The way these two teams match up, we could potentially be in for one of the best Super Bowls ever! Seattle finished the season 13–3, winning the NFC West division and home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. The team scored 417 points during the season, while giving up just 231. Denver finished the season 13–3 for the second straight year, winning the AFC West division and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs Seattle had the NFLs top defense, leading the NFL in fewest yards allowed per game (273.6), fewest points allowed (231), and most takeaways (39). Seattles defensive line featured defensive ends Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett, both of whom recorded 8 sacks. Avril also forced 5 fumbles, while Bennett recovered three, returning them for 39 yards and a touchdown. Defensive tackle Clinton McDonald also made a big impact with 5.5 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, and an interception. Linebacker Bobby Wagner led the team in combined tackles (120), while also racking up 5 sacks and two interceptions. But the best aspect of the defense was their secondary collectively known as the Legion of Boom, which sent three of their four starters to the Pro Bowl: cornerback Richard Sherman, who led the NFL in interceptions (8, with 125 return yards), along with free safety Earl Thomas (5 interceptions, 105 tackles, 2 forced fumbles) and strong safety Kam Chancellor (99 tackles, 3 interceptions, 78 return yards). The Broncos had the best offense in the NFL, leading the league in points scored (606, the highest total in NFL history) and yards gained (7,313). The offense was so explosive that they scored points on their opening possession at least eight straight games leading into the playoffs and a ninth time against the San Diego Chargers during the Divisional Playoffs game. During the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots, they broke that streak, only to score on the opening possession of the second half. In command of the offense was 16-year veteran quarterback Peyton Manning. Manning had enjoyed a stellar career with the Indianapolis Colts for his first 13 years in the NFL, making 11 Pro Bowls, winning four NFL MVP awards, and a championship ring in Super Bowl XLI. However, it all came to an end in 2011, when Manning, who had never missed a game in his career, had to miss the entire season due to neck surgery. Without Manning, the Colts finished the season with an NFL-worst 2-14 record, and with uncertainty about Mannings future looming, they decided to release him and use their number 1 draft pick to select quarterback Andrew Luck. Manning signed with Denver for the 2012 season and quickly put any doubts about his future to rest, leading the team to a 13-3 record. However, the year ended in disappointment, with the team losing in the divisional round of the playoffs. Now in his second year as the teams starter, Manning posted one of the best seasons of any quarterback in NFL history, leading the league in completions, attempts, yards, and touchdown passes. His 5,477 passing yards and 55 touchdown completions both set new NFL records. His 450 completions were the second highest total in NFL history, and his 115.1 passer rating ranked second in the league. Denvers leading pass-catcher was Pro Bowl receiver Demaryius Thomas, who caught 92 passes for 1,430 yards and 14 touchdowns. But Manning had plenty of other reliable options, including Eric Decker (97 receptions, 1,288 yards, 11 touchdowns), Wes Welker (73 receptions, 778 yards, 10 touchdowns), and Pro Bowl tight end Julius Thomas (65 receptions, 788 yards, 12 touchdowns). Overall, they made Denver the first team in NFL history ever to have four players with at least 10 touchdown receptions in a season. Running back Knowshon Moreno was the teams leading rusher with 1,038 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also catching 60 passes for 548 yards and another 3 scores. Rookie running back Montee Ball was also a big contributor with 554 rushing yards, 4 touchdowns, and 20 receptions. The teams offensive line featured Pro Bowl guard Louis Vasquez. On special teams, Pro Bowl kicker Matt Prater ranked second in the NFL in scoring (150 points) and first in field goal percentage (96.2%, 25/26). His only miss of the year was from 52 yards, and he set a new NFL record for the longest field goal ever made (64 yards), breaking a record that had stood for 44 years. With all that said and knowing that Defenses usually win championships, Im picking Denver by seven, but who knows how this potential thriller may turn out???
Posted on: Sat, 01 Feb 2014 04:51:55 +0000
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