Super Sunday!

(Superbowl.com)

Best Offense vs. Best Defense

Best Quarterback vs. Best Cornerback

The Sheriff vs. The Legion of Boom

Pot Roast vs. Beast Mode

Orange Crush vs. The 12th Man

New School vs. Old School

AFC v. NFC

One Prize: The Lombardi Trophy

One of the most anticipated match-ups in all of professional sports is set for this Sunday. The Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos will battle in New York for the coveted Lombardi Trophy, in what is expected to be one of the coldest Super Bowls of all-time. And whether you’re a fan of either team or simply just a fan of the game, (and I guess you can even throw commercials into this) one thing is certain: you will be in for a treat! If you’re not a football fan, this Sunday would be a perfect time to become one.  

As for who I'll be rooting for, that's a tough call. My relatives live in Arvada, Colorado (just about 20 minutes or so from downtown Denver) and are pretty big Broncos fans. In fact, we visited them over Christmas vacation for an awesome experience and were even able to see the Broncos stadium. On the other hand, I love Russell Wilson. So much so that I purchased his jersey during this past season. He is such a leader on and off the field and is so humble and gracious with the chance he has been given. Therefore, I can't say I'll be pulling for one team or the other but I am hoping for a classic!

Fun facts to consider about Super Bowl XLVIII:

- Denver is 2-4 all-time in the Superbowl. They have won their last two.

- Seattle is making just their second appearance (0-1).

- The Broncos are 14-1 all time in the postseason when leading at halftime.

- The Seahawks finished the regular season first in total and scoring defense, the 25th time a team has led both categories since 1940. That team has reached the title game 14 times and won the title game nine times (64% of the time). The ’08 Steelers were the most recent to accomplish this.

(From Superbowl.com)

And how about this David v. Goliath matchup: 

No matter the numbers, it all comes down to one thing: a Championship.

The most exciting thing I’m looking forward to watching in this game: Peyton and the rest of the Broncos explosive offense against the number one defense in the league. The best defense that Denver faced all year was the Houston Texans (who ranked 7th) and Peyton & company dismantled them 37-13. However, they haven't quite seen anything like the physical, in-your-face, old-school style defense of the Seattle Seahawks that they will see on Sunday. In this case I'd like to think Seattle will be able to impose their will on the Denver offense (at least initially). With Peyton being such a master of the game however, even the slightest miscue could lead to him taking advantage. 

My Prediction:

Remember the last time the ‘greatest offense ever’ played in a Superbowl? The New England Patriots lost to the New York Giants in Superbowl XLII. And although the Broncos aren't undefeated like the Pats were that year, they still broke just about every record that New England set in that 2007 season. The underdog usually plays with a chip on their shoulder, and for a Seahawks team that already boasts this mentality, this could be dangerous. Something tells me the Seahawks are ready to bring the Lombardi Trophy back to the 12th Man for the very first time. Seahawks 20, Broncos 16.

After all, this is one of my favorite jerseys in my collection.

Let the Skittles reign!

   

Sherman's Rant!

Most either love him or hate him. If you're on his team or a fan of his team, you love him. If you're an opponent or a fan of another team you probably dislike him. One things certain: He embraces the attention.

Richard Sherman has been getting all the attention this week and deservedly so after a post-game interview in which he verbally attacked opposing player Michael Crabtree (Post-game intverview). Most are criticizing him for his selfish actions after his team captured the NFC Championship. Instead of praising the team after winning one of the biggest games in Seattle's history (Just the second time in franchise history the Seahawks are going to the Superbowl), Sherman placed all the attention on himself with his distinctive interview/words. But is this really surprising from a player who trash talks every opposing player and claims he's the best at his position in the league? I can't say that it is, and better yet he always seems to back up his words with his play.

As I first watched the interview, I thought it was completely classless. Yes he made a great and impressive play, but no need to brash another opponent for attention. Let the action speak for itself. I immediately thought "there is no way I'm rooting for the Seahawks after that interview, Go Broncos". But was it really that bad? I'm beginning to realize that there's something I loved about Sherman's actions -- His PASSION!

As I continued to replay the interview, I realized the desire that Sherman exemplified. Most of that interview was probably adrenaline (and the fact that Crabtree pushed him in the face after Sherman tried to tell him "hell of a game" and shake his hand), but he reaffirmed why I love the game of football. The emotions, the toughness, the sacrifice that teams have to endure over the course of the season is tremendous. And when a season comes down to a final play, that final moment is going to be special. On Sunday, Sherman seized the moment and let it be known to Crabtree and the rest of the televised audience.

There are so many thoughts (good or bad) we can take away from his actions. For me, its quite simple: Whatever profession I get into in the future, I hope I can resemble the same passion and dedication that Richard Sherman brings to the field every Sunday!

Whether you love him or hate him, Richard Sherman brings excitement and passion to the game.