Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s almost time for the greatest sporting event in the world – well, at least in America. No, not World Championship Table Tennis; the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl XLVIII on Sunday comes to your television screens – and iPods, tablets, smart phones, laptops, computers and many other electronic devices which have hit shelves since I sat down to write a whole 2 minutes ago – this Sunday from New York (really, New Jersey). For whatever reasons, none of which are good enough I might add, the NFL in its brilliance decided to have an outdoor game in February. We’ll talk more about that later. For now, the the question is: who is going to win the big game?
Seattle Seahawks
As we all know, the Seahawks have the best defense in the league. Some will even argue this defense could be one of the top defenses ever. But can “The Legion Of Boom” hold off Peyton Manning and the highest scoring offense in NFL history? Only if they can control the flow of the game.
The Seahawks need to score first, forcing the Broncos to play catch-up. As great as Manning is he doesn’t want to be in a situation where he’s forced to throw the ball. If the Broncos fall behind Sunday, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Seahawks are able to control Manning and company and come out with the win.
Most importantly Seattle needs to run the ball. Control the clock, the flow of the game and do whatever it takes to keep Manning off the field. It’s very important for Marshawn Lynch to get going early and establish the run game. Not just to control the clock, but to keep the pressure off Russell Wilson. I’m not so confident in Seattle’s passing game. I don’t trust Percy Harvin’s health, and I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if something happens and he misses a good portion of the game – knock on wood. With no other true number one receiver, Seattle cannot allow itself to get into a shootout with Denver because they will lose every time.
Keys to Seahawks Win:
Marshawn Lynch: Show up early, help to make things 3rd and short on offence, and rush for over 100 yards.
Russell Wilson: Making plays with his legs, keeping plays alive, don’t force the ball, and extend drives with 3rd down conversions.
The Legion Of Boom – “aka” Kam Chancellor, Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas: Make Manning hold on to the ball and take away the easy reads. Make the receivers afraid to catch the ball, afraid to come up the middle. Don’t allow the Broncos to convert on 3rd downs.
Seahawks Receivers: Step up and make plays.
Denver Broncos:
The Broncos will want to get an early lead then run the ball. I repeat, RUN THE BALL. They need to force Russell Wilson to throw the ball as Seattle’s offence isn’t really designed to score points in bunches. They also need to get the early lead and then run. Don’t risk unnecessarily trying to throw the ball with the lead. Manning needs to spread the ball around early to set the tempo. The Denver receivers need to play intelligently and physically, but not allow themselves to be egged on by Seattle’s secondary. Knowshon Moreno and Montee Ball will have their carries, and most importantly they need to grind out yards and protect the ball. That goes for the entire Denver Broncos offense, as they cannot allow Seattle’s defense to score points.
Keys to Broncos Win:
Peyton Manning: Don’t force the ball, and pick up those 3rd down conversions.
Denver Receivers: Don’t drop the ball (literally)
Denver Defense: Stop the run, Keep Russell Wilson in the pocket, Force him to throw.
The Weather:
We all know Peyton Manning just isn’t the same QB in bad weather, in particular windy weather. What I can’t help but think is that one of the greatest QB’s ever, who just had one of the greatest seasons ever, may lose his only shot at multiple Super Bowl rings because of the NFL’s choice to play this game in New York. Look most of us love outdoor games, there is just something about a football game being played in the elements. But the Super Bowl isn’t just any game. In some ways I think its almost irresponsible for the NFL to have this game in New York. The Super Bowl location should not give any team an advantage or disadvantage. But I think everyone can agree if this game does have bad weather it gives the Seahawks an advantage and the Broncos a disadvantage.
My Pick:
All football games come down to time of possession and turnovers. Whichever team is able to force more turnovers, convert 3rd downs, and run the ball more efficiently will probably win. By that logic I think the Seattle Seahawks will win. But I’m picking Denver. I had both of these teams picked to play in the Super Bowl eons ago, though I personally enjoy watching Manning play more than any other quarterback so there may have been a slight bias. I want to see him win at least one more Super Bowl. I think it will be a good game, and I think Peyton pulls out a close one.
Super Bowl XLVIII: Final Score
Denver Broncos: 30
Seattle Seahawks: 26
Thanks for Reading. You can follow @Chris_LWOS on twitter for your NFL needs, and the follow the site @lastwordonsport while you are at it and please take a moment to like our Facebook Page.
Interested in writing for LastWordOnSports? If so, check out our “Join Our Team” page to find out how.
Football fans…check out our two partnered NFL podcasts – Thursday Night Tailgate Radio and Overtime Ireland. Both shows bring you interesting commentary, critical analysis and fantastic guests including former and current NFL players, coaches and personalities.
