Here’s what we have. We’ve got The Legion of Boom. We’ve got Peyton Manning featuring the four horsemen and we’ve got Beast Mode.
We’ve got two teams with two different offensive philosophies both built on solid defense. We also have a new school coach in Pete Carroll who believes the best way to get players to produce is by allowing men to be men.
Last, but not least, we have the number one ranked offense against the number one ranked defense for all the chips.
For both the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks, film study is at an all-time high, identifying potential matchup problems and tendencies that can be exploited.
There is no doubt the Seahawks have superior coaching and talented players with incredible football IQ.
However, what the Denver Broncos possess is a lethal combination of two of the most cerebral and physically talented quarterbacks who have ever played the game. Let me paint the picture.
Is it a stretch to think that while Peyton Manning and the rest of the Bronco offensive brain trust have spent the better part of two weeks dissecting the Seattle Seahawk defense that John Elway has not snuck into that meeting room and provided his insight as to what he sees? Don’t be naïve.
It’s almost not fair. There is no doubt that any weakness in the Seahawk defense will be identified and exploited.
With Elway behind the scenes assisting with game preparation, I expect the Bronco offense to fire on all cylinders and to be as explosive as ever.
From a defensive standpoint, players will consume as much film as possible to pick up on any keys the offense may provide. Pre-snap reads, offensive line splits and receiver alignment are some hints film study will provide.
Manning and the Bronco offense will make their share of plays and score their share of points. The Seahawk defense must show the ability to persevere successfully after big plays, adjust and continue to play with confidence.
This will be an unfamiliar feeling for the Seattle defense and the “Legion of Boom.” as the Seahawks rank first in both overall defense and pass defense.
The chess match. As mistakes are made and points are scored, the ability to adjust will prove to be vital. Denver relies on the passing game to move the football while Seattle controls the game on the ground.
Both teams like to dictate to the defense how the drive will transpire. Don’t expect either team to deviate from who they are offensively.
Football is a game of inches; preparation will be the key. I give the edge to the Denver Broncos.
While Peyton Manning uses the football as Picasso used the paintbrush, the old adage is that defense wins championships. Super Bowl XLVIII has two of the finest defenses the N.F.L. has to offer on display.
Boasting the league’s best defense, the Seattle Seahawks must prove that the title is not just an illusion. Controlling Peyton Manning and the vaunted Denver passing attack will be where the game is won or lost for the Seahawks.
For the Denver defense, the ability to neutralize Marshawn Lynch aka “Beast Mode’ will be Denver’s challenge.
The Broncos must play physical, fast, assignment football forcing Seattle quarterback, Russell Wilson, to throw the ball an uncomfortable amount of times.
Taking the ball out of the hands of Lynch and forcing Wilson to play mistake free football will be where the game is won or lost for the Broncos.
The Broncos rank 27th in the N.F.L. against the pass. Wilson will have opportunities down field and must capitalize on those opportunities.
If Russell Wilson is able to connect with his receivers with any consistency at all, it will force the Denver defense to play with one less defender in the box to stop the run. This will open up things for “Beast Mode” to run wild.
Watch for the Seahawk offense to use play action early to loosen up the Denver defense and to open up opportunities down field.
The Denver defense must stand tall without its best defensive player, outside linebacker Von Miller. Miller, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament against the Houston Texans in week 16, is a difference maker and quarterback disrupter.
While Miller’s primary area of expertise is rushing the passer, his ability to play the run is overlooked and underestimated.
On rushing plays away from Miller, the offense often will leave the backside linebacker or defensive end unaccounted for.
Von Miller combines intelligence, effort and speed to track plays down from the backside, in turn causing the offense to account for him on every play which leads to one less blocker at the point of attack.
The game will come down to defensive execution. Again, I give the edge to the Broncos.
At the collegiate level, a team is rewarded with the opportunity to play in a Bowl game as a postseason honor for a successful season.
The majority of Bowl games are warm weather destinations, as many states look for a boost in revenue and economy. Why would the Super Bowl be any different?
Many of my colleagues are over-estimating the role the weather will play during the Super Bowl. I am not a fan of a cold weather Super Bowl however I do understand the business side of things.
While Mother Nature has been brutal to the New York Metropolitan area this winter, the cold will not be enough to play a factor in the outcome. However, rain, snow and wind will.
The average high in Denver during the month of February is 49 degrees Celsius. Seems comparable to the expected forecast of low 40’s and light wind for Super Bowl Sunday.
Under no circumstances does Denver offer the comfort and warmth of Manning’s old digs, Lucas Oil Stadium. The Denver climate is also a definite far cry from those temperatures in San Diego, Tampa and other warm weather N.F.L. hubs.
John Elway brought Peyton Manning to Denver with first-hand experience of what to expect from the weather at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium during the postseason.
The influence that John Elway has had on the Denver Broncos is priceless and his foresight is genuis. Many media professionals question Manning’s ability to stay healthy, arm strength and ability to play at a high level in the cold.
Elway had the foresight, confidence and vision, that if things went according to plan, Manning would have no issue performing at a high level in bad weather.
Elway didn’t flinch when signing Manning. Manning also knew exactly what to expect from Denver during the postseason when he decided to ink his name on the dotted line. Weather being a non-factor.
It will be cold. It will be uncomfortable and yes, it will it hurt more than usual to get your fingers caught in a collision and toes stepped on.
But this is the Super Bowl. This isn’t a regular season game and has a distinct taste from the intensity of even a playoff game.
If precipitation becomes a factor, the Seahawks get the edge.
Byrds-Eye Prediction:
No “12th Man” and no participation forecasted equals no Super Bowl rings for the Seattle Seahawks.
My prediction, Denver Broncos 24 Seattle Seahawks 16. Peyton Manning will retire on top and Denver’s defense will get the respect it deserves.