Super Bowl XLVIII — Behind Enemy Lines: Seattle Seahawks Edition
By Andrew Dill
Aug 17, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) after making a reception during the second quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Super Bowl 48 is around the corner, So I teamed up with Todd Pheifer who is the editor of all Seattle Sports on FanSided’s local site called Emerald City Swagger. Todd and I each asked each other five questions pertaining to the game and what our final score prediction is. Lets Get Started:
Super Bowl XLVIII — Behind Enemy Lines: Seattle Seahawks
Question Number 1:
Q: With wide-receiver Percy Harvin who has only played in two games this season back in the mix, do you think he can pose a factor come Sunday? Or do you think the lack of playing time and repetition will prevent him from doing so?
A: That’s a really interesting question. At his best, Harvin is one of the more dynamic threats in the NFL. However, he has not had much time to get into the flow of the offense. Harvin could be a factor even if he is not targeted early. Because of his physical talents, he must be accounted for by the defense. Therefore, his very presence may stretch the field and open up other options for Russell Wilson.
Question Number 2:
Q: The Seahawks love to run the football especially with Marshawn “Beast Mode” Lynch in the back-field. If the Broncos can contain Lynch from his big-play capabilities, do you like Seattle’s chances with Wilson throwing the ball a lot more frequently than usual?
A: I don’t see Seattle’s strategy changing a great deal against the Broncos. Expect Lynch to get the ball early and often. Even if he isn’t breaking off big runs, chances are that Pete Carroll will keep handing him the rock in order to wear down the defense. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Wilson get a little more active in the running game. He isn’t a run-first quarterback, but he can become a very dangerous player when he is out in space.
Question Number 3:
Q: The Denver Broncos on the offensive side of the ball are stacked with elite talent. Demaryius Thomas mans the receiving core followed by Eric Decker, Wes Welker, and Julius Thomas. What will it take for the Seattle Seahawks secondary led by Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor to slow down the four-horseman?
A: Truthfully, it may take pressure from the front seven and quality play from the linebackers. I dont’ know if Peyton Manning is going to take a lot of shots downfield and challenge the secondary. Instead, I could see a lot of slants and short passes in the middle of the field. Seattle is going to do their best to bring pressure, but other teams have not had success in getting their hands on Manning. The Seahawks may be better served to contain and double receivers, rather than go for sacks.
Question Number 4:
Q: The Seattle Seahawks who are the second-youngest team to reach the Super Bowl currently have zero players on their active roster that have Super Bowl experience while the Denver Broncos have four, including Peyton Manning. Do you believe that will be an advantage or disadvantage come February 2nd or does it not matter?
A: People often talk about having “experience” in big games. It is really hard to know whether this is actually a factor or if it just feels like an influencing element. You could argue that the Seahawks could benefit from some prior Super Bowl experience, but there is also the theory that youthful swagger can make up for veteran savvy. In other words, it may be that Seattle doesn’t realize that they are supposed to be nervous.
Question Number 5:
Q: Who are some players on the defensive side of the ball that Bronco fans should keep an eye out for. Besides the big name players which the Seahawks featured a lot of, which players who rarely get recognition — unlike Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, and Earl Thomas.
A: Watch the Seattle linebackers, because they may be the key to containing short passes. Players like Bobby Wagner, K.J. Wright, Malcolm Smith and Bruce Irvin could have a big impact on this game. Also, it will be interesting to see if pass-rushers like Chris Clemons and Cliff Avril can get to Manning. One more player that could influence on multiple fronts is Michael Bennett, who was an intriguing offseason signing for the Seahawks.
Final score: Seahawks 34, Broncos 24