Seattle’s offense has struggled of late, but obviously they
have done just enough to win in their playoff games. Unfortunately, I don’t
think Seattle can rely on their defense to hold the Broncos under 17 points
like they did against the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers. How will
Seattle score enough points to win?
Russell Wilson has been solid all year and seems to make enough
plays when he has to as he did in the NFC Championship. However, if he has to
throw the ball more than 30 times on Sunday, then Seattle might be in trouble.
As always, the Seahawks’ offensive game plan will be centered around running
back Marshawn Lynch. Lynch is a workhorse and proved that by rushing for 249
yards and 3 touchdowns on 50 carries in Seattle’s two playoff games. Lynch will
likely be asked to carry the ball at least 25 times, and will have to eclipse
100 yards again for Seattle to win. If Lynch can move the ball consistently and
pile up first downs, then Seattle will be able to keep Manning and the Broncos
off the field. Not only will a solid running game keep Manning off the field,
it will also set up play-action opportunities for Russell Wilson. When that
occurs, Wilson will have to convert on those opportunities.
One key aspects of the game could prove to be the
effectiveness of Percy Harvin. Harvin had been out for most of the regular season
after recovering from offseason hip surgery, playing in only one regular season
game. Harvin did return for the Divisional Round versus New Orleans, but he was
knocked out of the game after suffering a concussion. When healthy, Harvin is
explosive and is one of the best offensive weapons in the NFL. It will be interesting
to see how active Harvin is and if he can stay in the game.
The most exciting part of the game will be whenever the
Broncos offense is on the field. I am really excited to see what Peyton Manning
can do against this Seattle defense. Everyone likes to poke fun at “Omaha” and
Manning’s pre-snap calls, but watching the chess match between Manning and the
Seattle defense prior to the snap will be one of the most intriguing aspects of
the game.
When the ball is snapped, Manning will have plenty of
weapons to try and attack this Seattle defense. With Demaryius Thomas and Eric
Decker on the outside, and Julius Thomas and Wes Welker in the inside, Seattle
will have their hands full trying to stop Manning. Fortunately for Seattle, the
Seahawks’ defense has the perfect combination of skill and scheme to keep
Manning in-check. Seattle’s cornerbacks Richard Sherman and Byron Maxwell are
two of the best cover corners in the league and should be able to give Demaryius
Thomas and Decker fits on the outside. Honestly, I don’t expect either receiver
to have a major impact in the game.
With the outside passing game being limited, Manning will
have to lean heavily on Julius Thomas, Wes Welker, and his running backs
against Seattle’s zone coverage in the middle. Seattle has a great pair of
safeties in Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor, so I don’t see Julius Thomas making
plays deep down the middle of the field. Therefore, look for Manning to attack
Seattle’s linebackers with short passes to Welker, Julius Thomas, and his
running backs. Manning is great at taking what a defense gives him, and I think
he will have to move the ball methodically with short passes in order to score
points. The short passing game will also keep Seattle’s outstanding defensive
line from getting pressure on Manning.
It won’t be easy for Peyton Manning and the Broncos to score
points against the Seahawks’ defense, but they will score enough to win. I
picked the Broncos to beat the Seahawks back in August, and I can’t go
against my pick with this game being a virtual coin-flip in my opinion.
Prediction: Denver
Broncos 20, Seattle Seahawks 17
-Eric Tichelbaut
Follow me on Twitter @etichel07
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