Super Bowl XLVII will be played between statistically the two teams in the NFL with both teams having the best record in their conference for just the second time in 20 years, and the Broncos and Seahawks having the number one offense and number one defense respectively. Seattle’s defense vs Denver’s offense seems to be the main storyline leading up to the big game, as it will be the largest margin of points scored compared to points allowed during the regular season, with Denver scoring 606 points, while Seattle only allowed 231. Denver had statistically the best offense in NFL history this season with their 606 points being the most ever, and their quarterback, Peyton Manning, has thrown for an NFL record for touchdowns and passing yards in a season with 55 and 5,547 respectively, while winning his fourth regular season MVP award. However, Manning has received some negative attention entering the game as well, with the question of can he get it done in the clutch. Despite winning MVP of Super Bowl XLI, Manning has been known for ‘choking’ in games that matter. Manning has also struggled in cold weather games over the course of his career, but despite what many thought would be a snow filled game at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey, will actually be around 45 degrees at kick off.
While Manning gives the Broncos a more professional look, the Seahawks enter the game as the rough and tough bunch of players including Richard Sherman, who is arguably the best cornerback in the world, but is more known for his trash talk, such as after the NFC Championship when he taunted Michael Crabtree during a post-game interview. Sherman is the face of a Seattle defense that also includes all-pro players Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor just in the secondary. Seattle also has power on the offensive side with Marshawn Lynch, known as ‘beast mode’ who once had a run so powerful that it registered on the richter scale in Seattle due to the noise created by the excited crowd. The Seahawks offense is ran by second year player Russell Wilson who has quickly made an impression as a very smart and accurate quarterback. Wilson did not put up numbers like Manning, but did throw for 3,357 yards and 26 touchdowns. Wilson will get a game-breaker back in Percy Harvin, but it will be interesting to see if he can impact the game in any way after being injured for most of the season.
Now, down to the play on the field. The game will be low scoring for the first 10-15 minutes as both teams will be trying to see what the other is doing. After that the tempo and scoring will pick up. The Broncos and Manning will be too much for the Seahawks defense to handle, as Manning has five offensive weapons including Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker, Julius Thomas, Eric Decker, and Knowshon Moreno. In the end the Seahawks will not be able to score enough points to keep up with a Denver offense that simply has too many weapons. Seattle will be unable to contain Manning’s passing attack for four quarters. The Denver Broncos win Super Bowl XLVIII by a score of 27-17 with Peyton Manning wins his second Super Bowl MVP and taking a trip to Disney World.
Written by Isaac Nance
Every year, there is a conundrum for many people watching the Super Bowl. There is this weird thing where the commercials, surprisingly, are good, but they are broken up by these guys running around on a field throwing a strangely-shaped ball. The worst thing is the crazy nutter in the background of your Super Bowl party who actually knows what's going on and can explain what is happening on the field.
Well, this year the nutter can be you. This is a basic explanation to the matchup of the San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1) and the Baltimore Ravens (10-6).
There are three sections to the game we need to look at; offense, defense, and x-factors. The rival coaches are brothers, so they have similar styles of coaching when it comes to offense, which is mainly running plays. These teams are both near the top in rushing (Frisco 4th, Baltimore 11th), and both lack in passing. The 49ers are a defensive nightmare with a double threat backfield scoring very large amounts. Then there is the standout first year starter Colin Kaepernick, who in the divisional round killed the Green Bay Packers by running 181 yards for two touchdowns. These numbers are ones that most running backs would be proud of. With an average six yards a play, the Niners are a very special offensive team.The Ravens on the other hand, are a little bit slower. They’re the 16th ranked running attack, and they’re still very potent, but not as powerful under the aging Ray Rice. The passing attack on the other hand is very viable compared to the 49ers terrible rating. In a head to head match up I have to give the offensive edge to the 49ers. They score about the same, make more yards per game and play, move the chains more often, and have more ways to attack than the Ravens.
Then we go to the other side of tactics, defense. This is where the game will be won, with both teams having some of the best defenses in the league. The 49ers are 3rd in yards allowed (294 a game), second in points scored against (17.1) and 3rd in yards per play (4.6). The Ravens, led by retiring powerhouse Ray Lewis, are not as robust as the Niners. They are ranked 16th in yards (350.9),16th in points scored against per game (21.5) and 10th in yards per play (5.2). Again I have to give the edge to the 49ers, who just dominate on defense.
In x-factors, you have to give the edge to the Ravens. This game will end the career of more players than the end of the replacements. Heart and the solid fundamentals are the main reason that the Ravens have made it this far after a subpar second half of a season.
In summary, in a close game, the 49ers will win. They just have too many weapons for the aging Ravens to cope with.