Super Bowl XLVIII has to be a come to religion moment. The number 1 defense against the number 1 offense was a number 1 no contest. A “no mas” awakening for Manning and his highly talented, skilled and intricate Denver offense. This was the same Lamborghini attack that humbled the Patriot General Motors defense two weeks ago. The pocket passer showing Tom Brady how it's done.
A smash-in-the-mouth sure-handed tackle beats the slick, smooth, poster-boy type offense every time. At least every time the Seattle defense takes the field. The defense that proves the adage that “Speed Kills”.
Omaha! Omaha! Now I know why Peyton had Omaha on his mind. Unfortunately for him and Denver there was no U.S. Army to the rescue on the Hudson River beach for them.
Some will point to Denver's 4 turnovers as a key to the outcome. Indeed they were critical. Again, the pressure from the defense was the cause. Relentless pressure on Manning and his receivers was the reason for hurried and lame duck passes and interceptions. The 2 fumbles can also be attributed to the defense. Even though Seattle's special teams and offense scored points in the game, the tone, turnovers and even two touchdowns were performed by the defense.
Pete Carroll, the coach Patriots fans and management were happy to push out the door to sign Bill Belichick, took us all to school last night. I would wager that even the master, Mr. BB, learned a thing or two by, say, 7pm Sunday. Good for Pete, he is a class guy and a great coach as.
Recently, I wrote a piece here of the opinion the Patriots should use their first pound draft pick for a tight end. Now I am less sure about this. The Patriots have needs on the defense as well. A strong interior lineman is a definite necessity. The secondary needs to add a tall, shut-down corner and more speed at safety. The NFL will take the lessons of the Super Bowl game and I believe the value of the defensive players in the draft has increased as a result. Trading the first pick will be a lost opportunity to take a quality defensive player, but on the other hand it will likely result in more available offensive quality throughout the draft. This will be an interesting draft.