Broncos vs. Seahawks Super Bowl Rematch

Super Bowl Rematch

Denver Broncos- Erik Lars Bakke

Well everyone the game Broncos fans have been waiting for is finally here.  The Denver Broncos will get the opportunity to show that the super bowl was just a culmination of unfortunate plays, and they will look to prove that they can play with the best in the NFL.  This game is the biggest measuring stick of the season for the Broncos.  If they can travel to Seattle and beat the Seahawks at home that will go a long way towards proving they can win the Super Bowl this season.  So can they do it? The short answer is yes, but they will have to play a great team game to beat the Seahawks especially when the game is being played in Seattle.

How do they do it? 

If Denver hopes to beat Seattle they will need to play near perfect football which they have been unable to do so far this season.  They cannot have turnovers in this game like they did in the Super Bowl, the Seahawks feed off of takeaways and we all saw what happened in the Super Bowl when Denver turned the ball over.  So far this season the Broncos have done a great job of protecting the football with just one fumble (which they recovered).  They will have to continue to take care of the football to challenge Seattle.

One thing that the Broncos have to improve on from the first two weeks of the season is penalties.  Not only have the Broncos had far to many penalties but they have come at the most inopportune times.  Just last week the Broncos defense had two third down stops thwarted because they jumped offsides.  The Broncos will not be able to win this week if they continue to make mental mistakes and shoot themselves in the foot.

Another key for the Broncos will be third down.  So far third down has been a major problem for both the offense and the defense.  Last week against the Chiefs the defense allowed the Chiefs to convert on eleven of sixteen third down tries.  On the first drive of the third quarter, the Broncos allowed the Chiefs to convert a 3rd & 16, a 3 & 13, and a 3 & 9.  The defense must do a better job of stopping the opponent on third down if they hope to win.  The offense must also be better on third down so they can sustain drives and give their defense a breather on the sideline.  This has been something they have struggled with so far especially in the 2nd half.

Denver Broncos- Erik Lars Bakke

The offensive line also has to do a good job of keeping Peyton upright in this game.  In the Super Bowl Peyton was under constant pressure and never really looked comfortable in the pocket.  If the line can give Peyton just enough time I think the Broncos will look to take a page from the San Diego Chargers playbook.  In their win over Seattle last week, San Diego looked to throw short routes underneath which allowed the receivers to make plays after the catch.  The return of Wes Welker could be a huge factor in this game as Peyton will get his security blanket back.  Welker should help alleviate some of the problems the offense has faced so far on third down.

Denver Broncos- Gabriel Christus

The Chargers also exploited the coverage of the Seahawks linebackers by throwing three touchdowns to tight end Antonio Gates.  After watching the film on the game it was clear that the Seahawks did not have an answer for Gates.    It looks like their should be plenty of opportunities for Julius Thomas to make some big time plays in this game.  Look for Julius Thomas to be a huge part of the game plan this weekend.

Why they won't win

I hate to say it but I just can't see the Broncos winning this game.  I think if this game was being played in Denver it would be a different story and I would like their chances, but playing in Seattle is really hard and the Seahawks are 18-1 at home in their last 19 games.  The defense feeds off of the crowd noise and all that noise allows the defensive line to get a great jump against the offense.  Running a no huddle offense will be very difficult in Seattle even with "the general" running the show.  I also do not think this team has improved enough to beat this Seahawks team.

Denver Broncos- Erik Lars Bakke

Hopefully by the end of the season the Broncos will be gelling by the end of the season, but right now they do not look like a team who can go to Seattle and win.  If they can take care of the football and eliminate mental mistakes I think they can keep it close, but at this point I just don't know if the defense is good enough for the Broncos to win.  If the defense can get after Russell Wilson and make him uncomfortable they have a chance in this game, but so far this season the Broncos defense has not shown a consistent pass rush.  I will be watching to see how Von Miller does in this game after being fairly quiet in the first two weeks.  The defense also has to stop Seattle on third down and get off of the field.  If they can do all of that I think they stand a chance, and they should be able to at least make this game competitive.

Final Score- Denver 27, Seattle 21

I know I know I said that the Broncos would not win this game but I just couldn't pick against the Broncos and I do think they will be motivated to win this game.  I think one way or another this will be a good close game.  Hopefully the Broncos can catch a couple of breaks and get a few turnovers.  If the ball bounces their way look for them to pull of the upset on the road.  Go Broncos!