How the First Conversation Between Gary Kubiak and Peyton Manning Should Go
By Joe Morrone
Dec 7, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak (left) talks with quarterback Joe Flacco (right) during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Ravens won 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
At some point in the next couple of weeks, new Denver Broncos Head Coach Gary Kubiak and Peyton Manning are going to sit down together and talk about how they can work together. That meeting will be a part of the process as Manning continues to ponder if he wants to return next season.
I’ve said that I believe Manning will return in 2015 and after the hiring of Kubiak, I’d be stunned if he retired. That being said, Kubiak will make his case to the Hall of Fame quarterback and here’s how.
The first thing Kubiak should say to Manning is this, we are going to take some pressure off of you BUT we still need you to get where we want to go.
It doesn’t matter what anyone does for a living, we all have a desire to feel needed. Manning is no different, he does not want to come back and be the guy who simply hands off and throws on third downs. This point has the advantage of also being true. If the Broncos are going to be preparing for the Super Bowl at this time next year, then Manning has to be a big part of the offense.
Secondly Kubiak should tell Manning, we are going to run the ball but not the way you guys ran it last season. We are going to run it with a purpose and everything we do in the running game will be designed to make your life easier.
The Broncos did run the ball well in the second half of the season but former offensive coordinator Adam Gase had no clue on how to incorporate that running game into the offense as a whole. It’s like they were running the ball because they had to. Kubiak will run the ball to set up things in the passing game, and that will make it easier for Manning. Every running play will be executed with two or three passing plays that can come off of that same action later in the game. That will lead to receivers and tight-ends running wide open in the secondary.
Kubiak should then talk about the roll outs that everyone is so worried about; Peyton, yes the roll outs are a part of our offense but we are going to put you in the best position for you to succeed.
Both of these men are smart football people and they are going to sit down together and come up with an offense that works for the Broncos. Don’t get me wrong, it will still be Kubiak’s offense but they will tailor it to Manning and it will be successful.
Manning may not be able to do the full roll outs but he can do half rolls, and sprint outs. The half roll outs will be extremely effective after CJ Anderson has pounded on the defense. A tight end will almost always be open in the flat and another receiver is likely to be open at the second level.
It should also be noted that Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco only rolled out 45 times in 18 games, including playoffs. That’s less than three times a game, so let’s not pretend it’s 50% of the offense.
In the end, Kubiak final message to Manning should be this; you are a great quarterback and we have a great football team. I believe we can work together to bring the Broncos that third championship.
Manning loves talking football and learning a new offense might be reenergizing for him.
It will be Manning’s decision but people who know Kubiak believe that after that meeting takes place, Manning will be chomping at the bit to play for Kubiak.