[BluH2o]

Agreed, Denver just through 96 million bucks down the drain, Payton cannot play outdoors, hates the cold, can’t take a sack worth squat (is in fact afraid to be hit). I’m going to enjoy watching Denver get powned !!!

The guy that will lose the most, if it becomes clear early on Peyton isn't working out (for whatever reason), is John Elway. His stature in Broncoland will be tarnished greatly. He will be seen as a great QB who is way in over his head as a Bronco front office executive.
Conversely, if Peyton takes the Broncos deep into the play offs his first season, or to the SB ... Elway will look like a genius. Elway was always a gunslinger ... hope it works out for him.

[ZX12R]

The guy that will lose the most, if it becomes clear early on Peyton isn't working out (for whatever reason), is John Elway. His stature in Broncoland will be tarnished greatly. He will be seen as a great QB who is way in over his head as a Bronco front office executive. Conversely, if Peyton takes the Broncos deep into the play offs his first season, or to the SB ... Elway will look like a genius. Elway was always a gunslinger ... hope it works out for him.

I don't see how Elway comes out a genius either way. It doesn't take genius to recruit/hire what was, and may still be, a great quaterback. But I truly believe your first option is much more likely.