Teammates liked Tebow but they love Manning.  (US PRESSWIRE)

Tim Tebow won over his Broncos teammates last season with what seemed like weekly late-game theatrics that helped Denver win six in a row, capture the AFC West crown and beat the Steelers in the playoffs. But loyalties only run so deep in the NFL, especially when the guy you're being compared to is Peyton Manning.

Running back Willis McGahee, who revitalized his career in Denver last season, spoke with Jim Rome Monday about team executive John Elway, who had everything to do with landing the Broncos' new quarterback.

"That lets you know that Mr. Elway's not playing game," he said. "He's come up there to win games, that's his game plan, and I think he's going to bring in the best players for the best situation. That was a great move…"


In an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio with Adam Schein and Rich Gannon, McGahee talked about Manning vs. Tebow.

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“Basically, he can really take us to another level,” he said (via PFT).  ”We were young and I think those guys got the jitters out of them last year, even though we did go to the playoffs and represented the AFC West.  It was a certain something that we were missing.  We were missing that general to take charge in tough situations and I think (Manning) brings that to the table. And once those guys see him out there I think they’re going to rise to the occasion and just have a breakout year.”

Left tackle Ryan Clady couldn't contain himself when the news first broke (he tweeted one word: "Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"), and later told ESPN's Josina Anderson that "At the end of the day, Peyton Manning is just better than Tim Tebow."

Von Miller explained to Anderson that “I love Tim Tebow on and off the field — he is a great teammate. But we can learn a lot more from Peyton Manning because he’s been to Super Bowls, he’s a four-time MVP.”

Those sentiments weren't much different than what one of Tebow's favorite targets, wide receiver Eric Decker, told NFL Network.

"I am excited," he said. "(Manning's) an elite quarterback, All Pro, won a Super Bowl and knows how to get there. And to be a receiver of the caliber of a quarterback like that brings a lot of excitement. ... "Tim's a great guy and wherever his path leads I wish the best for him because he is a great person, a great leader, a great competitor, and he played well for us last year. … I know the front office does what's best for this organization and they decided to bring in a quarterback like Peyton Manning."

To recap: Tebow was good for the organization last season but Manning is going to be great. And god help him if he isn't.

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