Thursday, January 30, 2014

Super Bowl XLVIII Prediction: The Seahawks Fly High over Manning and the Broncos


I refused to buy into the Seattle Seahawks this season. I picked the New Orleans Saints to upset them in the divisional round of the playoffs. I also doubted this young team could make a Super Bowl run. Now, they face one of the best offensive teams in the history of football led by future hall-of-fame quarterback Peyton Manning. But, instead of picking against the Seahawks again, I've decided they will win Super Bowl XLVIII for a few reasons.

The Seahawks have the best defense in the NFL. They are confident and they back up their trash talk with stellar play. Some of Manning's throws in the AFC Championship Game were wobbly. He won't be able to make those same throws in this game. If he does, the Seahawks will make him pay for it. This Seahawks defense is going to make the 37-year-old Manning look ordinary at some point during this game, which is something no defense has been able to do all season.

The Seahawks defense gets all of the attention, but their offense deserves some credit. They are led by second-year quarterback Russell Wilson, who had a quarterback rating of 101.2 in 2013. He doesn't turn the ball over often. He only has 11 turnovers on the season (9 interceptions, 2 fumbles). To put that in perspective, Manning turned it over 13 times in the 2013 regular season.

The Seahawks also have one of the most physical running backs in the league with Marshawn Lynch. Lynch has rushed for over 1,000 yards five times in his career, including three times with the Seahawks. He seems to rise to the occasion in the playoffs and this year is no different. He is averaging five yards per carry, which is up from his 4.2 average in the regular season.

Wide Receiver Percy Harvin will also return to the Seahawks starting lineup after suffering a concussion in the NFC Championship game. He is a dark horse MVP candidate. He hasn't been in the lineup much this season, but he has the talent to explode at a moments notice. There isn't much film on him so the Broncos may have a hard time preparing for Harvin’s return. Look for him to make a few big plays whether it is receiving, rushing or kick returning.

 The Broncos defense has played well against the run, but Wilson will throw it if he has to. I think this game will come down to the Broncos offense versus the Seahawks defense. Can the Seahawks get a stop? If they don’t, Manning will win his second Super Bowl Championship. But, if Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas and the defense can force Manning into making a few mistakes, they will be victorious.

Bottom Line: This game is going to come down to the last possession. Manning is going to have the ball and he will have to take the Broncos down the field to win the game. Sherman and the Seahawks defense will rise to the occasion and get the stop when it matters most. I’m taking the Seahawks.







Final Score: Seattle Seahawks: 24 Denver Broncos: 20


Richard Sherman and the Seahawks will be
victorious in Super Bowl XLVIII.

Wes Welker Gets Videobombed... And It Is Pretty Funny

Wes Welker attended a Knicks game... I don't think anyone saw this coming: