to get the last couple playoff spots in the Western Conference. Backup goaltender Ray Emery is a main reason why. He was named the NHL's third star of the week, due to his efforts last week. Emery was 3-0-0 with a 1.12 goals against average and a .959 save percentage. The Blackhawks travel to St. Louis tomorrow and host the New York Rangers on Friday night.

Marching Backward

1. Boston Bruins - 79 points, 2nd place in the Eastern Conference

The Boston Bruins are mired in mediocrity right now. They've slipped to 2-3-1 in their past six. The top spot in the Eastern Conference seems to be out of the question right now, as they are far more concerned with the Ottawa Senators who are now only three points back for the Northeast Division lead. Goaltender Tim Thomas has struggled lately, letting 13 goals in past five games. However, Thomas is unlikely to see a break with backup Tuukka Rask out the next four-to-six weeks. The Bruins did sign veteran netminder Marty Turco, but his conditioning is in question.

2. San Jose Sharks - 73 points, 8th place in the Western Conference

The San Jose Sharks have gone from being in comfortable control of the Pacific Division to barely hanging on to the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The reason why? The Sharks have just four wins in their past fifteen games. They now sit third in the Pacific Division are in danger of falling out of the playoffs altogether. If the Sharks are going to win the division or at least make the playoffs, they better start turning things around soon, before it it too late.

3. Washington Capitals - 69 points, 9th place in the Eastern Conference

The Washington Capitals seemed to be heading in the right direction when they won three games in a row, but they've now been shutout both of their last two games. Everyone thought this team was going to make a charge into the playoffs, but this team looks less and less like it everyday. The Capitals might go from playoff flop to missing them all together. This has been a disappointing season to say the least.

Kobe, Rondo, Rose, & D-Will Shine in Sunday Wins

Kobe Bryant - 33 points, 1 assist, and 3 rebounds

This was a statement game for Kobe Bryant. All the Hollywood Hoopla will turn this into revenge against Dwayne Wade for breaking his nose. But Kobe was far more concerned with getting the win. All Kobe has done since the injury is lead his team to victory. In three games, Kobe has scored 30+ points, and the Lakers have won all three games. A broken nose won't stop Kobe from putting on a show and helping lead his team to victories.

Rajon Rondo - 18 points, 20 assists, and 17 rebounds

The game was aired on national television. Everyone was talking about Jeremy Lin's return to Boston. But it was the Boston Celtics who showed up in a big way. Paul Pierce had a game-tying three to send the game to overtime. Pierce had 34 in the game. However, the star of the game was Rondo. He did everything on the court, earning his second triple-double in three games. The 17 rebounds were a career-high.

Derrick Rose - 35 points, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds

When the game was on the line at the end, both the Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls turned to their stars. Andre Iguodala air balled a shot and bricked one off the backboard. Meanwhile, Derrick Rose sealed up the Bulls win with his impressive performance. Rose tied a season-high with 35 points, including 20 in the second half and a pair of quarter-ending buzzer-beaters. The win gave the Bulls their sixth straight win and league-best 31st overall.

Deron Williams - 57 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds

Deron Williams loves to come off pick-and-rolls, but everyone knows that, so they always double team him. But tonight, D-Will noticed that the Charlotte Bobcats weren't doing that. Williams took full advantage as he scored a franchise-record 57 points in the Nets' win. D-Will outscored the rest of the Nets combined by ten points. He was a perfect 21 for 21 from the charity stripe. Williams all-around effort was impressive to say the least.