After a week and half of hype, mass media, and over-used clichés, Super Bowl XLVIII is almost here. Who has the edge? Until the game starts, everything is valid for discussion. With that in mind, here’s the entire game predicted, quarter-by-quarter:
First Quarter
Regardless of who starts with the ball, Seattle must not let Peyton Manning walk down the field and score on his first possession, like he did against New England in the AFC Championship game. Mark these words: if Manning is able to burn any more than eight minutes off the clock on his first possession, the Broncos will win this game.
Instead, Manning will start the game by hitting Demaryius Thomas for a long touchdown pass right off the bat, torching the trash-talking Richard Sherman. In fact, the Broncos will jump out to an early 14-3 first quarter lead, fueled by two sacks from Robert Ayers, as well as a Knowshon Moreno touchdown run. The Seahawks offense will sputter in the first few possessions, but will manage to make a field goal.
Second Quarter
With the jitters out of their system, the Seahawks will quickly get to work. Russell Wilson will answer Manning’s long touchdown pass with a bomb of his own, to receiver Jermaine Kearse. However, the Seahawks will struggle to get much going on the ground, with Marshawn Lynch having a tough go of it against Broncos run stopper Terrance “Pot Roast” Knighton.
On defense, the Seahawks will re-assert themselves and the pass rush will get to Manning. Michael Bennett will make a big third-down sack of Manning in Seahawks’ territory, backing the Broncos up and forcing a punt. Denver will enter the locker room with a narrow 14-13 lead, but the Seahawks will have the momentum as the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Bruno Mars take the field for the halftime show.
Third Quarter
Motivated by a Pete Carroll speech, the Seahawks will come out flying in the third quarter. Richard Sherman will get revenge on Peyton Manning, making an outstanding interception and taking it back for a long touchdown. After struggling to stop the run in the first half, the Seahawks will plug all the holes at the line of scrimmage, taking Knowshon Moreno out of the game. Denver will only be able to squeak out a field goal.
In this quarter, Russell Wilson will make a statement. He’ll avoid a fierce but flagging Denver pass rush and use his legs to convert on third downs. Jermaine Kearse will make a strong case for MVP honors by making an incredible touchdown catch-and-run that swings the game substantially in Seattle’s favor heading into the fourth quarter, 27-17.
Fourth Quarter
Just when it seemed like everything was going perfectly for the Seahawks, future Hall of Fame corner Champ Bailey will intercept a Russell Wilson pass and return it for a touchdown, making the score 27-24 and putting the pressure on the Seattle defense to stop Peyton Manning.
And they do. Michael Bennett comes up with another huge sack of Manning, and the Seahawks get the ball back. After being shut down for most of the game, Marshawn Lynch will put it into “Beast Mode” and rip off a jaw-dropping touchdown run, lengthening Seattle’s lead to 34-24 with ten minutes left in the game.
But you can never count out Manning. Trailing by double digits with time at a scarcity, Manning will find Eric Decker along the sideline for a long gain. On the very next play, Manning will hit Decker again, this time for a touchdown, exposing the youth of Seahawks’ corner Byron Maxwell. The score is now 34-31 with five minutes to go.
Russell Wilson answers by leading a long, time-consuming drive that results in a Steven Hauschka field goal. Wilson displays excellent awareness, accuracy, and decision-making. All that separates the Seahawks from their first Lombardi Trophy is a little over a minute. Oh, and Peyton Manning.
But, Manning isn’t able to pull out any more late-game heroics, as the rookie Maxwell avenges his previous mistake and seals the game with an interception. Final score: Seahawks 37, Broncos 31
In summary
Russell Wilson doesn’t beat Peyton Manning on the stat sheet, but he outduels him on the field. Richard Sherman’s loud mouth is quieted early in the game, but an amazing pick-six reinforces his stardom. The Seattle receivers, most notably Jermaine Kearse, step-up and outplay Denver’s famed pass catchers. Both the Seahawks’ Michael Bennett and the Broncos’ Robert Ayers make a few huge sacks each, but its Seattle’s sustained pressure that wins them the game. Kearse goes on to earn MVP honors after gaining 160 yards receiving and two touchdowns.
Check out the Seahawks’ keys to victory here.
Check out the Broncos’ keys to victory here.
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