Quote:
Originally Posted by itjclarke
Hey Mike, I'm definitely with you in giving Seahawks full credit (no matter how much it hurts me).. and I also have huge respect for what Manning's been able to accomplish with diminished physical skills (though I do think people put too much emphasis on the pure stats). That said, this matchup was probably the single worst he could have faced in the Super Bowl.
Manning's lack of arm strength is not why the Seahawks DBs are good or looked great tonight.. but his limitations really played into their strengths. Those guys are always on the receivers' hips contesting the every completion.. far more so than any other team's secondary. If there were ever a time to place a premium on pure arm strength, it's when facing the Hawks. That is often the only way someone's able to be able to squeeze the ball into very tight windows on the intermediate to deeper routes with any consistency (and "consitency" v Seahawks does not equal "consistency" v others) against these guys.
Underneath stuff (pick plays, option routes, slip screens, short drags, etc) worked great for the Broncos all year, and they have some great play makers.. but the Seahawks secondary hits/tackles like no other as well. I think there were like three 3rd and 1s the Broncos converted by gaining 1 yard... Seahawks make teams work for yards like no other. Best D in league and maybe best secondary ever.
(That said--- I still gotta give a shot out to my Niners as having a great D and the best linebackers in the game... this rivalry picks up from the Steelers/Ravens as the most physical/bruising old school style football)
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No doubt, Ian...I hear what you're saying. I just had to put my two cents in and let everyone know that this game was clearly won by the Seahawks and not lost by Manning.
I thought the Niners were in the driver's seat a few weeks ago when they jumped out to that lead, but that's why they play the whole game!
The NFC West is going to be crazy for a few more years down the road. Defense is key to winning IMO and it showed tonight. My team is the Buccaneers and I've liked them ever since I was little back in the eighties, so I know how to take 'em on the chin if you know what I mean. The Bucs were known for their defense when they started getting better and that's what I loved about them...their defense. I always wanted to see more offense from them and it was often frustrating to watch them mostly shutdown a team, but lose 13-10. But lately their defense has been horrible and I see how important it is to have that great defense...it's a must! Unless of course you have a decent defense and a great offense
