It’s finally here, a juggernaut of a Super Bowl! Everything is included, the number one offense against the number one defense. On one side of the ball we have the humble leader who always minds his manners, and on the other side of the ball we have loud and obnoxious “swag.” This year’s Super Bowl has so much interest and captivating scenarios that the waging line moved 3.5 points in twenty-four hours. First Seattle was the favorite and then overnight they moved to the underdog, and for good reason.
Because I want other people who don’t follow sports to understand the difference between Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson I’ll make it very simple: Peyton wrote the book about brain surgery while Wilson is just finishing his first biology class. These two quarterbacks are outstanding leaders, but Peyton has so much more knowledge and skill than Wilson. Wilson is a limited quarterback- for the entire season he only threw for over 250 yards four times and Peyton threw for less than 300 yards four times. Wilson does make smart decisions when he throws- however, that is when he throws! Seattle had 30 or fewer rushing attempts only five times this year. Four out of five of those games were against teams that have top ten rushing defenses and Denver had the number seven rushing defense all year. We all know what Marshawn Lynch can do but Denver’s defense is no walk in the park. Jack Del Rio, the defensive coordinator, will have his team ready for a run heavy Seattle offense. I think we can expect Denver to force Seattle to throw the football.
Denver’s pass defense was ranked 27th in the league, so the Seahawks could have some hope. But with Denver’s secondary I’d like my chances. Rogers-Cromartie can hold his own against sub-par receivers. Tom Brady threw at him early and often in the AFC Championship game and Rogers-Cromartie did his job masterfully. Champ Bailey is older and his skills are declining, however, with his experience against sub-par receivers I like his chances. Seattle has a fantastic secondary- nobody is denying that. I’m curious how deep that runs. The Broncos have so many weapons they could supply Canada if need be. There are mismatches all over the field in favor of the Broncos. Demaryrius Thomas is big with long arms, your deep threat. Wes Welker and Eric Decker are so quick underneath they can outplay any linebacker or safety that is assigned to them. Julius Thomas, at 6’5 and 250 pounds, could fill in at middle linebacker if need be. Peyton also has his old teammate Jacob Tamme as a backup, and with their experience together I’m sure they could finish each other’s sentences. There is just too much going on in Denver’s offense I’m not sure Seattle will be able to keep up.
Prediction: Denver 34, Seattle 17, eventually Denver will be too much and run away with this game.