The nerves coming from the neck effect all of the muscles of his arm. Damage to these nerves from pressure on them at their root will have a major effect on strength and accuracy. We don’t know the extent of damage, but it effected his strength and accuracy to the extent that they decided surgery was warranted.

What’s to kid about being one of four quarterbacks to lead the league in touchdown passes four times, or 3× Associated Press Most Valuable Player (MVP) (1995, 1996, and 1997; the last shared with Barry Sanders).
11× Pro Bowl selection
6× First- or Second-team All-Pro selection.
Named to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team. You laugh at this?

I don’t think Manning is washed up, I think there is a possibility he is washed up, and no level of examination will be definitive. It won’t be until he actually plays a couple of real games that everyone, including Manning will know if he is actually the same player.

You won’t get any argument from me about the importance of a great QB, or what I think about McNabb. What I have stated is Manning is a risk, not the sure thing you make him out to be.

Were do you get the fact you stated that “cleared to play” equals a 90% chance that he will be exactly the same? Please send me that link it is something I haven’t read yet.

He made a bad throw that ended their season, and went on to look like crap with the Jets. I’m not so sure the same wouldn’t happen with Manning. His injury causes weakness in the arms and hands. This is not good in a QB, and could be permanent. He would still be “cleared to play,” just wouldn’t be able to make the throws he use to be able to make. IMO, Manning is a big gamble, and so for me it would depend on my HC’s watching him work, and the price.