As they make final preparations ahead of their showdown against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII, the Seattle Seahawks hope to do enough in order to ensure the franchise’s first Super Bowl championship. Appearing in just one championship game prior to the Feb. 2 matchup against the AFC Champion Broncos, the Seattle Seahawks -- who fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers 21-10 in Super Bowl XL -- certainly possess the ability to hoist the trophy but a major effort will be needed to slow a Broncos offense that averaged over 37 points during the 2013-2014 NFL regular season.
Seattle finished the regular season at 13-3 to capture the top seed heading into the NFC side of the playoffs. Using home field advantage to the best of their abilities, the Seahawks upended an extremely talented New Orleans Saints team in the NFC Divisional Game and then came from behind to take down NFC West rival San Francisco to claim the 2013-2014 NFC Championship. While the Seattle offense -- a unit that ranked 9th in the league in scoring this season -- is surely capable of putting up points, the Seahawks defense is usually the focus of attention when breaking down the NFC champs.
Tremendous talents in Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor, Richard Sherman and Byron Maxwell lead a defensive secondary that ranks first in passing yards per game (172.0) and total yards per game (273.6 ypg). Add in strong backing from second level players in Bobby Wagner (120 total tackles, 5 sacks), K.J. Wright (80 tackles) and Malcolm Smith (54 tackles) and it should come as no surprise that the Seahawks find themselves playing in the NFL’s biggest game. Quarterback Russell Wilson owns the ability to move the ball with his arm and legs while playmakers in Marshawn Lynch, Golden Tate and others help the team find balance offensively.
Led by head coach Pete Carroll -- who is looking to become just the third person to win a Super Bowl Championship and a college National Championship as coach -- here’s three reasons why the NFC West champion Seattle Seahawks will leave MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 2 as 2013-2014 NFL Champions.
3. Russell Wilson Can Beat You a Variety of Ways
As he continues to grow into one of the premier quarterbacks in the National Football League, Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson hopes to put the best game of his career together Sunday in New Jersey. Eclipsing the 3,300 passing yards mark during the regular season while tossing 26 touchdowns and rushing for an additional 539 yards, the 2012 third round pick out of Wisconsin possesses the ability to wear down defenses in multiple ways. If the passing game isn’t there for Wilson, the recent draft pick of the MLB’s Texas Rangers won’t hesitate to tuck it and run, making him a nightmare for the opposition. If Wilson is in top form during Super Bowl XLVIII, expect Seattle to have a tremendous chance at winning the game.
2. Marshawn Lynch
One of the most consistent and reliable running backs in the NFL, Marshawn Lynch might be the most important piece in the Seattle offense. A player who has blown past the 1,000-yard rushing mark in three-consecutive seasons, Lynch will take the field in the Super Bowl off back-to-back games of 100-plus yards. His two touchdowns against the Saints helped Seattle advance to the NFC Championship Game and now that he’s preparing for the biggest game of his career, Lynch knows he’ll be asked to carry the load one final time this season. If the Seattle defense does their job and Lynch goes over 100 one more time, Seattle may finally hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
1. Legion of Boom
Anytime you have a defense that can stop the run, pass and special team games of opponents on a consistent basis you’ll have a chance to win. That’s exactly what this season has been like for the Seattle Seahawks and their fans. Ranking first in scoring defense (14.4ppg), total defense (273.6ypg), Opponent passing yards per game (172.0ypg), takeaways (39), interceptions (28) and turnover differential (+20), the Seahawks defense – affectionately referred to as “The Legion of Boom” possesses the ability to slow the league’s top-ranked offense and if they’re able to contain the likes of Peyton Manning, Wes Welker, Julius Thomas and the stacked Denver arsenal, passionate cornerback Richard Sherman and company will complete a dream season.
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