For the first time in NFL history, the Seattle Seahawks are world champions. Seattle handled their business and handled it well in this very one-sided affair, defeating the Denver Broncos 43-8.
Everyone in the world was expecting Super Bowl XLVIII to be a heated chess match between Peyton Manning and the Seattle secondary. However, the game quickly became a merciless attack on the Denver Broncos.
Seattle handled the game with the lightning fast, hard-hitting style we’ve all come to expect from them. Denver was anticipated to match the Seahawks with a variety of offense led by Peyton Manning who, while undoubtedly is one of the greatest field generals to ever step foot on an NFL field, had a lot riding on this legacy deciding game.
Let’s take a look at why the Seahawks were so successful and what exactly it was that propelled them to their first ever Super Bowl win:
1. Momentum
The fate of a game comes down to who shows up on game day. If one team is more prepared than the other, that team will dominate.
It’s obvious that the Seahawks walked into MetLife stadium ready to win. The momentum Seattle was riding the entire game can be traced back to the very first play from the line of scrimmage.
Moments into the game, the ball flew right over Peyton Manning’s head and into the end zone. Once Denver had their backs against the wall, they did not let up. Seattle head coach Pete Carroll’s style has always been to follow one golden rule: attack relentlessly.
Once the Seahawks discovered the Broncos’ critical weak spots, they kept pressing and pressing until the end of the game.
2. Defense Making the Big Plays
The Seattle Seahawks’ defense is built with playmakers of all kind: Physical, strong, fast, smart, you name it, they have it. Some plays result in points, some plays stop a drive. Play after play, the Seahawks defense was dead on tonight.
Meanwhile, it was a surprise to see that Peyton and company could not get anything going offensively. The Seattle secondary played physical ball, pressing the Broncos receivers so much that they couldn’t get an inch of separation. The front seven didn’t give Peyton a chance to make his reads.
The defense's persistent pressure led the way to four turnovers by what seemed to be a highly potent Broncos offense. The turnover that made it a 22-0 game was led by an interception return for a touchdown by who is now the Super Bowl MVP Malcolm Smith.
Percy Harvin kicked off the second half with a bang, returning the second half kickoff for 87 yards that put the first cold, hard nail in the Broncos coffin.
3. Just About Everything Else
When a football team crushes the opposing players, winning a game 43-8, it’s pretty easy to say what went right for the Seattle Seahawks.
The Seahawks had the game in control from the opening kick. Personally, I couldn’t help wonder when the one-sidedness was all going to stop. Up until the Super bowl, the Denver Broncos were having a record-breaking season. It’s evident that the Broncos we all expected never showed up.
The seconds ticked away, Seattle continued to score, and the game went on. The Seahawks did everything right. In a game that many consider a boring, lopsided showing that was over before Bruno Mars walked in, the Seahawks made one of the best offenses in NFL history look like a pee-wee team.
There could also be a variety of contributing factors as to why the Broncos were seemingly a no show to the biggest game in pro football, but these factors are overshadowed by an enormous defeat.
When it comes down to it, Seattle was the team that wanted it the most, and wanted it badly. Unquestionably, the Seahawks are the well-deserved Super Bowl Champions of the world.