As Super Bowl XLVIII nears, players, coaches and fans alike are making their final preparations ahead of one of the world’s most popular sporting events. Due to the combined effort of those in the great states of New York and New Jersey, fans from around the globe will have the opportunity to enjoy many events leading up to the game, including New York City’s Super Bowl Boulevard, which will allow fans to get a true NFL experience in the days prior to the February 2 kickoff. While folks attending the game hope the weather cooperates while praying for their favorite team to come out on top, the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks continue to prepare for the NFL’s biggest draw.
Thanks to a 24-17 victory over the San Diego Chargers followed by a 26-16 triumph over the New England Patriots, the Denver Broncos – who possess the league’s top passing offense – will have the opportunity to win the third championship in franchise history. Appearing in the Super Bowl for the first time since John Elway guided the Mile High City to back-to-back titles in 1997 and 1998, Peyton Manning and the Broncos are the early favorites to claim the 2014 NFL crown. The task of walking away as champions certainly won’t come easy for Denver given the fact that the opposing defense is the best in the NFL but with Manning coming off a brilliant performance in the AFC title game, the Broncos certainly won’t be taken lightly.
Throwing for 400 yards on 32/43 passing for 2 touchdowns, Peyton Manning proved once again that he holds the ability to perform best when it matters most. Battling fellow quarterback Tom Brady for the 15th time in his illustrious career, the former University of Tennessee and Indianapolis Colts great propelled his team to an early lead and watched as his defense held the Patriots down for most of the fourth quarter. “Being in my 16th season, going to my third Super Bowl, I know how hard it is to get there,” Manning said. “We've definitely come a long way in two years. And bouncing back from last year's playoff loss to put ourselves in this position, it definitely feels very gratifying.”
With Super Bowl XLVIII now just five days away, here’s 3 reasons why Manning and the Broncos will leave MetLife Stadium on February 2 as World Champions.
3. Broncos Defense Molding Into a Consistent Unit
Despite ranking 27th in opponents passing yards (surrendering over 254 per game) the Denver Broncos defense has done a nice job in providing Peyton Manning with a reliable cushion during the postseason. The Broncos held the Patriots to just three points through the first 45 minutes of the AFC Championship game and kept the Chargers quiet throughout most of the postseason opener, propelling the team to another Super Bowl appearance. Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch undoubtedly poses a threat and quarterback Russell Wilson can be a nightmare to contain but if Denver’s defense steps up one final time, expect the Broncos to walk away with a championship.
2. Offensive Firepower Unrivaled in NFL
While the Broncos would love to get a major performance from their defense, Peyton Manning’s offensive weaponry could be enough to send Denver to a title – even if Seattle has the top defense in the league. With playmakers in tight end Julius Thomas, wideouts Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas and Wes Welker and running backs Knowshown Moreno and Montee Ball, Manning consistently has top-level talent at his disposal, talent that is certainly good enough to win a Super Bowl.
1. Peyton Manning
Pessimists will look at his overall 11-11 record in the postseason and missed opportunities in 2013 and Super Bowl XLIV before anything else. Football realists understand that No. 18 is easily one of the best quarterbacks of all-time. With a talented defense backing him up and the aforementioned offensive arsenal, Peyton Manning has the tools to win the second Super Bowl of his career. Not that it’s necessary, but another championship should quiet those who have questioned his big-game ability in the past.
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