Did you know that on average, Peyton Manning hasn't played well in cold weather conditions? Of course you do. Did you know it's supposed to be freezing for the Super Bowl? Of course you do, you're an informed fan. It also helps that every media outlet has beat it like Rocky beat the meat. Next, let's look at both teams and see if the weather is likely to change the outcome of this game. Let's go deep.
When the NFL chose the MetLife stadium to host the Super Bowl, they must have assumed some issues would arise because of the weather. But I doubt they thought every sports station would become a weather channel. A majority of the blame stems from Mr. Manning's win/loss record of cold games. Even though it's not really about the cold but the wind. With a team that has a average but tough running game, and an underperforming defense that is missing its star player for most of the season, do you feel confident that on a cold windy day Mr. Manning can carry the team?
On the other side of the field the Seattle Seahawks have not had any sort of scrutiny when it come to the weather. They are a run first offense, that has a quarterback with the ability to make plays. Not forgetting their stout defense, which is ranked top 5 all time against the pass. With all these great things Russell Wilson has faltered during the later part of the season and the NFC champiship game, where Marshawn Lynch and his defense got the win. So could the weather affect the Seahawks? No, having a strong run game with Mr. Lynch (beast mode), and also a great defense that is unbelievable against the pass, it's hard to say anything will change.
So in the end, what's the outcome based on bad weather conditions? A battle of historical numbers with the biggest question ever in football: which is better, a great offense or a great defense? The Broncos are going to be like a postman. Let it rain, sleet, snow, or on a sunny day the Broncos win this game. There was a time when defenses won championships, such as the 02'-03' Buccaneers. They went up against the number one offense that season, the Oakland Raiders led by Rich Gannon. As the new hall of famer Derrick Brooks ran back that touchdown it was apparent defenses win champiships. But it's a new NFL with new rules. Even on a cold windy day the Seahawks are still the 28th ranked offense. The lowest ranked offense to ever play in a Super Bowl. They are going to run with Mr. Lynch, and he runs the majority of his carries up the middle. Even though the Broncos aren't anything but average at best, they are the best against stopping the run up the middle.
Now am I saying Mr. Lynch can't break a big run? No, I'm pretty sure he will, but he isn't going to be enough. Mr. Wilson may have to put the game on his shoulders, and lately he has had some problems doing that when the pressure starts to grow. In saying that, I still expect Mr. Manning to throw quick high percentage passes, almost gaining as many yards as a run, mixing in a few deep, throws and some really hard running by Knowshawn Moreau. Keeping the defense honest, keep an eye on the right side and see if they keep Demaryus Thomas with Sherman, and if they have to bring a safety or if they play one on one.
These predictions by no means are implying a blow out. It's a race to 24 assuming the weather is cold an windy. This defense is the legion of boom for a reason but they are going against the highest scoring offense of all time, while having the lowest ranked offense to ever make the Super Bowl. Mr. Manning could be the first quarterback to ever win a Super Bowl with two teams, which would add to his greatest season for a quarterback. Or the Seahawks could be the lowest ranked offense to ever win a Super Bowl. Either way, someone is going to be a first. All we can do is sit back and weather the storm.
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