Manningham/Manning Combo Could Make 49ers Unstoppable

If you’re a 49ers fan, there’s reason to rejoice, and more may be on its way! Mario Manningham has just been signed, and San Francisco has also just recently thrown their hat into the ring as a contender for Peyton Manning. And with that duo leading the way, the 49ers could take it all the way next season.

Mario Manningham is still best remembered for the amazing catch he made during the Super Bowl in February when, at the 38-yard line, he caught a pass from Eli Manning and managed to keep his feet in bounds while the rest of his body went over the line. That play alone was definitely enough to keep Manningham’s mind off the fact that his contract with the New York Giants was up after the season, and the team hadn’t really made any big moves to try and keep him. But now the 49ers have signed him, and the only question is what quarterback he will play with.

Currently, Alex Smith is the quarterback for the 49ers; but being a free agent, and knowing that the 49ers want Peyton Manning, he’s gone on his own free agency tour, visiting teams like the Seattle Seahawks and the Miami Dolphins. It’s probably not coincidental that Seattle and Miami are also two other teams that want to add Peyton Manning to their roster, and all decisions really do hinge on him right now. But as a 49ers fan, one can’t help but think about how great a Manning/Manningham combo would be.

Manningham has clearly established himself as an elite player in the league — and not just due to that one fantastic play; the Giants’ would have had a much different season last year without him. Pair that with the greatness of future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, and we really could see a repeat “Manningham/Manning play” in next year’s Super Bowl — with a different brother throwing the ball this time.

But, San Francisco has to be careful.

With Smith clearly checking out his options, and seeming to be quite serious in his talks with Miami, Manningham could be all the 49ers hang their hat on, should Manning sign with another team. And, ESPN just announced this morning that “Manning has instructed his agent to work out a deal with the AFC West Champion Broncos.” If that becomes officially announced, the 49ers may have to go back to Smith and make their case. And, hope that he hasn’t found anyone else while they were flirting with Manning.

Categorized in: NFL