When it comes to sporting events, I'm a fan, a loyal and even fervent one. Sometimes blindly trusting that my optimism and rose-colored evaluations lend themselves to astute (seemingly) and self-important conclusions or opinions. I try to arrive at my assessments with a critical eye towards facts and history. That's where many of us fail. Most sports, ones that I follow, are rife with a plenitude of statistics. That is a part of why I enjoy baseball and football and also why I enjoy golf. If it doesn't matter, why do we keep score?
There are two main reasons for statistical scrutiny. One, using facts to win arguments, and two, to aid in wagering success. We (I) utilize these statistics and historical footnotes to formulate, then, to postulate my opinion. I never played football past one year of intramurals in the ninth grade. The last time I played ball, was recreational slow-pitch softball back in the 80's. I bowl once a week and played golf until just this past autumn, when my body went in revolt. I was never a great, even good, athlete. But, I've always been a fanatical follower of sports, and sports pages. Those of you who know me will agree that I have strong opinions, and on occasion, am readily willing to project my viewpoint. I have even projected my confident assessments into the realm of sports wagering. Experience, though, has taught me to be both conservative and semi-pessimistic in my actual action. I believe strongly, yet bet weakly. It's difficult to formulate a cogent final opinion when so many facts are presented and my heart gets in the way. Logic and emotion, always at odds.
People argue constantly about whose opinion is right and which facts constitute incontrovertible conclusions. Super Bowl XLVIII promised to feature the classic contest between the proverbial immovable object meeting the unstoppable force. Two full weeks of discussion preceded the contest, and thousands of opinions from hundreds of minds spewed forth millions of reasons why Seattle would prevail, or that Denver would emerge victorious. Record-smashing offensive scoring and passing statistics from the Denver Broncos and Peyton Manning seemed to support the idea that the AFC Champs were the unstoppable force. The Seattle Seahawks possessed and unleashed a defense that seemed to indicate that they represented the classic immovable object.
It became obvious to me, after 12 seconds into the much-anticipated match, that this wasn't going to be Denver's day. Trindon Holliday and his coaches on the Bronco staff, seem to have way too much confidence in his ability. Because he is small, he looks faster and quicker than he really is. Larger, more physical players, like those that populate opponents' special teams, are just as fast and eminently more physical than Holliday. On the strength of a few glorious kick returns of last season, he retains the faith and hope in Bronco coaches and fans, that he can break one. All he's broken for this season, is hearts (okay, two TDs this year). With Coach John Fox's recent concerns over a healthy heart, Holliday should be replaced on the Bronco roster with, say, a linebacker or defensive lineman, someone who can be productive and not destructive. Fielding the opening kickoff 6 yards deep into the end zone and scurrying out, it was obvious that Seattle has really fast, quick, physical players. Starting at the 14, the game began its agonizing (for Bronco fans) spiral as C Manny Ramirez pulled the trigger and whistled the premature snap past Peyton Manning's helmet into the end zone. As it turns out, PFM was the only one not expecting the snap when it happened. RB Knowshon Moreno displayed his best hustle of the day to corral the ball in the end zone, thus saving 5 points for Denver. Freekick to Seattle, return of 20 yards to their 36. Nine plays, Seattle drive stalls at the Denver 9, Seattle is assessed a 4-yard penalty (?) for a false start on the field goal try, 31-yard Hauschka field goal, 5-0 lead for Seattle, which at that exact instance, I'm thinking, "Well, it could have been a lot worse, Denver's defense kept it to a field goal. One patented Peyton drive and we're back in control." Three and out, with Manning two-for-two for five yards. This series was the second set of indicators that Seattle was at least two steps quicker than any defense that Denver had faced this year. The eldest Seahawk, Heath Farwell, LB #55, led the Seahawks out of the tunnel before the game carrying the 12th man flag of Seattle. Our team was led out of the tunnel by #11 Trindon Holliday, allegedly our fastest Bronco. That was his best showing of the day, and his longest run, by far. The Broncos do not ask him to carry a flag because, well, you know, they're kinda hard to hold on to.
The entire game was a reminder of all the weaknesses that the Broncos possess, exacerbated by all the strengths that Seattle exhibits. Smoke and mirrors, versus speed and muscle. Demaryius Thomas caught 13 passes for over 100 yards, but it looked like he was very 'respectful' of the physicality employed by Seahawk defenders. Almost each pass he caught was followed by a step or two in retreat, as if expecting and bracing for an immediate whack from a linebacker or safety. The statistic of YAC, yards after catch, seemed to be very lacking for Denver's receivers on Sunday, a testament to Seattle's superior closing speed and high-impact tackling skills. The offensive line for Denver was collapsed often, by usually only three or four D-linemen, causing Peyton to suffer anxiety and having to make hasty throws into 7- and 8-man coverage. Seattle defenders were quoted after the game to have deciphered Denver's hand signals from bench to field and from quarterback to receivers. Shame on Denver for being so transparent and predictable. I've never like Nebraska, and so........farewell, Omaha.
Professional football games are mostly decided in the trenches, and Seattle was quicker and more physical, on both sides of the ball. Denver's D-line, pretty much bottled up the Seahawk running game, with the exception of WR Percy Harvin's 45 yards on two end-arounds that happened so fast, Denver's defense never knew what hit them. There really is no answer on how to bottle up QB Russell Wilson when he finds extra time by scrambling around away from what little pressure Denver's D-line and blitzes could generate. Seattle can succeed with a mediocre receiving corps, because Wilson is very smart and capable and compensates for a fair to average arm with excellent recognition and decision-making skills. I think Denver's O-line will be overhauled, with Ryan Clady returning from injury and Manny Ramirez returning to guard, Denver needs a bona-fide center, as they were fortunate to have in Tom Nalen for so many years. Zane Beadles will probably play elsewhere next year, maybe Orlando Franklin and Chris Clark along with Louis Vasquez can anchor a line that can protect PFM and open holes for Montee Ball next year.
WR Eric Decker is a strong candidate to sign elsewhere next year for more $$$ than Denver is willing to offer. As heroic and productive that Knowshon Moreno was this year, it'll be hard to justify keeping him here in Denver, unless it boils down to a choice between him and Ronnie Hillman. Champ Bailey has vowed to return, but to what end? He has regrettably become a target of opposing offenses. Perhaps a full off-season and pre-season at nickel or safety will justify his, hopefully, deserved return. Next season's return of DLs Kevin Vickerson, Derek Wolfe and LB Vonn Miller, along with DBs Chris Harris and Rahim Moore, represent some hope that next year's defense has some pieces to build around. Denver's linebacking corps is a step below adequate, and I am beginning to doubt the efficacy of Jack Del Rio and his defensive staff. Special teams have to be overhauled! One more year of experience, one more year of hope follow on the heels of the most embarrassing football game played by a Bronco team, in my opinion. And I have watched virtually every game since 1960.
Now, my attention will revert to number one love. Pitchers and catchers report in about a week. If only there were hope in the Rocky Mountain Region for a competitive ballclub. Perhaps the under-the-radar Rockies can over-achieve this year, or they just may fall off-the-radar. The Yankees may have to succeed with a top-notch pitching rotation, a depleted bullpen and a very suspect infield. Let the Tanaka-mania begin! Watashi daisuki beisbaru!!!!
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