by Jules Gonsoulin
sports editor
As the 2013-2014 NFL season comes to a close, one thing has become clear: Peyton Manning is unstoppable. Possibly in his final year as a player, Manning has broken numerous passing records, helping his team, the Denver Broncos, take the title of best offense in the league. Manning isn’t the Broncos’ only valuable player, however. Running back Knowshon Moreno has racked up well over 1,000 yards on the ground, effectively balancing out Denver’s offense. In addition to Moreno, the Broncos can choose to call on former Heisman Trophy finalist and Wisconsin running back Montee Ball. This balanced offense has only gotten better as the season has progressed and, with every game, has answered why the team deserves to play at the Super Bowl.
It is only fitting that the number-one offense in the country must play the number-one defense. The Seattle Seahawks, number-one overall seed in the NFC, have stifled dangerous offenses all year long. Seattle has a stable full of reliable players on defense, including hothead Richard Sherman. Sherman’s remarks regarding 49er’s receiver Michael Crabtree have landed him in the middle of a week long ESPN discussion, and it will be interesting to see if this distraction affects Sherman and his teammates come game day.
One definite distraction players will need to be ready for is weather. The Super Bowl will be played in New Jersey at MetLife Stadium—a strange move by the NFL, considering the game takes place in early February, and frigid temperatures are almost guaranteed. We’ve seen a few games played in true winter conditions this year, but none of this importance.
The wild card in this game, in addition to the weather, will be Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson has already established himself as one of the best rookie quarterbacks in NFL history, and has reached the Super Bowl in only his second year in the league. How Wilson handles the pressure of the Super Bowl will be a key factor in the outcome of the game. We know Peyton Manning can handle the pressure well, having already won Super Bowl XLI.
Although it’s tough to bet against Russell Wilson, Richard Sherman and praiseworthy coach Pete Carrol, the Denver Broncos are unstoppable, and Peyton Manning is on a mission. I am picking the Broncos to win, 24-10. Post in the comment section below what your predictions are.
