Super Bowl – What Might Happen

Let me start by saying we have been treated to some GREAT football over the last three weeks. This is what the playoffs are all about. The Seattle Seahawks got thru the playoffs with the best defense in the NFL. They have simply crushed those who stood in their way. I don’t think that it is surprising or remarkable that Seattle made it to the Super Bowl. They have been the best team in NFC since week one. The Denver Broncos, on the other hand, have looked unbeatable at times and then have stumbled. During the Dallas game the Broncos secondary was awful, but Manning pulled out a win. During the Patriots game, the Denver defense got steamrolled in the second half and Peyton couldn’t save them. Then during the playoffs, Denver seemed to gel as a team. It wasn’t just Peyton Manning pulling the offense along. The whole team played well in order to beat the Patriots who were really never in the game.

Seattle wins – The Seattle Seahawks don’t have the fire power to score with the Broncos. Their defense is going to have to figure out a way to get Peyton off the field on the third down. On offense the Seahawks are going to have rely on Mayshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson extending plays and allowing his receivers to get open. They are going to have to shorten the game by eating the clock. I also think that Seattle will have to figure out a way to manufacture one or two additional scores. A reverse or a flea-flicker. Maybe Mayshawn will throw a half-back option. Seattle can NOT turn the football over.

Denver wins – The Denver defense must make Russell Wilson throw short and intermediate routes. His receivers aren’t that good. They can get down the field and make plays but they can’t seem to make those hard inside catches. I have no idea what kind of impact Percy Harvin will have on the game. He is a dynamic player who has been out most of the season. Denver did a great job at shutting down the Patriot running backs, though I think they will have a harder time with Marshawn Lynch who will bound them all day long. Denver should be able to run blitz in order to stuff the running lanes because none of the Seattle receivers (expect for Harvin) have scary speed. I think that Peyton should try to play keep away just like he did with Tom Brady. The Broncos had long time eating drives which ended in points. Peyton needs to do the exact same thing. This should keep Marshawn on the bench and keep his defense fresh. Look for Peyton to exploit the middle of the field with Wes Welker and their tight end Julius Thomas. I think that Peyton will stay away from Seattle’s great corners if he can. Denver can’t afford to turn the ball over. Momentum in the Super Bowl is weird. This is a game that can quickly get out of control with just one play.

I give Denver the edge in this game. I think that if both teams play well, it should be a great game. Enjoy. (Oh, there were some who were praying for bad weather – rain, snow, sleet, typhoon. Shame on you!!!! According to the Weather Channel, the high on Sunday should be 66 degrees. 10% chance of rain. Should be good football weather!!!) Let the best team win.