It’s the most wonderful time of the year. No, not Christmas, but the Super Bowl.
This year’s 48th matchup is a rarity, pitting the two number-one-seeded teams in either conference against each other.
The Denver Broncos (15-3) and the Seattle Seahawks (15-3), will square off at Metlife Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 2. This is the first time the New York metropolitan area has hosted a Super Bowl, and the first time the big game has been held in an outdoor, cold weather venue.
The first question raised might be whether or not Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning can play in cold weather, much less win. Manning is 3-7 in outdoor games in which the temperature is, or is less than, 32 degrees.
Actually, the weather does not seem to be an issue. The Weather Channel predicts that the forecast for Sunday’s game will consist of a low chance of precipitation, low wind speeds and relatively warm weather for winter in New York, so low 40’s to 30’s.
The weather is most likely the least of any teams’ worries, though the cold most definitely will affect the passing game. Because of this, both teams may look to establish the running game early. The Seahawks defense is ranked first in total defense during the regular season, as well as first in passing defense and receiving defense. Seattle allows almost 102 yards per game, which is ranked eighth in rush defense. Denver’s running game is ranked fifteenth in the league with 117 yard per game.
As cliché as it is to say it, the rushing game opens up opportunities for the passing game. Both quarterbacks, Manning moreso than Seahawks QB Russell Wilson, have proven themselves as more than capable passers. Manning broke Tom Brady’s single-season passing touchdown mark with 55. He also squeezed past Drew Bree’s single-season passing yards record with 5,477 yards.
Second-year quarterback Russell Wilson, who had a 101.2 quarterback rating this year, will look to cement himself in the list quarterbacks who have won a Super Bowl in their second year in the league. With a win Sunday, Wilson will join Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger to name a couple in that category.
So, who will win? This certainly is a tough call to make for anyone, considering the talent and work ethic of each team. Both the Broncos and Seahawks have their own strengths and weaknesses, and each strength can compensate for most weaknesses.
However, when the confetti rains down, there won’t be room in town for two teams because The Sheriff and his crew will win.
Yes, I believe the Broncos will win the Super Bowl. The Broncos’ defense is shaky to say the least, allowing over 350 offensive yards per game. Denver has had some trouble closing out games this year, and one game that consistently comes to mind is their week five matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. The Broncos won the game 51-48, but still allowed over 500 passing yards.
Denver cannot let the same thing happen against the Seahawks. However, it will be more of a struggle to slow the electrifying offense of Seattle. Seattle, a team built on winning in the trenches, will attempt to unleash Marshawn Lynch on the seventh-ranked rush defense of Denver.
Wilson, though, is a smart, poised quarterback whose quarterbacking style is practically opposite Manning’s. Wilson is a scrambling quarterback who can tire a defense out with his intelligence.
On top of Wilson’s ability to create his own plays, he has weapons around him that he has used to his advantage, despite Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin being injured for most of the season. However, Harvin, coming off of a concussion, is currently probable for Sunday.
Denver will also try to get its three-back rotation moving, as the Seahawks are ranked one spot below the Broncos in run defense at number eight. Stats and numbers can be deceiving, though. The front four and even front seven of Seattle has bullied opposing offensive linemen this season, which doesn’t always show up in the box score.
The Seahawks will focus on stopping the run first, as they do so well. Expect Manning to use the run game mainly for the attempts. Handing the ball to Knowshon Moreno, Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball will aid play-action and the normal passing game.
The running game is all well and good, but don’t forget that the Broncos are in the big game because of Manning’s arm. Of course, nothing comes easy against a tough, number-one ranked Seattle defense that only allows 172 passing yards a game. A lot of that is thanks to Seahawks’ cornerback Richard Sherman, who has intercepted eight passes this season.
While the front seven and back four of the Seahawks certainly will make Manning work for a win, the Broncos’ quarterback has always and will prepare well for a game.
This will be a highly contested game and, if at first, a defensive game, due to the nature of both of these teams. The Broncos want to limit Lynch’s yardage, while the Seahawks will focus on Manning and the chess game that comes along with playing the 16-year veteran.