EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The Seahawks are halfway home to a Super Bowl title. Seattle just delivered a beat down of epic proportions in the first half of Super Bowl XLVIII, jumping out to a 22-0 lead over the Denver Broncos.
Here are a few takeaways:
- The Broncos have been in full-scale meltdown mode. Denver's offensive line was the biggest offender. Center Manny Ramirez started the game with an ugly snap that wound up as a safety. Offensive tackle Chris Clark was manhandled a few times by Seahawks defensive end Chris Clemons. Denver has struggled to pick up any yards on the ground. Cliff Avril has been flying off the edge and used pressure to force both of Peyton Manning's interceptions.
- Manning blinked on his first interception. The Broncos didn't have a first down, and pressure caused him to force a throw that wasn't there.
- Denver has had to earn every first down it's gotten. Seattle's defense has been incredible at tackling after the catch.
- Seattle's offense almost has been an afterthought, but it has held serve. The score could be even worse if the Seahawks weren't one for three in the red zone.
We'd give Denver's offense a better chance to make a comeback like this over any other team. It's hard to imagine Seattle's defense collapsing, though. That unit has lived up to their hype so far, and then some.
The "Around The League Podcast" is now available on iTunes! Click here to listen and subscribe.