Super Bowl XLVIII: Who Will Win The MVP
By Joel Wagler
Dec 29, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Super Bowl XLVIII, featuring the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks, looks to be one of the most intriguing match ups for the big game in several seasons. Peyton Manning and his legion of offensive weapons will work against one of the most talented and physical secondaries in the NFL this season.
There is a good chance the superb passing game of the Broncos may be negated by the tough secondary of the Seahawks. If that were to happen, the game would hinge on other players stepping forward and making a significant difference in the outcome.
There is one player who is not on Denver’s offense or Seattle’s defense who could very well be the difference in this game – Marshawn Lynch.
The Denver defense and the Seattle defense are as evenly matched against the run as any two teams could be. Both defenses gave up the exact same total of rushing yards on the season at 1,626, tied for 7th in the NFL. There were just two more rushed against the Seahawks (422) than the Broncos (420) so they both allow 3.9 yards per rush.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
This would look like a wash but there were many games this season where Denver’s opponents where so far behind so early, they we playing catch up, and didn’t run the ball a lot.
Because of the spotlight being soaked up by Peyton Manning and the whirlwind that is Richard Sherman, Marshawn Lynch seems to have been lost in the mass media shuffle.
If Seattle’s offensive game plan involves running time off the clock to keep the ball out of Manning’s hands, and it most certainly will be, then Lynch very well might be the deciding factor.
Lynch finished the regular season 1,257 rushing yards good for 6th in the league. The punishing runner also led the league with 12 rushing touchdowns, tied with the Kansas City Chiefs’ Jamaal Charles. Lynch also pulled in 36 receptions for 316 yards, and 2 touchdowns.
Seattle is a terrific all around team but is very difficult to pick them over a historically great quarterback like Peyton Manning. If Denver wins, it is almost certain Manning will be the MVP.
What if Seattle wins Super Bowl 48 though? There is a chance that one of the Seahawks’ fine secondary could make enough big plays to win the MVP, but Lynch’s contribution will be absolutely necessary for Seattle to win.
If he grinds out yardage and eats up clock, he very well be the key to the game. If he gets some goal line chances, he most certainly will find a way to get the ball into the end zone.
Seattle’s defense is going to come up big in Super Bowl 48, and it will give the Seattle offense, and Lynch a chance to shine. The Seahawks are going to win this game and Marshawn Lynch is going to will be the Super Bowl XLVIII Most Valuable Player.