Super Bowl XLVIII: Victory rests on Manning’s shoulders

Christmas may be a distant memory already, but a second Christmas is coming that’s better than Andy Murray smiling: Super Bowl XLVIII (48 for those unfamiliar with the attempts of us Americans to look cultured).

For those similarly unfamiliar with our football, this year sees the Seattle Seahawks take on the Denver Broncos – a coincidental match-up as both Washington and Colorado became the first states to legalise marijuana, resulting in the game being dubbed ‘Weed Bowl‘.

As a dedicated American sports fan I have found it difficult to express the importance of this most special of days in England. Reactions have been mixed, from the heart-crushing ‘I’m assuming the Broncos are a team’, the more daunting ‘if you dye your hair orange I’m leaving you’, to mildly disturbing high-pitched screams of excitement – from men.

Putting aside the opportunity to spend six and a half hours in the atrium drinking, eating, partying and screaming at a big T.V. screen – which, as someone who spent all night in the SU watching the Presidential Election last year can testify, is extremely fun – this year is significantly unusual to merit your attention.

When the teams line up against one another, the field will hold the finest collection of 22 players for a long time, promising a match worthy of the title: ‘Super’.

For only the second time in the last 20 years, the top ranked teams from the NFC and AFC have actually made it to the Super Bowl; last year the Packers were crushed by the Giants during playoffs. Considering the close scores of recent years (34-31 in 2013 and 21-17 in 2012) this year’s Super Bowl promises to be an equally hard fought contest.

But leaving aside rankings – after all if Manchester United’s performance this season can teach us anything it’s that rankings can easily be shattered – one only need look at the teams themselves to realise that this year is going to be a Super Bowl to remember. With the Broncos breaking numerous NFL records this season including most touchdowns, and  most points scored, no one can argue that they will not present a formidable force.

In contrast, the Seahawks matched the Broncos for victories, and while the Broncos may have the best offense in the NFL, the Seahawks commands the best defense. This season they led the NFL for both fewest points and yards conceded per game (on average), as well as possessing perhaps the strongest collection of defensive backs in recent years. Collectively they’re dubbed ‘The Legion of Boom’ for their hard-hitting, and occasionally dangerously aggressive, defending.

Esteemed Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning may sway the result of the Super Bowl if he is up to his usual standard. Photo: Mike Morbeck

Yet, one cannot write a preview for this athletic extravaganza without mentioning the Broncos quarterback, Peyton Manning. In 2011, Manning signed a new five year contract worth $90m with the Indianapolis Colts, for whom he had played in 227 consecutive games since 1998.

By the end of 2011 he had undergone neck surgery twice and could hardly throw, prompting the Colts to release him from his contract. The Broncos quickly signed him up, and silenced critics with Manning’s miracle recovery over the summer. During the 2012-13 season he was voted ‘Comeback Player of the Year’ and came second in the MVP vote.

2013 ended the wait to see Manning become perhaps the greatest quarterback in history. In the opening match of the season the Broncos replayed the Ravens after losing to them in play offs. Here Manning threw a magnificent seven touchdowns leading the Broncos to win 49-27, and his form only continued throughout the season; he broke the record for most passing yards (5477) and most touchdown passes (55). Consequently, when the teams line up against one another, the field will hold the finest collection of 22 players for a long time, promising a match worthy of the title: ‘Super’.

Overall though, the incredible field presented before us makes it hard to make predictions. With the best offense in the league versus the best defense, even the slightest of slips from either side could mean a crushing defeat. Nostalgia of September’s opening match aside, I personally remain confident that the Broncos will emerge victorious.

The margin though, is much more questionable. If Manning underperforms the Seahawks will clinch the game by a couple of points; if the Seahawks star cornerback Sherman collapses, then the Broncos will win by a similar margin.

One thing is clear: if Manning performs at his best this Super Bowl, the Broncos will lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Given his amazing season and immense dedication to recover and reach another Super Bowl, I would bet heavily on Manning, and thus conservatively estimate the final score to be Broncos: 24, Seahawks 18.

As a result, I must implore you: if you are ever to give football a chance, this Sunday is the moment. Leaving aside the magnificent teams, the half-time show by Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and the adverts costing $4.5m per 30 seconds, watch for the atmosphere.

If you have ever been to a live sporting venue you can appreciate the collective rush, the excitement and the grown men crying like little girls. And as our depressingly out of control weight issues as a nation reflects: Americans do everything bigger.