Seattle Seahawks vs Denver Broncos: Does Defense Win Championships?
By Todd Pheifer
Aug 17, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) after making a reception during the second quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
The Seattle Seahawks have what is generally referred to as a “stingy” defense. Statistically, the Seahawks have arguably the best defense in the NFL.
On the other side of the ball is Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. This is an offense that scores early and often. The stats suggest that this Broncos offense is also the best in the league at what they do.
Unstoppable force? Immovable object?
The old saying suggests that defense wins championships. That idea will be tested in Super Bowl XLVIII.
If people were sticking with this traditional philosophy, the Seahawks would be favored. It would be assumed that Richard Sherman (our newest household name in America), Kam Chancellor, Earl Thomas, K.J. Wright, Bobby Wagner, Cliff Avril and Chris Clemons would be just some of the names that will lead the Seahawks to victory.
And they just might.
However, the nod is still being given to Manning and the Denver offense. There seems to be a general assumption that the productivity of the Broncos will be just a little bit too much for the talented Seattle defense.
And this may be true.
The interesting aspect of this contest is that there is really no prior history. Sure, the two teams faced each other in the preseason, but that is hardly an adequate test case for how the Super Bowl will unfold.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks have a pretty good offense themselves. Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch, Golden Tate, Doug Baldwin, Percy Harvin…perhaps you have heard those names?
Ultimately, the Seahawks probably don’t want to get into a shootout with the Broncos. That would most likely favor Peyton Manning. This will come down to whether the defense can truly be stingy.
Peyton Manning versus Richard Sherman. This may be the most interesting battle of the day.
Does defense win championships? We will soon find out.