Quick thoughts on the Manning news

Five quick thoughts on the news today that Peyton Manning will be a Bronco:

• If you think a Denver Broncos team led by Peyton Manning -- even if he's not at 100 percent -- isn't dangerous, just consider this: John Fox got the Carolina Panthers to Super Bowl XXXVIII with Jake Delhomme at quarterback, and then he led the Broncos to an AFC West title last year with Tim Tebow. I think it's safe to put a Manning-led Broncos team in the title hunt.

• Is Alex Smith really insulted that the 49ers would have preferred Manning over him? I'm guessing that 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh will make it clear to Smith that his pursuit of Manning had nothing to do with Smith and everything to do with trying to sign a future Hall of Famer with gas in the tank. If Smith doesn't understand that he's just a few notches below Manning, then he's delusional. And money aside, would he rather play for a staggering Dolphins squad than return to the cream of the NFC West? That's the definition of cutting off your nose to spite your face.

• Speaking of the Dolphins... Given owner Steve Ross' desire for star power in Miami, Tebow to the Dolphins a no-brainer.

• It was just a few months ago the Oakland Raiders might have been considered the most talented team in the AFC West. They still have the best kicking game, but does anyone think they won't finish in last place?

• I'm still depressed that we won't get to enjoy a season of Peyton Manning and Larry Fitzgerald together in Arizona. Sorry, Peyton, but you missed the boat here. That would have been more awesome than anything you do in Denver. Unless, of course, you win the Super Bowl.