Report: Peyton Manning not happy as backup; Elway semi-refutes it
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said on the pregame show something that makes sense on the surface: Peyton Manning isn’t used to being a backup quarterback.
Here’s what Rapoport said (reported?) in full:
Which led to Denver Broncos general manager John Elway sending out his own tweet.
Let’s tread carefully here. Elway said something that Rapoport didn’t — that Manning hasn’t expressed his disapproval to Elway or Gary Kubiak. There’s a distinction there, yes? Someone can be upset about things and keep them to himself (or not express it to his boss or bosses). So let’s assume that’s what happened. Let’s guess that Manning told friends/colleagues/his agent that he was not thrilled with his situation, but that he kept quiet to the powers that be for the good of the team.
Smart move, if so — the type of thing we’d expect from a veteran such as Manning.
It’s very plausible.
So Elway “refuted” a report but did so in a specific way. He has to know Manning is not thrilled and likely hasn’t been thrilled for some time now. But also there’s this: Manning isn’t healthy, so no matter what he feels, he’s likely not able to help his team right now.
The Broncos have key games Sunday and next week toward determining their seed in the playoffs. It’s a delicate and awkward time for a team that is talented enough to win a Super Bowl but unstable enough to blow up at a moment’s notice.
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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Eric_Edholm
