EAST RUTHERFORD- The Super Bowl between the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks will be different than every Super Bowl that came before. The big story is this will be the first cold weather Super Bowl ever. This deviation from the norm will present challenges to the offenses.
Denver has the third best passing offense in the league averaging 340.2 passing yards per game. The duo of Peyton Manning and Wes Welker will test the Seahawks extremely aggressive defense. Seattle is second in the league in total defense. They rank third in the NFL in pass defense, shutting down opponents to 172.0 yards per game. Their rush defense is equally effective, allowing just 101.6 yards a game which is seventh in the NFL. Cornerback Richard Sherman will be a major key to shutting down the Broncos passing attack.
The Broncos are a pass first team that relies on the superb experience and pocket passing ability that Manning possesses. The tandem of Manning, Welker, Eric Decker and Knowshon Moreno will test the battle hardened Seahawks defense. The Seahawks secondary is capable of shutting down prolific offenses.
Moreno will need to have a huge game. The Broncos are ranked 15th in rushing yards per game, averaging 117.1 yards per game.
The Seahawks and Broncos come into the game after passing true tests. The Seahawks defeated the resurging San Francisco 49ers. They faced a rising star Colin Kaepernick and Michael Crabtree. The Broncos defeated the elite New England Patriots offense led by Tom Brady.
These teams know how to survive big tests but now one of them must seal the deal.
Football fans know that this game is in the blood of the Manning family. Peyton’s experience and sharp skill level will be a huge factor in this game. Wes Welker’s years as a New England Patriot will come in handy as Welker knows what it takes to win a Super Bowl.
For Seattle Seahawk’s Quarterback Russell Wilson, this is new territory. He has a great go to target in Percy Harvin and a true grinder in running back Marshawn Lynch. The Seahawks can test the Broncos defense by using Lynch early and often.
Denver’s defense features a one-two punch at cornerback with Champ Bailey and Quentin Jammer.
Lynch will be critical since the Seahawks have been inconsistent with their passing attack. The Seahawks average 202.2 yards a game. Wilson could have a hard time throwing against Bailey and Jammer. Wilson will need a strong performance from Harvin and Golden Tate to give the Seahawks an edge over the Broncos defense.
Injuries
Manning has an injured ankle and Moreno is battling an injury to his ribs. They are both listed as probable and are expected to play tomorrow.
Prediction
This game features the balanced Broncos offense against the aggressive, hard hitting, iron core Seahawks defense. The biggest matchup is Peyton Manning and Wes Welker against the Seahawks dominant defense.
The Broncos offense will take control early on despite the weather and facing the second best defense in the NFL. It will be close for almost the entire game but Denver will pull away in the end. The Broncos will win 34-24.