Rising Apple Weighs In: The Super Bowl

There have been a few things going on this week. As Will DeBoer wrote here, the Wilpons have re-financed their debt, which could possibly give Sandy Alderson a few more dollars to spend this winter. Terry Collins, as Danny Abriano wrote here, said that Eric Young Junior may be his lead off hitter. And Danny also discussed the latest on the Stephen Drew saga here, with the latest being that the Mets are “unlikely” to land the currently unemployed shortstop. There is, however, another thing going on that in no way impacts the Mets. Tomorrow, the Seattle Seahawks will take on the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl. To show our sports diversity, some members of the Rising Apple staff have opined on the game. Here’s what we have to say.

Jan 30, 2014; Jersey City, NJ, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) at a press conference in advance of Super Bowl XLVIII on the Cornucopia Majesty yacht on the Hudson River. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Danny Abriano:

The best teams from each conference have emerged, making for what should be a great matchup in the New York/New Jersey Super Bowl. I don’t think Peyton Manning is due for a letdown performance-wise, but I have a feeling the Seahawks are too locked in at the moment to be beaten. Their defense is incredible, Russell Wilson has been fantastic, and Marshawn Lynch is an absolute beast – giving them a special element on the offensive side of things.

Prediction: Seattle 27, Denver 20

Andrew Battifarano:

It was a Super Bowl many of us saw before the season even started, and I could not be more excited. Who doesn’t want to see a prolific offense against a top-ranked defense? They always say defense wins championships, and I feel this game will be no different. The Seahawks just seem to have it all this year, and I think their defense will be able to ward off Peyton Manning’s passing game.

Prediction: Seattle 23, Denver 14

Dan Haefeli:

Top offense and top defense (a Super Bowl first!) aside, this game comes down to one factor:

Marshawn Lynch.

Denver’s secondary and pass rush can play, but Seattle is likely going to put it in beast mode. Likewise, Denver is going to score. As good as Seattle is, they let Carson Palmer carve them up at home, and Peyton is a surgeon to Palmer’s amateur lumberjack.

Can Seattle – and Lynch – limit Denver’s chances? Yes. But not enough.

Prediction: Denver 28, Seattle 17

Will DeBoer:

The weather’s going to be a problem for everyone; it will be the great equalizer. That means it’ll come down to experience. While Russell Wilson has been great, it’s his first Super Bowl, and he’s likely to get spooked. Peyton Manning, meanwhile, is playing in his third Super Bowl after the greatest quarterbacking season in NFL history. He doesn’t need another ring to go down as the G.O.A.T., but he’s going to get it John Elway style. Omaha!

Prediction: Denver 31, Seattle 14

Chris Schubert:

For the past two weeks, I’ve gone back and forth on making my Super Bowl pick. There are arguments to be made for each team, making this a tough one. At the end of the day, it’s the quarterbacks. And in any game I’ll take Peyton Manning over Russell Wilson. I think Manning will be able to pick apart the Seattle defense and put up enough points to win. The Broncos run defense has been good all year, and if it’s able to keep Lynch off the stat sheet, it’s going to be a long day for Wilson and the Seahawks offense.

Prediction: Denver 27, Seattle 20

Mike Lecolant:

The Seahawks can not settle for field goals.  When they have the ball, they must
run, get first downs, and keep the clock moving, but most importantly, keep
Peyton off the field.  They do those things, they will be in a position to win.
I do not have much confidence in Denver’s defense.  If Seattle gives Peyton the
ball too many times, and splits time of possession down the middle, Broncos win.
Since I’m a defensive minded fan first, I pick the Seahawks.

Prediction: Seattle 24, Denver 23

Rich Sparago:

This game seems to have Hollywood written all over it. The rough and tumble Seahawks, with their assertive coach and their “12th man” fans, against America’s darling, Peyton Manning (does he really drive a Buick?). Manning is the guy whom many want to see go out on top. A quintessential professional, from a family of quarterbacks, Manning has battled back from neck surgeries to win the AFC championship at age 37. He has a myriad to offensive weapons to go against the swarming Seattle defense. The Seahawks will rely offensively on the young and dynamic Russell Wilson, who is nicely complemented by the outstanding Marshawn Lynch. It’s the game we wanted, in the venue those of us in the northeast wanted (though it’ll be mild).

Prediction: Denver 28, Seattle 17

Enjoy the game, everyone. The Super Bowl is a very big marker for the baseball off-season. When the game was played in mid-January, spring training followed the Super Bowl by a month. Now with the game in February, we can almost smell the reporting of pitchers and catchers. And that makes tomorrow a great day all around!

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