It was a rout in New Jersey last night as the Seattle Seahawks dominated the Dever Broncos to win Super Bowl XLVIII, 43-8.Cole Pepper joined Melissa Ross to break down the game and look at what comes next for both teams.
Super Bowl XLVIII—what's next?
It’s quite a statement in this day of offense that the number one defense would make such a statement in a 43-8 win. It was over early.
On the Broncos first snap, the ball sailed over Peyton Manning’s head for a safety. It was all Seahawks.
Linebacker Malcolm Smith turned in the signature play, a second quarter interception that he returned for a touchdown.
One of the real keys was the pass rush that Seattle got on Manning. Clay High school alum Cliff Avril made a real difference, getting pressure and forcing both of Manning’s interceptions.
What the win means for Seattle:
- They will be the favorites entering next year with most of the team back, including young quarterback, Russell Wilson, who wins a ring in just his second year as a pro.
- The 12th man (Seattle’s fanbase) will be on full display when they hold their Super Bowl celebration. That should be a loud party.
What the loss means for Denver:
- It’s another blowout loss in a Super Bowl for the Broncos, who have now been on the losing end of three of the biggest defeats in Super Bowl history.
- It also will continue to keep the conversation going about Peyton Manning's legacy. He is undoubtedly one of the great regular season quaterbacks of all time. But he has a losing record in the playoffs and has lost two of three Super Bowls in which he’s played.
There were a lot of guys, especially former players last week, who were shouting down anyone who dared to question Manning, but the fact is, when you measure him against other great quarterbacks like Joe Montana, Tom Brady and John Elway, all guys with multiple Super Bowl rings, Manning comes up short.
Yes, he’s a future Hall of Famer, but he can’t claim the crown of Greatest of All-time with a postseason record like that.
Super Bowl ads, etc.
For what it's worth, I thought it was a down year for Super Bowl commercials. In fact, one of the more entertaining spots didn't actually air during the game.
Anna Kendrick’s Newcastle farce spot was really good. I did like the Volkswagen spot with German engineers sprouting wings. Also, the Full House reunion spot for Dannon Oikos yogurt was a hit among those who liked that show.
There was also the local ad for Chase Bank featuring a number of Jacksonville landmarks and sights including the Corner Taco food truck.
If you were wondering, yes we had man dip, and my friend's 3-year-old son asked for it in his lunch box today.
You can follow Melissa Ross at @MelissainJax and Cole Pepper @ColePepper.
