EAST RUTHORFORD- The legendary Peyton Manning looked like a rookie that was dazed. The Seattle Seahawks defense was on a search and destroy mission from the kickoff to final.
Denver’s first drive was a complete disaster as the Seahawks drew first blood via a safety by Cliff Avril.
The safety and Malcolm Smith’s interception returned for a touchdown were the major highlights for this high octane, blitz heavy Seahawks defensive unit.
Peyton Manning was forced to deliver sloppy passes all night. The offensive line could not contain Seattle’s rapid penetration.
The Seahawks typically had field position past the 40 yard line in large part due to their defensive play. The offense had an easy time racking up points and building a monumental lead that no team worth their salt would ever give away. The game was pretty much over at halftime as Seattle stormed to a 22-0 finish at the end of the second quarter.
Percy Harvin returned the kickoff for an 87 yard touchdown to begin the third quarter as the merciless onslaught continued.
Not even Manning could deliver the Broncos from their destructive fate. Anything and everything that could wrong went wrong. This is a case where Murphy’s Law applied.
Denver finally scored their lone touchdown and a two point conversion when Demaryius Thomas hauled in a 14 yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. However, that was little consolation to the Broncos and the Denver faithful in the stands.
Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch did not have his best game but he scored one touchdown while rushing for 39 yards. Quarterback Russell Wilson had an average night passing the ball throwing for 206 yards and two touchdowns. He did not throw an interception which was critical to the Seahawks victory. Wilson was named Super Bowl MVP.
Seattle Receiver Doug Baldwin grabbed 5 passes for 66 yards and one touchdown. Jermaine Kearse hauled in 4 passes for 65 yards and one touchdown.
The Seahawks defense was so good; the offense did not have to work too hard to secure the victory. Seattle’s defense was second best in the N.F.L. in terms of yards allowed and they proved why. They completely dismantled Denver’s elite offense, throwing a wrench in their game plan.
Manning completed 34 passes for 280 yards and one touchdown. He threw two interceptions.
The Seahawk’s defense deserves a lot of praise. It is no simple task to decimate Peyton Manning’s offense, let alone score a safety and return an interception for a touchdown.
Seattle proved the old mantra “Defense wins Championships” by winning 43-8. This is the Seahawk’s first Super Bowl victory.