Honestly, I don't think Denver or Manning played terribly. They accomplished their primary game plan. But their game plan plays into and underestimates what Seattle does.
Manning did what he does… completed many short passes… avoided sacks. After all, he set a Superbowl record for completions and was not sacked. The Denver defense accomplished what they hoped… they stuffed Lynch.
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The reason Denver lost??
In the Superbowl, the Seahawks defense did exactly what it does in every game. That is, they take away the deep pass, force check downs, come up and make big hits, no YAC, strip the ball, get turnovers. They give up the short passing game… but few explosive plays.
Wilson did exactly what he does every game… doesn’t put up big numbers… but avoids pressure and moves the chains in critical situations without turnovers, (underestimated). He will make one or two explosive/critical plays per game to secure the win.
Pundits and fans underestimate or don’t understand Seattle’s formula to win. As a Seattle fan, the common refrain we hear from every opposing fan base after they lose is… “Well, we moved the ball on your defense… but we shot ourselves in the foot. Wilson did just enough to beat us, but wasn’t anything special.”
This may be comforting thoughts for these fans after a loss. But the reality is… Seattle did exactly what they planned to do (above).
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Seattle is a bad match up for Denver. Denver is the opposite of Seattle in every way. The way to beat Seattle is to beat them at their own game. Be more physical, run the ball, stop the run, give no YAC to receivers, have a QB who can move and make plays outside the pocket. The 49er’s come the closest to accomplishing this.
Denver would lose to Seattle 9 out of 10 times if both teams played to their strengths.
