NFL Week 3 Preview: Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks
By Andrew Dill
Aug 17, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls out a play at the line during the 1st half against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Denver 40-10. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
The time has finally come, the Denver Broncos will be taking on the defending Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks in a Super Bowl 48 rematch. Granted, Denver’s defense was missing five key starters the day of the game, but ended up not mattering as they were whooped by the final score of 43-8. Winning this game won’t compensate for the Super Bowl, but man would it feel good.
What: NFL Week 3 Preview: Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks.
When: Sunday, September 21st.
Where: CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington.
Time: 4:25 PM EST, 2:25 PM MST.
TV: CBS.
The Denver Broncos received excellent news Tuesday night or Wednesday morning for the matter. Wide receiver Wes Welker was reinstated after an original four-game suspension, which was cut down due to the league’s new drug policy. Welker will reportedly be active for Sunday’s game against Seattle. Welker presence adds another dimension to an already potent Broncos offense.
Denver is coming off of a close win like they did in week one. The Kansas City Chiefs gave Denver all they could handle late, scoring a touchdown with 7:11 remaining to reduce the lead to four in the fourth quarter. Denver would respond with a 20-yard field goal from Brandon McManus to increase the lead to seven. Kansas City nearly tied up the game in the closing minutes of the ballgame but Denver conducted a huge, goal-line stand to seal the victory.
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The Seahawks on the other hand, suffered their first loss of the season to the San Diego Chargers. Phillip Rivers was perfect, “exploiting” the side which cornerback Richard Sherman occupies — in the words of Keenan Allen. Sherman has been hyped to be a true, shutdown corner, but he’s fit more for the zone scheme. Allen went on to catch five passes for 55 yards, including a long of 11 yards.
One thing for Denver to watch out this week is the trickery in which the Seattle offense possesses. Russell Wilson is a great, game-manager and can extend the play with both his arm and legs. A key player to watch for on such trickery is wide-out, Percy Harvin. Harvin is as explosive as it gets, a true playmaker in today’s league. Denver needs to make sure they play contain if Harvin gets an end-around, basically a hand-off for that matter.
Denver also must be able to establish the run against a team that is currently ninth in the league at stopping it — allowing just 90.5 yards per game. Players on the offensive ball such as running backs Montee Ball and C.J. Anderson need to help provide a balanced-attack. Seattle made Denver’s explosive offense look non-existent in last year’s Super Bowl, so Peyton Manning and company better come with a good game-plan.
Denver’s defense has also been solid at stopping the run, ranked 9th in the league at 90.5 yards per — the same as Seattle. Denver did a fantastic job at bottling up Marshawn Lynch in the Super Bowl, but everything after that was history.
Don’t forget, kickoff between the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks is scheduled for 4:25 PM EST, 2:25 PM MST on CBS.