[Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports]
It was stunning, shocking and depressing. The Broncos and Broncomanics did not see this coming. Peyton Manning did not know what hit him. No one knew the Seahawks would impose their will on the Broncos, but that’s exactly what happened last night.
The Seahawks defense doled out hits after hits to the point the Broncos cried “UNCLE!” in the second quarter. That’s why the Seahawks celebrated on the field as champions in their 43-8 victory over the Broncos in the Super Bowl last night at MetLife Stadium.
The Broncos did not see a defense like this all season. The Seahawks served notice they were not the AFC West teams, and they were not those soft AFC teams. They were the best defense in football for a reason. Their speed and their physical force are something offenses can’t figure out, and the Broncos offense learned it the hard way last night.
Apparently, the Broncos were intimidated early on when Manny Ramirez botched a snap to Peyton Manning. That was good enough for the Seahawks to get a 2-0 lead on a safety. That was a harbinger of things to come.
The defense did work when Kam Chancellor smashed Demaryius Thomas to the ground after making the catch in the Broncos’ second drive of the game. Then in the Broncos’ third drive of the game, Chancellor intercepted Manning’s pass after the Broncos quarterback threw the pass over Julius Thomas’ head. The Seahawks strong safety continued to do his thing by hitting Julius Thomas and Wes Welker.
Manning decided to give the ball to Knowshon Moreno and Montee Ball in an attempt to jumpstart the offense. It did not work well. Neither running backs garnered much yardage.
After Seahawks linebacker Malcolm Smith ran for an 69-yard interception return to extend the Seahawks’ lead to 22-0 after intercepting Manning’s pass, the will, spirit and fight of the Broncos disappeared. The Broncos quarterback became skittish, and his throws were way off. His body language expressed frustration as the game went on. He knew he couldn’t figure out the ballhawking defense.
Considering his receivers were scared of contact rather than run routes, it was hard for Manning to operate the offense.
There was not going to be a comeback as Percy Harvin started the third quarter by running for a 87-yard kickoff return to give the Seahawks a 29-0 lead. All the Seahawks were waiting for was the clock to wind down until it was time to party.
The Broncos should be fortunate they were not a victim of a shutout. Manning threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas to make it a 36-6 game, and he followed it up by executing a two-point conversion to Wes Welker after the touchdown.
What’s stunning was how soft the Broncos offense was. The receivers were scared to take a hit rather than make plays, and Manning settled with throwing dink and dunk passes rather than throwing at Richard Sherman’s direction. The fact they gave in rather than respond was what was more disappointing than the loss.
Make no mistake. This loss was as bad as the Broncos’ 55-10 loss to the 49ers in the 1990 Super Bowl. Last night’s score and play reflected that. They were outclassed. It’s something the Broncos can’t live it down, especially when one looks at how great they have been all year.
The goal was to win the Super Bowl this year. Considering how many free agents the Broncos have and Peyton Manning getting older, this may have been their last chance. Everything was aligned for the team to get it done. It’s hard to atone for it, and there’s a good chance they may not be good enough to win it all next year.
When an opportunity is there for the taking, the Broncos had to seal the deal. They failed, and that’s why it’s an empty feeling.
The players are never going to get over this. How can they when they spent all summer preparing for a moment like this just to flop? That’s why there is nothing to feel good about this year.
This season was nice, but the Broncos did not accomplish their goal of winning a championship.
Instead of being known as the best team ever, this team has to deal with questions such as Manning’s legacy and how soft they are.
The Broncos will be remembered more for their stupor performance in the Super Bowl than their excellent season this year.
The Seahawks defense certainly delivered a hit to their ego.
Contact or follow Leslie Monteiro at @LightRodWriter.
Leslie Monteiro
Leslie is a contributor for Lightning Rod Sports. He covered high school sports in Bergen County out in North Jersey, and has written op-ed columns on sports such as Bleacher Report and NY Sports Digest.
