4th and Long

Is the Best Offense a Good Defense?

By Ryan Frisco

Badadaddadadaddadaaaaaa...that's my drumroll.  Probably on a timpani drum (I just learned what that is watching Baby Einsteins with my son).  It's Super Bowl time baby, the big game is finally here!!!

Photo Cred www.abcnews.com

I've seen some pretty crazy match-ups in my day.  Colts vs. Saints was a matchup of two of the decade's greatest high flying offenses.  The Patriots vs. Giants each time seemed like David vs. Goliath, with David winning both!  But this one just seems a bit more special, and for so many reasons.

The obvious storyline is the matchup of the NFL's best ever offense, in the Broncos, against one of the league's best ever defenses, capitalized by the feared Legion of Boom.  This is where we delve into the question; Is the Best Offense truly a Good Defense?

You know my thoughts on this question.  You know I chose Seattle before this season even started.  You've seen my brash defense of their dominance, their inability to be beaten when it really counts.  While being the best team in the league, they have been grossly underestimated due to inexperience.  And yes, you are correct, I'm once again choosing them to take it all. (not worth changing my mind now, is it?)

Photo Cred www.dexpollard.com

While I am completely confident that the Seahawks will win Sunday, I don't think it will be easy.  There are two pictures to look at here.  First is the Broncos offense vs. the Seahawks defense. 

Peyton Manning has carved up opposing defenses with ease all season long.  The Denver offense has broken practically every record in the book.  Peyton Manning has broken every record in the book.  He just won his 5th MVP award last night.  But, can he do what he's done all year against Seattle?

My answer to that is Yes and No.  Yes, Peyton will score at least two touchdowns, probably three.  But that's it.  Three TDs and one field goal for them, a grand total of 24 points, which is a lot against Seattle. The Seahawks are good, but Manning is having a special year, and he will never roll over and die.  While the Denver Offense is on the field, Broncos score 24, Seattle scores one defensive TD, so we're at 24-7. So then, what's the second picture?

Photo Cred www.komonews.com

Now we can look at what happens when the Seattle offense is on the field.  And frankly, I don't think they'll move the ball nearly as well as the Broncos will.  Seattle will get good field position a few times, and Marshawn Lynch will drive them into Denver territory a time or two, which will ultimately result in 4 field goals for Hauschka.  Add in a Manning pick and a chance touchdown pass from Russell Wilson to Doug Baldwin, and do the math; Seattle 26 Broncos 24.

Game - Set - Match.  Seahawks hoist the Lombardi for the first time ever, and I am 100% right in my preseason pick.  Take it to the bank!!