Super Bowl XLVIII Preview - Denver's Offense vs Seattle's Defense

The Denver Broncos are a team that crushes their opponent's spirit by scoring 35+ points a game. Few teams have won as often as the Broncos the past two seasons - or by so much. Peyton Manning, nearly forced to retire two seasons ago because of neck injuries, can pick apart a defense like few other quarterbacks in NFL history. His ability to read a defense and know exactly where to go each and every play will force Seattle's talented secondary to stay with their coverages longer than normal. Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker and Julius Thomas are among the many versatile weapons Manning has at his disposal.

While the Broncos are known for their passing game, their ability to run the football may be the key to winning the Super Bowl for them. Their offensive line has managed to stay reasonably healthy this season and has kept aggressive defenses from wrecking havoc with the timing of their passing game. This has also helped Denver open up its running game. Knowshon Moreno finished the season with over 1,000 yards rushing and Montee Ball added another 500 yards.

The Seattle Sehawks defense has played lights out football during their run through the regular season and playoffs. Just as versatile on defense as the Broncos are on offense, Seattle's defensive front seven look to completely disrupt the high-powered Denver attack. If Seattle's defense can slow down the Broncos enough to hold them to field goals instead of touchdowns, they will be able to give Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch a fighting chance to keep pace with Peyton Manning and company. The Seahawks can win the game with their defense, but they will have a lot easier time containing the Broncos if their offense can give them any kind of lead during the game.

Super Bowl XLVIII Statistical Matchup
            *Note: None of these stats “mean” anything, but let’s have fun with them anyway… Numbers include playoff games

            Stat Keys:
                        Passing Points = Total Passing Touchdowns + ½ Total Field Goal Points
                        Rushing Points = Total Rushing Touchdowns + ½ Total Field Goal Points

                        Points per Passing Yard = Passing Points / Total Yards Passing
                        Points per Rushing Yard = Rushing Points / Total Yards Rushing

Category	Broncos Offense vs	Seahawks Defense Allowed	When They Collide…
Rushing Values
Rushing Points	149	67
Rushing Yards	2113	1895	Each rushing yard worth
Points per Rushing Yard	0.071	0.035	0.053
At their Best (DEF worst)	280 yards	205 yards	243 yards = 12.9 pts = 13 pts
2013 Average	117 yards	105 yards	111 yards = 5.9 pts = 6 pts
At their Worst (DEF Best)	18 yards	13 yards	16 yards = 0.9 pts = 1 pt
Passing Values
Passing Points	423	151
Passing Yards	6074	3200	Each passing yard worth
Points per Passing Yard	0.070	0.047	0.059
At their Best (DEF Worst)	445 yards	325 yards	385 yards = 22.7 pts = 23 pts
2013 Average	337 yards	283 yards	310 yards = 18.3 pts = 18 pts
At their Worst (DEF Best)	132 yards	107 yards	120 yards = 7.1 pts   =   7 pts
Projected Score Breakdown	Rushing + Passing	Combined Points
At their Best	13 pts + 23 pts	36
2013 Average	6 pts + 18 pts	24
At their Worst	1 pt  +   7 pts	8

Projected Super Bowl XLVIII Score for the Denver Broncos: 23 points

Check back tomorrow to see how the Seattle Seahawks offense compares to the Denver Broncos defense. Will the numbers for the Seahawks put them over the 23 points the Broncos are projected to score?