What We Learned: Seahawks vs. Broncos

Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press

The Broncos simply didn't stand a chance tonight.

I don't know whether they just didn't get off the bus or what, but the Seattle Seahawks made Super Bowl 48 look like Florida State vs. Florida International. This was not how this game was supposed to go. This was supposed to be way different.

Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press

For Peyton Manning just coming off winning his fifth NFL MVP award, the opportunity to tie his brother, Eli, and further cement his legacy as one of the best NFL quarterbacks of all time was right there for the taking. I don't blame this on cold weather or jitters or anything. Seattle was just better.

The Seahawks did what they had to do. They bullied Denver's offensive line, rattled Peyton Manning and shut down each weapon that the offense brought on the field. On offense, the Broncos simply did not have an answer for Seattle. It was almost like John Fox put in one gameplan and Seattle just did something completely different. Fox had a much better showing with the Panthers in Super Bowl 38 and he probably wishes he had that team  in New York for Super Bowl 48.

Either way, there are lots of questions that have to be answered here. What happens with Peyton Manning now? Does he stick around for another year with the Broncos? Does Denver go out and revamp their defense? Who will they have to replace? All of these questions will obviously answered in due time.

Photo Courtesy of Seahawks.com

As for Seattle, they came out and played like champions from the word "go". Russell Wilson and this Seattle offense didn't do anything spectacular. The offense finished with 341 yards. Most importantly, Seattle played turnover-free football. Like Denver, however, Seattle will have to find a way to keep these guys together. While that's not a complete possibility, I'm sure Paul Allen's wheels are turning already.

Watching Seattle defend this title next year should be just as fun as watching them play this year...but we've got six months to wait on that.