Super Bowl XLVIII Reaction

Last night’s Super Bowl rocked the football world, as the Broncos’ offense, which was lauded as the greatest in NFL history, came to a screeching halt at the Meadowlands.

Key Plays

1. The first-snap safety: My sister believes that this play was the turning point of the football game, and I concur. This play dropped Denver’s confidence level and gave Seattle the momentum.

2. The interception return TD: Super Bowl MVP Malcolm Smith intercepted Manning and returned it 70 yards for a touchdown to put Seattle up 22-0 in the second. This play was key because the Broncos were working on a potential scoring drive which could have put them back in the game. But, Seattle had a huge point swing that continued their momentum.

3. The kickoff return TD: Denver knew it needed a stop on Seattle’s first drive of the second half. Russell Wilson and the offense didn’t need to step onto the field as Percy Harvin returned the second-half kickoff for a touchdown, putting the Seahawks up 29-0. At this point, Seattle had full control of the game, and the Broncos were about ready to give up.

Why Seattle won: The Seahawks are taking home the Vince Lombardi Trophy because they played intense defense. They forced four turnovers, three by Peyton Manning, and held the Broncos to just 27 rushing yards. Seattle never let up defensively, staying aggressive the whole game.

Why Denver lost: They had no offensive rhythm. I never heard Manning say his now world-famous “Omaha! Omaha!” during the game. Denver had 4 drives end in turnovers, 2 end on 4th downs, 2 punts, and a safety compared to just one scoring drive. The defense was also a mess, allowing Seattle to convert 7 out of 12 third downs and allowing 8 yards per pass (not per completion). 

 

Super Bowl XLVIII Preview

The 48th edition of the Super Bowl should be a classic, as the game pits the best offense (Denver) and the best defense (Seattle) in the NFL.

Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks finished the regular season 13-3 and won the NFC West title. In the playoffs, they defeated New Orleans in the divisional round and upended San Francisco in the NFC Championship.

Players to watch for: QB Russell Wilson, RB Marshawn Lynch, CB Richard Sherman, WR Golden Tate

How Seattle will win: The Seahawks will have to pressure Peyton Manning, who has rarely been sacked. Watch for a potential matchup between Richard Sherman and Denver WR Demariyus Thomas. On the offensive side, Russell Wilson will have to come out of his shell and use all of his receivers. Marshawn Lynch will also have to run the ball effectively. Watch WR Percy Harvin as he returns from his concussion.

Denver Broncos: The Broncos finished the season 13-3 and won the AFC West. In the playoffs, they barely held off San Diego in the divisional, and then they defeated New England in the conference championship.

Players to watch for: QB Peyton Manning, WR Demariyus Thomas, TE Julius Thomas, LB Danny Travathan

How Denver will win: The Broncos offense will have to shred Seattle’s defense if they want offensive success. RB Knowshon Moreno will need to run the ball to take pressure off of Manning. On the defensive side, Denver needs their front 7 to step up in order to stop Marshawn Lynch. Also, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and the Denver secondary will need to contain Seattle’s best receivers, including Percy Harvin, Golden Tate, and Doug Baldwin.

Colin’s Prediction: Seattle 23, Denver 21- The Seahawks win the Super Bowl on a last-second field goal by Steven Hauschka.

NFL Divisional Playoffs Preview

This week’s divisional round should be thrilling! Three of the four games played will be revenge games.

(4) Indianapolis at (2) New England

The Patriots come into this game off a first-round bye, while the Colts made one of the most historic comebacks in NFL history last week against Kansas City. This is expected to be a battle between quarterbacks Tom Brady (NE) and Andrew Luck (IND), two QBs who have combined for nearly 8,000 passing yards. Brady is expected to tie the NFL record for most playoff starts, a record he shares with Brett Favre. Expect this to be a close game, with a couple of late touchdown drives.

Colin’s Prediction: New England 30, Indianapolis 27- Tom Brady will throw a game-winning touchdown with under 30 seconds left.

(6) San Diego at (1) Denver

This is a rematch from Week 15, when San Diego upset the Broncos in Mile High. Peyton Manning had a record-setting season, including setting the passing yards and touchdowns records. Expect San Diego to be aggressive coming off their win in Cincy, in which they forced 4 turnovers, and expect the Broncos to seek revenge.

Colin’s Prediction: Denver 35, San Diego 28- Chargers start quickly, but Peyton pulls it together in the second half.

(6) New Orleans at (1) Seattle

The Saints walk into CenturyLink Field coming off of a last-second win at Philadelphia last week. Seattle boasts home-field invincibility, but New Orleans has a significant chance in this one. Expect the Seahawks to up the intensity on defense, and watch for Marshawn Lynch. He has decimated every defense this year. Also, Drew Brees will have to pass the ball on at least two-thirds of New Orleans’ offensive plays.

Colin’s Prediction: Seattle 34, New Orleans 17- The Saints start fast, but will be silenced by Richard Sherman and the crowd noise.

(5) San Francisco at (2) Carolina

This game pits two of the best defenses in the NFL, including Carolina’s No. 1 defense. Watch for linebackers Luke Kuechly (CAR) and Navorro Bowman (SF) to set the tempo. Two dynamic quarterbacks, Cam Newton (CAR) and Colin Kaepernick (SF), will battle in this one also, but the biggest spotlight will be on the defenses. The two offenses scored just 19 points in the regular-season meeting at Candlestick Park.

Colin’s Prediction: San Francisco 20, Carolina 17- Kaepernick and RB Frank Gore lead a game-winning touchdown drive in the final minutes and stun the Panthers. The 49ers will be the only road team to win in the divisional weekend.