Super Bowl Preview? Seahawks vs. Broncos Preseason Week 2
August 18 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (6) is sacked by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Greg Scruggs (98) in the third quarter of a preseason game at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
On Saturday, August 17th at 7:00 PDT the Seattle Seahawks play the Denver Broncos in a meaningless preseason game that could foreshadow something much bigger. No teams were hotter entering the playoffs last year than these two. Denver was riding an eleven game winning streak, and the Seahawks were blowing teams out by as much as 58 points. Both teams would go on to be eliminated due, in part, to late game meltdowns on defense.
Entering the 2013 season, each team has a solid core of players returning, some free agent signings, their share of injuries, and a few rookies trying to make the squad. Each team also has a bad taste in their mouth from the ending of last season, and look to be in the hunt for this year’s title.
As for free agents, both teams signed big name receivers. The Broncos signed one of Tom Brady’s favorites, Wes Welker. Football fans around the country are curious to see how he will do with Peyton Manning as quarterback.
On the Seahawks side of the ball, they dished out a contract worth over $60 million to Percy Harvin, an injury prone wide receiver who happens to be…you guessed it…injured. However, a lesser known free agent wide receiver, Stephen Williams is making a bit of a splash. In their game against San Diego, Williams caught an impressive forty-two yard touchdown throw from Tarvaris Jackson.
In the offensive backfield, both teams are trying out rookie running backs that have potential to be contributors in the NFL. The Broncos have running back Montee Ball out of Wisconsin. He holds the NCAA record for touchdowns in a career. However, he ran only for only nine yards on five carries in Denver’s preseason victory over the 49ers.
May 10, 2013; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Christine Michael (33) participates in rookie minicamp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
The Seahawks surprised draft followers by improving on a strength with their first pick of the 2013 draft. Running Back Christine Michael, is incredibly athletic, and has the build that could intimidate a linebacker. Against San Diego, he ran for eighty-nine yards on sixteen carries.
In the first quarter of Saturday’s game, it will be fun to get a glimpse of what Peyton Manning throwing against the Legion of Boom. It will also be interesting to see what the depth of both teams looks like. Judging by Seattle’s first preseason performance, it looks like they have plenty of players to cover for any injuries as well as play more in future years. Tune in to the later quarters to see these players in action.