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After defeating the Patriots in the AFC Championship game, audio recording picked up Peyton Manning telling Bill Belichek that this may be his last rodeo. 

It sure would be a great way to go out. His now team President, John Elway, who recruited Manning to Denver, knows this well. Elway finished off his career on top winning a Superbowl late in his career after manyl gave up on him. He felt Manning could do the same, and sold Manning on the Broncos using his very own success story.

Its amazing Manning even got back Into the lineup after early season set backs. It was very evident something was off, and statistically this has been one of Manning's worst seasons. Even with a loss this Sunday, it is hard to imagine Manning coming back to give it another go at a last championship.

This is especially true since his back-up Brock Osweiller nearly sent him into early retirement when Manning tried to get back from a plantar fasciatus injury. Brock showed off good accuracy, and a cannon for an arm, which led his team to some wins. His play would not be enough though as he too went down to injury, which left the salloon doors to swing open for the Sheriff to make his return. 

Since returning Manning has not wowed, but he certainly has improved on his accuracy. He has not short-armed as many throws and has noticeably been able to make more of the throws we are all used to seeing him make. The playoffs have proved he deserves the chance to get his last shot. Not only because he has put in his time, but because he is making those throws.

Aside from the improvement in his throws, no quarterback...perhaps ever... Has been able to read a defense, and disect it, like Manning.

When the debate came on who to start when the playoffs began, many wanted the younger healthier Brock to return since he was healed. They felt not only did he deserve it, but he gave them the best chance to win given his ability to hit all the throws.

Thankfully Denver Brass went with the smarter decision to have the guy in there that can make all the right calls in the chess match that will occur thus Sunday in San Fransisco.

My guess is John Elway was the main Denver upper-management proponenet of that starting qb decision, and on Sunday he may be able to live vicariously through Manning. He can sit and watch Manning, while reliving his "youth", and hopefully see Manning end on top like Elway did all those years ago.