Peyton Manning is the greatest QB of all time. Hands down. Even if he goes 10-30 for 179 yards and 0 TDs with 4 INTS on Sunday. But I don't think that is going to happen. Dan Marino is one of the greats...right up there with Joe Montana. Super Bowls are frosting on the cake, but this sport features 53-man rosters. Hype doesn't get you into the hall of fame. Your body of work over 12+ years does.
As for the game, itself...
This Broncos team came together and completely dismantled the Patriots last weekend. Although they had to settle for 4 field goals, they gained 507 yards, the most yards ever gained against the Patriots in the Belichick era. The Broncos have FIVE offensive players with 10 or more TDs in the regular season. This is mind-blowing. It's going to be 72 degrees in East Rutherford on Super Bowl Sunday...45 degrees with 3MPH winds at kickoff. Seattle's average scoring margin in the Pete Carroll era is +17 points when playing at home...only +5 on the road (thanks largely to the Giants).
In the Russell Wilson era, the Seahawks have a .938 winning percentage at home and a pedestrian .563 winning percentage on the road. That's a .375 differential. Conversely, Manning's Broncos (same 2-year time span) are .875 at home and .750 on the road...a .125 split. That stadium and it's artificial noise is a crutch for the Seahawks. They are completely mortal away from home.
Even with that home field advantage, Seattle has been stale lately (particularly on offense) in 4 consecutive games (all at home). They were out-played by the 49ers last week, needing help from the officials to squeak away with the win. They nearly lost their grip against the Saints in the divisional round...winning by only one score. They lost to the Cardinals in Week 16, scoring only 10 points a game they needed to win to keep pace for the #1 seed.
Last week, Peyton Manning was 32/43 for 400 yards with TWENTY ONE passing first downs.
I'm taking the Broncos.
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