Well the greatest sporting event of the year takes place tomorrow, Super Bowl XLVIII. The Seattle Seahawks are a 2.5 point underdog versus the Denver Broncos. These were the two best teams in the NFL after watching preseason football, and I picked them both to make it to the big game on Sports Trap Radio on TSCRN on my 2013 NFL Season Preview show. In this piece, I will give you my winner and why, along with my MVP prediction as well.
Offensive Gameplan
Broncos
The Broncos broke and NFL record by scoring 606 points offensively this season. We all know what Peyton Manning has done this year, broke the record for passing yards in a single season and passing touchdowns as well. Denver also had five different players score ten or more touchdowns this season.
The Seahawks have the NFL’s top defense across the board, allowing the least points per game(14.4) and fewest yards per game(273.6). What makes them such a difficult matchup is their ability to put pressure on the quarterback with just a four man rush, while playing tight, press, man to man coverage, and mixing in some cover 3 as well.
In order to have success versus the Seahawks, the Broncos must not become a one dimensional team. Establishing a running game with Knowshown Moreno, staying out of long down and distance situations will keep the Seattle front four from teeing off on Manning. Even if they aren’t getting big gains from the run, I would stick to it just to keep the defense honest.
Protecting Peyton Manning, keeping the pocket clean, and him off of the ground is a must. Manning struggles when teams push the middle of the pocket, not allowing him to step into his throws. The Broncos must use motion and bunch formations to get their receivers clean releases and the ability to get open. Seattle’s cornerbacks are very good in man to man coverage and love to get their hands on wide receivers to mess up the timing between them and the quarterback. Finally, tight end Julius Thomas must win the one on one battle versus Strong Safety Kam Chancellor.
Seahawks
You pretty much know what your going to get out of Marshawn Lynch and the running game. In six career playoff games, he is averaging 93.3 yards, 5.1 yard a carry and one touchdown. He is and has been a consistent force in big games. Russell Wilson hasn’t been that great over his last 6 games and they need him to play much better. Watching him on tape, he’s been holding onto the ball too often. Guys have been open and he for whatever reason isn’t seeing them or he is hesitant letting the ball go. His defense has been great all year, but the Broncos could put up points, making this game a shootout.
Percy Harvin is the X-factor for the Seahwaks and could be a deciding factor in this game. Russell Wilson went to him early in the divisional game vs the Saints, but he left early with a concussion. He’s healthy and cleared to play, giving Seattle the weapon that they’ve missed all season. Harvin is a legit threat to take it to the house anytime he touches the football. In the slot, flanked out, in the backfield, and on kick returns, he garners attention that will allow soft boxes for Lynch to do damage running the ball and allow one on one coverage for WR’s Doug Baldwin, Golden Tate, and Jermaine Kearse.
Defensive Gameplan
Broncos
The Broncos MUST stop Marshawn Lynch. The constant force offensively all season has been their running game, led by “Beast Mode”. At this point in his career, Russell Wilson isn’t a 40-50 pass attempt a game guy, if Denver forces the Seahawks to become a pass heavy team, it would be to their advantage. The play of Terrance “Pot Roast” Knighton at that defensive tackle position versus the run is key. The Broncos linebackers are smaller guys, who play better when allowed to run, scrape down the line and make plays.
Percy Harvin must be contained as well. He hasn’t played a full game all season and is coming off an concussion three weeks ago vs the Saints. A healthy Percy Harvin muste be accounted for at all times, the Broncos must get to him and get him to the ground. Shaun Phillips proved that he still has something in the tank, racking up 10 sacks during the regular season, playing a majority of those game without All-Pro Linebacker Von Miller. Phillips is the only constant, legit pass rusher on the roster. He has to have a big time game, put pressure on Wilson and force him into mistakes.
Seahawks
Seattle’s defense is pretty plain and simple, it’s a lot of press man to man coverage with safety Earl Thomas playing center field and they mix in cover 3 as well. They blitz rarely, allowing their front four to apply pressure on quarterbacks, which they do very well. Cornerback Brandon Browner was suspended for the season for violating the league’s policy against PED’s, and Byron Maxwell, a 6th round pick in the 2011 from Clemson, has stepped in and they haven’t missed a beat. He is actually a much better cover corner then Browner is.
If their defense is to be effective, it’s three battles that they must win:
1. The defensive line must get to Manning, especially pushing the pocket from the middle.
2. Kam Chancellor vs Julius Thomas, Chancellor has to do his best not to let Thomas go wild.
3. It hasn’t been talked about much, but Walter Thurmond III vs Wes Welker in the slot. Manning loves to convert the intermediate 2nd and 3rd downs to Welker. Thurmond has done a great job inside all year for the Seahawks and will have his hands full on Sunday.
Prediction: I picked the Seahawks to defeat the Broncos in the Super Bowl on my radio show before the season, and I’m sticking with that selection. I believe they have the more complete roster and team, a defense good enough not to stop Peyton Manning, but slow them down. I think Percy Harvin or Golden Tate makes a big return to change field position or score a touchdown. Marshawn Lynch gets 22-27 carries and goes for 130-40 yards and 2 TD’s. MVP
Muslim Football Scout 