Hello Internet. I am finally
crawling out of my cave after seeing the Seahawks beat my 49ers in the NFC
Championship game, but that's a story for a different day. Today is about
Peyton Manning and the Seattle defense. That's pretty much it. Weather has been
an annoyingly extensive topic of conversation, but thankfully snow is not on the
radar. This clearly favors Manning, who throws so well that the Madden video
game franchise should change its name to Manning. The league MVP threw for 5,477
yards, 55 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions. With the forecast
showing 40o, I expect to see offense prevail. The plethora of
offensive weapons the Broncos have is all-time great. Demaryius Thomas, Wes
Welker, Eric Decker, and Julius Thomas make plays all over the field, and
Knowshon Moreno anchors a solid run game.
Seattle’s defense has playmakers everywhere,
but they have not faced an offense with this kind of firepower. The secondary, featuring
Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas, is one of the longest and most physical we
have ever seen. The instincts Sherman showed on his deflection to end the
Championship game were unbelievable, which is why it is a shame that he lacked
class afterward. The great secondary tends to overshadow the bruising front
seven, starring Bruce Irvin, Brandon Mebane, Bobby Wagner, and Red Bryant.
Seattle has a very effective offense, but I do not think it is capable of
carrying the defense if Peyton takes off. Clock control gives them the best
chance to win, making Marshawn Lynch the most important player in the game. He
has always been a very good running back going back to his Buffalo days, but he
has found a home in Seattle. His rumbling style and endless motor makes him
someone who willingly carries the load anytime. Russell Wilson is the best
decision maker of all the young quarterbacks in the league, but he still has
physical limitations. Though being short quarterback is not impossible, it can
be a disadvantage when guys have to scramble around to see over the line every
time. I see this happen with Wilson frequently, but he is quick and decisive
enough to turn these plays into positive yards. He also does not have the
strongest arm or the best weapons to throw to. He will not make mistakes, but a
lot must go right for Seattle to win.
Denver does not have a great defense, but
it has seen a resurgence in the playoffs. CT native Terrance Knighton has
stepped up at defensive tackle, and the secondary has vastly improved too. One
of the most underrated stories of the game is Broncos CB Dominique
Rodgers-Cromartie, who was a reject in Philly after being traded there from
Arizona for Kevin Kolb. Denver’s defense is still not top flight, but it does
not have to be with their offense.
Peyton will not have the best game by his
standards, but the run game will be efficient enough to catch Seattle off
guard. I would not be surprised if Manning throws an early interception or two,
but he will buck tradition and play well at the end. Seattle’s defense does not
like to disguise coverage, believing that it is unnecessary due to their
talent. This is usually true, but I believe Manning will figure them out
eventually.
Seattle’s offense will play like they normally do, but it is up to
their receivers to make plays in crunch time. Since I think they will run most
of the game, Denver will stop the run better as the game progresses. Seattle’s
receiving core is decent, but no one is a star. Golden Tate has been a far
better NFL player than I expected, but he is no speed demon. Percy Harvin could
have an impact, but I doubt it. If Denver can do a decent job of stopping the
run, they will walk away with the trophy. Denver wins 34-24.
Photos from bleacherreport.com
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