Super Bowl XLVIII

This Super Bowl match-up is very intriguing for several reason. The Seahawks had the leading defense in the NFL and the Broncos had the leading offense in the NFL. To be more specific, the Seahwaks had the leading pass-defense, allowing  172 yards a game. The Broncos had the leading passing attack, averaging 340 yards a game. The Seahawks allowed only 101 yards a game on the ground, good for 7th in the league, while Denver averaged 117 yards a game via the rush. With such a prolific offense facing a very experienced, and opportunistic defense, this game should be a great Super Bowl to watch.

So, what's going to give? Denver did not play a top-rated pass defense until week 16, when they faced a Houston Texans team that had long given up on the season. Seattle, however, twice played the second-rated passing New Orleans Saints, beating them both times, including once in the playoffs. Seattle only surrendered a total of 22 points to the Saints, but both games were played in Seattle where the Seahawks have an impressive home-field advantage. The only (reputable) team Seattle and Denver had in common was the Indianapolis Colts. Both teams played the Colts in Indianapolis, and they both lost... by six points.

Ultimately, I think the key to this game is what Denver can do on the ground, and what the Seahawks can do passing the ball. Denver has proven they can win games with just Peyton Manning's arm, but they have not faced a defense nearly as good as the 'Hawks. If Seattle can force the Broncos into only passing the ball, their secondary, which led the NFL with 28 interceptions, can key in on the pass and blanket Demaryius Thomas and co. What also may play into this game is the weather. With the SB being played in New Jersey, there is always a threat of poor weather, and that always hampers a pass-heavy offense (The Patriots beat the Broncos in a bad-weather game earlier this year because Peyton Manning could barely grip the ball). The possibility of this scenario underscores the need for an effective performance by Knowshon Moreno and Montee Ball.

If Russell Wilson cannot move the ball effectively through the air, this game could end very quickly for Seattle. Marshawn Lynch is going to have a tough time with a good Denver run-defense, so Wilson needs to be successful in order to get his teammate going. Denver's pass-defense leaves something to be desired, and with the return of pro-bowl wide receiver Percy Harvin, Wilson will have an opportunity to exploit it. Harvin missed most of the season with a hip-injury, which will undoubtedly leave some rust, but he should have enough preparation time to return to full-strength. Even with Harvin, it is very difficult to judge how well Seattle will move the ball through the air.

When all is said and done, I think Peyton Manning is just too good, and has too much time to prepare for Seattle's "D". He has 3 very talented receivers and solid tight ends, and Knowshon Moreno and Montee Ball should be able to alleviate some of the pressure on Manning. Of course, if weather is a factor, everything swings in Seattle's favor. With two teams that play completely different styles of football, it is always difficult giving an edge to one team over another, especially if you are trying to find common opponents. It makes it even more difficult when they both lose to that common opponent... by six points.