The Rub Route

In the two weeks leading up to Super Bowl XLVIII much was made of the Denver offense's use of "rub routes" or "pick plays" and if the prior level of ineptitude in defending such plays would continue when the Broncos took on the league's number one defense. Many experts contended that with Peyton Manning at the helm, the Broncos offense was unstoppable, and would shred apart even the most impermeable of defenses. But by the time the players were on the field, and the game was actually being played, it was the Seahawks who did the shredding, and the Broncos who were the shredded.

Throughout the game, the Seattle offense featured several new wrinkles that added a level of creativity and unpredictability to the always reliable bread and butter offense- the run game and play action. Rhythm passes, screens and boundary runs all played an essential role in the Seahawks ability to score nearly 30 points of offense. What was of the most interest to me, was the use of Denver's patented rub routes by the Seattle offense.

Percy Harvin: Super Bowl X-Factor?

It’s been an up and down year for Percy Harvin. He went from a high (being traded to a championship contender and receiving a contract extension) to a low (needing hip surgery) to another high (coming back ahead of schedule) back to a low (having a hip flare up with the potential to end his season) to another high (coming back for the playoffs) to a low (concussion) to a high (playing in the super bowl). On less than 10 targets/touches this year he’s had a 58 yard return, a one handed catch, a high-leaping jump ball catch, a beautiful run on an end around, and 2 hits take him to the locker room.

He’s playing only 6 quarters this season, yet the argument could be made he will be the most important offensive player in Super Bowl XLVIII.

Earl Thomas and The Deep Middle

Russell Wilson is the most valued and irreplaceable Seahawk, with little doubt. But when it comes to the second most valuable Hawk, cases could be made for many players. Richard Sherman and Marshawn Lynch are well known players and first team all pros. Russell Okung is a pro-bowler at the most important position on the offensive line- left tackle. Max Unger is the brains of the offensive line, and also a first team all pro. However, I believe it is fellow first-team all pro Earl Thomas that allows Seattle’s defense to have the success it does, and is thus the second most valuable Seahawk.

The Big Nickel

The Seahawks Week 8 loss to the Detroit Lions was largely due to a 9 reception, 100 yard, 2 touchdown day from Titus Young. Their Week 12 loss to the Miami Dolphins was one where Davone Bess had 7 receptions for 129 yards. Even in wins to Chicago and Buffalo, Brandon Marshall  and Stevie Johnson recorded 10 receptions for 165 yards and 8 receptions for 115 yards respectively.