Beer commercials. Scandalous halftime shows. A trip to Disney World. Oh, and some guys playing football. Yes, yes y’all, it is time for the Super Bowl. On Feb. 2 the Seattle Seahawks will meet the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey for Super Bowl XLVIII. Whether or not you follow football chances are you know someone that knows someone that is having a party or watching it somewhere. And chances are you might want to know just a little more than you already do (or don’t) about the big game. So, here is your cheat sheet to give you something to talk about around the chicken wings.
BATTLE OF THE BEST AND THE BEST:
It will be a match of the Seattle Seahawks’ number one defense against the Denver Broncos’ number one offense. The Broncos made history this year when they became the highest scoring offense in the NFL. Ever. Denver linebacker Danny Trevathan told ESPN.com, “A lot of people said [New England] could run the ball, all this and that. But you’ve got to be well-rounded. You’ve got to be a pro, handle that stuff as a challenge, take it upon yourself to go out there and perform and show them what’s up.” And that is exactly what they will do.
A LONG TIME COMING:
The last time the Broncos and Seahawks met was over three years ago, and the Broncos won 31-14. This is only the second time that the Seahawks have been to the Super Bowl in franchise history. And with the Broncos winning their last Super Bowl in 1998, each team feels that their time has come.
BEAST MODE:
An Oakland native and former Cal State Golden Bear, running back Marshawn Lynch is a huge reason why the Seahawks have had such an explosive season. With rushing 1,257 yards, 12 rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns, it is no wonder that Lynch’s nickname is “Beast Mode.” Fans have started showering the field with Skittles after Lynch’s touchdowns because he is always eating them on the sidelines. Rumor has it that the Seahawks even keep Skittles in their emergency kits on the sidelines. So, be ready for the rainbow.
MANN-HANDLED:
Seattle Quarterback Russell Wilson may be tied with Denver’s Peyton Manning for most passing touchdowns in his rookie season, but the similarities stop there. Wilson is only in his second year of playing in the NFL while Manning is in his 16th year. It is outstanding that Wilson is going to the Super Bowl so early in his career, but Manning has already been to the big show. Manning not only has a Super Bowl ring, but was also named MVP of Super Bowl XLI. And Wilson has been more and more inconsistent in the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl with a defense that has been able to make up for his mistakes. But don’t count on Manning making the same mistakes that the San Francisco 49er’s Colin Kaepernick made in the NFC Championship game that ended up losing the 49er’s a second trip to the Super Bowl in two years. Manning is a veteran of the game and knows things that only someone who has been working for the same employer for 16 years would know. Russell Wilson has his work cut out for him.
ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN:
As much as people can sit and speculate about who will win, anything can happen. Injuries are known to happen early in the game to major players. A bad call by a referee can end up costing a team the game. Players can just really screw up sometimes. But as long as there is beer, everyone will be okay.
