Manning hints at retirement: After an emotional win over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game, Peyton Manning met with Brady and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick at midfield to exchange handshakes and words.
NFL Films captured some key audio between Manning and Belichick that could indicate what Manning's plans are beyond this season.
"Hey, listen, this might be my last rodeo. So, it sure has been a pleasure," Manning admitted to Belichick.
Many have speculated that Super Bowl 50 would be Manning's final NFL game despite the fact that he's under contract for 2016. His age and drop in production have been painfully apparent throughout 2015.
Well, it now appears like this will be Manning's final game after what he said to the hoodie at midfield.
Belichick replied to what Manning said, but NFL Films was unable to capture that portion of the interaction. Reporters on Monday asked the head coach if he would share what he said to the quarterback.
"Don't have anything to share. I shared it with Peyton," Belichick said, via ESPN.
2015 has been a roller coaster ride for Manning. He started the season as the Broncos' starting quarterback, but he led the league with 17 interceptions and a foot injury knocked him out for six games. Backup Brock Oseweiler took over and played pretty well in Manning's absence.
But with the number one seed in the AFC on the line during the Broncos' regular season finale, head coach Gary Kubiak elected to put in Manning after Osweiler struggled. Manning didn't do much with his arm, but he managed the game well and let his running attack seal the number one seed for Denver.
Manning would go on to start the Broncos' two playoff victories. Now, after looking like he would have a torturous end to his historic NFL career, Manning has a shot to put the final touches on a story book ending to an extraordinary 18-year career.
49ers hire O'Neil as DC: According to ESPN, the new San Francisco 49ers brain found its defensive coordinator Wednesday when they reached an agreement with ex-Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil.
Under O'Neil, the Browns' defense ranked 23rd in 2014, but regressed to 27th in 2015. The 49ers' defense was one of the league's worst as they ranked 29th in 2015.
The 49ers once boasted one of the top defensive units in the NFL not so long ago. In 2013, the 49ers ranked fifth in total defense under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
But since then, the team has been the victim of bad luck. Star middle linebacker Patrick Willis abruptly retired, veteran defensive tackle Justin Smith retired after 14 seasons, and promising rookie linebacker Chris Borland retired after just one season due to concerns about his future health.
Also, All-Pro pass rusher Aldon Smith was released by the team last off season after he faced charges for drunken driving and a hit-and-run.
With just one true talent in middle linebacker NaVarro Bowman, O'Neil doesn't have many pieces to work with. The 49ers defense is depleted and shows no signs of improving in 2016, especially with Chip Kelly's fast-paced offense and apathy towards time of possession that puts an extra strain on the defense.
