The Denver Broncos lost the big game on Sunday as the Seattle Seahawks routed Denver 43-8. Seattle won their first Lombardi in franchise history as the Broncos simply did not play well on either side of the ball.
A defining moment of the game was the first play of Super Bowl XLVIII. Denver quarterback, Peyton Manning missed a bad snap and Knowshon Moreno was tackled in the endzone, as the Seahawks got a safety. Not only was this the fastest score in Super Bowl history, but it also set the pace and momentum for the game. Manning told reporters after the game that the noise factor at MetLife was a contributor to the miscommunication regarding the snap.
This Broncos defense that had been a big factor in their success could not stop Russell Wilson and the Seattle offense. Wilson was 18-25 with 206 passing yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions. Denver gave up a total of 341 yards on Sunday and allowed 7.9 yards per pass. Marshawn Lynch had 15 carries for 39 yards and a touchdown, as the Seahawks were able to execute on both sides of the ball when necessary. The defense had a poor performance, but the performance of the Broncos offense was the most surprising in the game.
Everyone knew the talent and dominance of the Seahawks defense, but the Denver offense played horribly throughout the game and couldn’t execute the plays. Manning had a good postseason up to Sunday’s game. When it comes to the Super Bowl, there’s little to no room for error, and unfortunately for number 18 he threw two interceptions. He was under pressure both times, but his second pick was lobbed in the air and was a poor decision on Manning’s part to throw the ball. Overall, Manning was 34-49 with 280 yards, one touchdown, and two picks.
Denver’s offense as a whole struggled and were only able to put up eight points. They also set an NFL record as they are the only team unable to get a first down in the first quarter of a Super Bowl.
To see this offense with weapons such as Wes Welker, Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas, Knowshon Moreno, etc, struggle was shocking. Denver set an NFL record this year scoring 606 points, they have the league MVP in Peyton Manning, and we all saw this offense destroy any defense they faced; but in the end they were hopeless against the Seattle defense.
The Broncos all around performance was disappointing, but the offense had the worst performance on Sunday as they couldn’t do anything to put solid points on the board. Manning vs the Seahawks defense was the the most hyped matchup of Sunday and it was disappointing to say the least, as in the end, Denver was no match for the Seahawk defense.