Super Bowl XLVIII Preview: Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos
By Andrew Dill
Jan 18, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; A general view of preparations for Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The game everyone has been waiting for is just around the corner, Super Bowl XLVIII. The Denver Broncos number one ranked offense will go head-to-head with the Seattle Seahawks number one ranked defense come Sunday, February 2nd. Peyton Manning leads the aerial attack for the Denver Broncos who have plenty of weapons on the offensive end while Richard Sherman leads the physical, aggressive defense of the Seattle Seahawks. Whether you’re not a fan of either of these teams, this game will be a treat to football fans everywhere.
What: Super Bowl 48: Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos
When: Sunday, February 2nd
Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Time: 6:25 PM ET, 4:25 PM MT
TV: Fox
Peyton Manning has been setting records left and right for the Denver Broncos during the 2013 regular season but he can end the year putting the cherry on top of a marvelous achievement; a Super Bowl ring. Manning will look to become the first starter at the quarterback position to lead two NFL franchises to a Super Bowl victory. However, he has one thing standing in his way and that’s the Seattle Seahawks defense.
During the 2013 regular season, Seattle’s defense was number one overall at stopping the pass while just allowing 172.0 yards per game. They have been effective with their front-seven in stopping the run too I might add as they were ranked seventh in the NFL allowing just 101.6 yards. The Denver Broncos defense has come on of late in the postseason, holding the San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots to just 33 points combined. During the regular season, that is what Denver’s defense usually gave up during one game.
Championship Round Summaries:
Seattle Seahawks came away with a 23-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers at CenturyLink Field. Seattle’s “Legion of Boom” defense held Colin Kaepernick to just 153 yards passing while forcing two interceptions into the hands of Malcolm Smith and Kam Chancellor. Marshawn Lynch was solid in Seattle’s rushing attack as “Beast Mode” rushed for 109 yards on 22 carries, including 1 touchdown. Bobby Wagner manned the defense collecting 15 total tackles, 5 solo.
Denver Broncos came away with the 26-16 victory over the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field. Just like Seattle’s defense, Denver’s was excellent in limiting Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Brady would complete 24/38 passes for 277 yards and a touchdown but wouldn’t get any help from his running game as they rushed for 64 yards on 16 carries. Terrance Knighton aka “Pot Roast” was a key part of stuffing the run as the defensive tackle had four tackles and a sack; two of those tackles were for a loss. Peyton Manning had his way with the Patriots secondary, completing 32-of-43 passes for 400 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Keys To The Game:
Seattle Seahawks: Mix Up The Looks On D:
Peyton Manning is one of the best quarterbacks of all-time and will find holes in the defense if you don’t mix up your looks. Seattle presents Manning’s his hardest task all season with the likes of Seattle’s secondary. The team has 28 total interceptions on the year led by Richard Sherman (8), Earl Thomas (5), Byron Maxwell (4), Kam Chancellor (3), Malcolm Smith (2), Bobby Wagner (2), and four others with one interception. If their secondary can stuff Denver at the line of scrimmage, Seattle’s front-seven has an excellent chance at getting to Manning.
Denver Broncos: Limit Big Plays From Wilson and Lynch:
The Denver Broncos defense has been excellent at stopping the run all season but have struggled with giving up the big plays. Marshawn Lynch has the big-play capability as the half-back rushed for 1,257 yards this season on 301 attempts. He would also record 6 rushes for more than 20+ yards which Denver needs to contain. Russell Wilson on the other hand won’t dissect your defense like Peyton Manning, but if their run game gets going, Wilson will have a chance to attack the defense with a deep-ball here and there. Denver will also have to keep a spy on Russell at times with the scrambling quarterback.
Match-Up To Watch For:
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman covering Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas.