Peyton Manning’s former coach, Tony Dungy, backs him to join San Francisco 49ers – NFL News
Former Indianapolis Colts’ coach, Tony Dungy, has said that San Francisco 49ers would be a perfect fit for veteran quarterback, Peyton Manning, who was released by Colts after the association of 14 years on Wednesday, March 7, 2012.
Dungy has also coached Manning and is hopeful for the player’s return to the game after recovering from the neck injury.
Manning, who is unarguably one of the best players Colts have ever had, played for 13 straight years before missing the last National Football League (NFL) season owing to a neck injury.
After months of speculations, Colts finally decided to part ways with Manning leaving the player open to enter the free agency market where plenty of teams are awaiting him.
The teams that are said to be keen on hiring Manning include Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Redskins, Tennessee Titans and others.
However, Dungy has said that 49ers will be the best fit for Manning.
During the last NFL season, 49ers were among one of the best defensive units of the league and outclassed many opponents on the base of their defensive strength.
49ers ended the season after getting defeated in the National Football Conference (NFC) championship game against New York Giants.
Dungy is of the view that if Manning joins 49ers, he will add great offensive strength to the team, which will be a difficult opponent to face in future.
While maintaining that Peyton will make his own decision, Dungy said:
"I can't speak for Peyton. There's a number of teams out there.”
He added:
"San Francisco, I look at what they did and whether they've made that commitment to Alex Smith (49ers QB) yet, I don't know. I don't know where they stand, but that's a team that's got great defence, it has some young receivers, a very good tight end and
a good back, that, you put Peyton Manning in that offense and people are going to be scared to play them."
He also said that even if Peyton opts for joining any other team, he would easily adapt to the conditions and prove that he is one of the league’s best quarterbacks.
He said:
“What Peyton is is a creature of habit … Wherever he ends up going, he'll be working like mad.”
Meanwhile, Peyton has not yet spoken about his preferences and is expected to make a final call regarding his future maybe next week.
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