Seattle Seahawks vs Denver Broncos Super Bowl Preview/Prediction

The big game is finally upon us and with the Seattle Seahawks #1 ranked defense taking on the Denver Broncos #1 ranked offense we are sure to be in for a great show in Super Bowl XLVIII.

A lot of the story line leading up to the Super Bowl has been on Marshawn Lynch because of his unwillingness to talk to reporters. The media even went as far as to send this message to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell,

"The Pro Football Writers of America, the official voice of pro football writers fighting and promoting for access to NFL personnel to best serve the public, is extremely disappointed in the lack of meaningful access to Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch at the Super Bowl XLVIII media day on Tuesday. Several of our long-standing and high profile members were appalled by Mr. Lynch’s conduct and refusal to answer any questions. We find the statement that by the league that ‘Players are required to participate and he participated’ to be an affront to our membership. However, we are encouraged that the league will continue to closely monitor this situation."

Now I don't know about you guys but this is ridiculous, leave that man alone! If he doesn’t want to talk to the media, so be it. 

He's bout that action, Boss!

Both the Broncos and Seahawks racked up 15 wins to make it this far, although on completely different paths. The Broncos made it to the Super Bowl thanks in large to a historic season by Peyton Manning, who threw for an NFL record 55 TD's and 5,477 yards. On the defensive side of the ball is where Seattle made their bread and butter, holding opponents to only 273.6 yards per game (#1 in the NFL) and an average of 14 points per game (also #1 in the NFL).

The "Legion of Boom", most noticeably recognized with Pro Bowl CB Richard Sherman, also held opposing QB's to only 172 yards per game thru the air, another stat they topped the league in. Not only were they containing all QB’s that came their way, they also had the best turnover ratio in the entire NFL (+20) and caused 28 interceptions this season, 5 more than any other team.

Seattle's offensive game plan was more focused on a ground-and-pound attack with Marshawn Lynch being the main workhorse, rushing for 1,257, his 3rd straight 1,000 yard season, while also rushing for a league-high 12 TD's (tied with Jamaal Charles).

Denver's defense was not the high point of their season, although they were tied for 7th with the Seahawks against the run, holding opponents to 101.6 rush yards per game. Denver's rushing defense may be a little misleading simply because they usually had such a big lead that it was useless for a team to attempt to rush the ball.

Most of the talk will most likely be focused on Manning vs the L.O.B. 

Omaha! or not the real test will be how Seattle covers the receiving corps of the Broncos, who had four receiver’s bring in 10 TD’s or more this season (Wes Welker, Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, and Julius Thomas).

For me I will be watching the way Denver's offensive line can protect Manning and keep him from getting what one of Seattle's DT said was "happy feet" when there is no receiver open. Now if Manning does get "happy feet" during the game I expect the Seahawks personnel to be able to capitalize on the situation, whether it’s a sack or a hurried pass it will play a huge role in the outcome of this game.

Seattle received a lot of slack about their offense, which was still averaging 22.5 points per game in their last four games with each of those being a top-10 defense in one category or another. All four of those opponents were also on their second if not third (49ers) game against them this season.

The Broncos have averaged a little over 340 yards per game thru the air (#1 in the NFL).The Broncos have only played two top 10 pass defenses all season (Houston Texans & New York Giants) but neither of those teams have the secondary that Seattle possess. Manning will still get his yards in this game, but don't expect him to pile on the points like he has done all season against the best secondary in the league.

Only once this season was Manning and the Broncos held to below 26 points and that was just a couple weeks back when the San Diego Chargers held Denver to season-low 24 points in the divisional round. Seattle is only giving up on average about 14 points per game and have had only one team score over 30 points against them this season (Indianapolis Colts in Week 5).

In order for the Broncos to come out of the Super Bowl with a win I think they will need to give Seattle's defense a heavy dose of Knowshon Moreno. Seattle has been gashed by good running backs this season and with the defenses focus on the QB, Moreno could have a real nice day. Manning will still be a focal point of the offense and he should be but I think he will struggle somewhat against Seattle's famed "Legion of Boom".

For the Seahawks to steal the win away from the 3-point favorite Broncos they will need to put a little more focus on their passing game and Russell Wilson will need to win this game for Seattle. Lynch will still be the main focus of Seattle's offense as he has been all season, but Wilson's scrambling will make the difference.

Percy Harvin should be a huge x-factor in this game, no matter how long he lasts. The Broncos defense will have to plan for him on every play, and that should open things up for everybody else. The same could be said for Welker, however he plays into Seattle’s strength and has the same probability of not making it thru the entire game as Harvin.

Photo: Getty Images

Prediction:

SEA over DEN 28-23

I think Seattle's defense will hold Manning to his worst game of the season, at least in the scoring department. Having Harvin on the field will make for some openings for Seattle's receivers as well as open up Lynch for some quick screens, oh yeah and they could always get Harvin the ball and he can break a few big plays as well. Maybe Manning can hit a few cuts across the middle with Welker but Seattle's defense will live up to the hype and set up Wilson and Co. for a great finish.

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