Super Bowl XLVIII might not be until next weekend, but that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare!
TALKING POINTS AND QUESTIONS PEOPLE WILL BE DEBATING
Peyton Manning – Denver’s star quarterback is the talk of the town. After overcoming a career-threatening neck injury just 2 seasons ago, Manning is back in the Super Bowl for the third time. The likely league MVP went one for two while playing for the Indianapolis Colts, and there’s no doubt that getting that second Super Bowl ring this time would be the ultimate icing. Some folks are seeing this game as a defining moment in his legacy as one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the game. Win or lose, he’s one of the greatest of all time.
- Key Question: Where would a second Super Bowl ring place Manning on the list of best quarterbacks of all time?
Best Defense vs. Best Offense – The Denver Broncos have the #1 offense (Think Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker and more). The Seattle Seahawks have the #1 defense (Think Earl Thomas, Richard Sherman, Michael Bennett and more). So here’s the math for this game: Best Defense + Best Offense = Great Game. And don’t think the Seattle offense and the Denver defense aren’t up for the challenge. Seattle’s running back Marshawn Lynch will be ready to run and Denver’s whole defensive unit will look to stop him. Match-ups like this don’t happen often, so get ready.
- Key Question: Will Denver’s top offense be able to overcome the strong defensive force that is the “Legion of Boom,” the Seattle Seahawks?
Richard Sherman – Everyone has something to say about Sherman, including the man himself. Expect people to keep talking this week. We’re simply going to say this: the Seattle Seahawk’s cornerback made an incredible game-winning play in the NFC Championship and is one of the best defensive players in the league. We’re looking forward to seeing him play next week.
- Key Question: Will off-the-field distractions affect the Seahawk’s Super Bowl performance?
Russell Wilson – He may only be in his second season in the NFL, but Wilson is quickly becoming one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Because of his height, he came into the NFL as a bit of an underdog, but he continues to defy expectations with his strong arm, quick feet, and overall leadership. No doubt about it, Wilson is great and ready to bring the first Super Bowl Championship to the city of Seattle.
- Key Question: Can Wilson overcome turnovers and inexperience to lead the Seahawks to victory?
Weather – Picture this: Bright lights and a polar vortex? Not exactly a winning combination. This year’s Super Bowl takes place at MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Giants and the New York Jets. The stadium is beautiful but like any outdoor event in the early part of the year, it can potentially be freezing! Weather is definitely going to be a factor and poor conditions would likely favor the Seahawks.
- Key Question: What type of weather conditions can we expect and just how cold is it going to be?
The X Factor(s) – We all know that the Super Bowl is a game of stars, but the stars don’t always win games. One great stop or one great catch can change a game. One great run or one forced turnover can define a player. Look for candidates on either team — on both offense and defense — to make something happen. After all, it is the Super Bowl; and in the game of football, nothing is greater than that.
- Key Question: Who will this year’s X factors (coaches, players) be, and will they make or break the game?
Half-Time – That’s right, the Super Bowl is more than a game… there’s also a half-time show! This year’s event features Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but if history repeats itself there are bound to be surprises. Last year, Beyonce rocked the show and surprised the crowd with a Destiny’s Child reunion. What will this year have in store? We”ll see…
- Key Question: Will there be any surprise cameos in this year’s half-time show? And will the lights stay on?
INTERESTING STORIES ABOUT THIS SUPERBOWL AND THE CHARACTERS
Will Peyton Manning get his second Super Bowl ring: Hey, we also want to know if he can host SNL again!
In the words of Richard Sherman: His thoughts.
Overcoming obstacles: Learn more about Russell Wilson, in this interview with CNN’s Rachel Nichols
From Eli to Peyton: Little bro is looking out for his big bro
This is awesome: Seattle’s Derrick Coleman inspires little girl and her twin
The SportsQuip 