Chili, Guacamole, and ABTs? Oh my! Super Bowl Preview

The Super Bowl is perhaps my favorite sporting event of the entire year. Not necessarily because of the commercials, or the halftime show (GET SOMEONE GOOD), or even the game itself. I love the Super Bowl because of the party. Every year, my family and a group of people from my church convene at my house to watch the Super Bowl. It is a great time of fellowship. Being Southern Baptists, we always have PLENTY of food. From Michael's chili to my Stacy DeFoor's Atomic Buffalo Turds (ABTs; li'l smokies inside of a jalapeno with cream cheese, wrapped in bacon and dipped in barbecue sauce) to my guacamole. I love all of it: the fellowship, the food, the friends. All of this to say, you probably did not come here to read about food, although we do always have good food. You probably came to read about the game itself, so let's take a look at the match-up.

Denver Broncos Season Review

The Denver offense had one of, if not the, best seasons an offense has ever had. Denver finished the season finishing first in points-per-game, total offense, and passing offense. They were also no slouch in the running game. Former UGA running back Knowshon Moreno had a breakout season, rushing for over 1000 yards and 10 touchdowns. Peyton Manning, however, led the way for the Broncos offense, passing for 5477 yards and 55 touchdowns, both records for a single season. Peyton was able to accomplish these feats with a great arsenal of receivers. Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, Wes Welker, and Julius Thomas all caught more than 60 passes and scored at least 10 touchdowns a piece. Out of these four, Thomas was the star. Demaryius Thomas, a former Georgia Tech standout, led the Broncos with 92 receptions, 1430 receptions (a terrific 15.5 yards per reception), and 14 touchdowns. With Von Miller being injured throughout the year, not many people expected the Broncos defense to be very good at all. They were definitely not the best defense in the country; however, one place they did excel was against the run. Denver finished the regular season tied for seventh in opponent's rushing yards per game with 101.6 yards per game. The combination of this amazing offense and good enough defense led the Broncos to a 13-3 regular season record, and AFC West title, and the number one overall seed in the AFC.

Seattle Seahawks Season Review

While the Broncos made a living with their superior offense this season, the Seahawks found success in the complete opposite way. They got their 13-3 regular season record, NFC West title, and number one overall seed in the NFC behind the league's best defense. Seattle ranked first in the NFL in scoring defense (14.4 points per game), yards per game (273.6), passing yards per game (172.0), and interceptions (28). This stacked Seahawks defense has playmakers at every level of the defense. On the defensive line, they have Cliff Avril (eight sacks and five forced fumbles), Michael Bennett (eight and a half sacks and one forced fumble), and Chris Clemons (four and a half sacks and one forced fumble). At linebacker, the Seahawks have Bobby Wagner (120 tackles and two interceptions) and Bruce Irvin (four sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception). Both of those are great units, but the greatest defensive unit for the Seahawks in their secondary, which has become known as the "Legion of Boom." Led by Richard Sherman (eight interceptions) and Earl Thomas (105 tackles, five interceptions, and two forced fumbles), the Legion of Boom has claimed the title of the best secondary in the NFL. All of this to say, the Seahawks defense is REALLY good. Their offense is not too shabby either. In his second season, Russell Wilson had a good year, passing for 3357 yards and 26 touchdowns, while adding 539 yards and one touchdown on the ground. Marshawn "Beast Mode" Lynch had another phenomenal year, rushing for 1257 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Players to Watch

Julius Thomas: A breakout player for the Broncos this year, Thomas had a great year for the Broncos. He gave Peyton Manning an excellent check down option. He had 65 receptions for 788 yards and 12 touchdowns. With the Legion of Boom, Peyton Manning will most likely not be able to find Demaryius Thomas, who has become his favorite target, very often. He will have to spread the ball around.

Shaun Phillips: The main pass rusher replacing Von Miller for the Broncos, Phillips led the team with 10.0 sacks. He was also able to add two forced fumbles and an interception. Being the right defensive end, Phillips will have the unfortunate task of going up against a very good left tackle in Russell Okung.

Percy Harvin: Percy Harvin has FINALLY been cleared to play in a game. After giving up a lot to Minnesota for Harvin, he did not contribute very much at all due to injuries. When he was in, however, he was one of the most dangerous players on the field. Harvin is a guy that the Seahawks can use in every aspect of the game, except for defense. He can catch the ball, run the ball, and return the ball. He will also force Denver to keep an eye on him at all times, possibly opening up other options for the Seahawks.

Richard Sherman: Richard Sherman not only led the "Legion of Boom," but he also led the NFL in interceptions with eight. It will be his job to get into the head of both Peyton Manning and whomever he will be covering throughout the game. As most know, Sherman is very good at that.

Match-up to watch

The Unstoppable Force (Denver's Offense) vs. The Immovable Object (Seattle's Defense): These two units are the best in the NFL at what they do. This should be an exciting match-up to watch. Whoever wins this match-up will win this game. There is no question about that. 

Denver wins if...

Knowshon Moreno can rush the ball. Denver will not win this game by being one-dimensional. They will have to use the running game to open up the passing game and vice-versa. Failure to do so will result in certain defeat for the Broncos. Knowshon Moreno is the key to this. Not only has Moreno been an effective rusher for the Broncos, but he has also impacted the passing game positively.

Seattle wins if...

Percy Harvin makes as big of an impact as originally thought. Harvin opens up the Seahawks offense. He gives the Denver defense one more thing to focus on. Percy Harvin does not even have to have a great game. He simply has to force Denver to over-commit to him and leave room for someone else to beat them. If Percy Harvin does not make an impact, the Seahawks will not have much of a chance.

3 Bold Predictions:

1. The "Legion of Boom" is held without and interception.

2. Peyton Manning does not eclipse 300 passing yards, but does throw for three touchdowns.

3. Demaryius Thomas wins the Super Bowl MVP, catching at least 10 passes for at least 120 yards and two touchdowns.

Final prediction

If you could not tell from my bold predictions, I think the Unstoppable Force beats the Immovable Object. The Seahawks will make it a competitive game, however, and it could easily go either way. The main reason I have a hard time picking Seattle to win this game is because I do not think they will be able to score enough points. The Seahawks offense has not impressed me during the playoffs, and I think they will disappoint again come Sunday. Denver wins this one, 31-17.