The easiest way to beat an elite quarterback such as Peyton Manning would be to keep him off of the field. That had to be a focal point in Seattle’s defensive preparation over the two weeks between championship weekend and Super Bowl Sunday-and they have done just that.
Manning has been on the sideline longer than he has been on the playing field through 30 minutes of gameplay. Manning went 17-23 in the first half, with 104 passing yards and two interceptions to show for it. One of those interceptions was by Malcolm Smith, who returned the weak pass for 69 yards which gave the Seahawks a 22-0 lead heading into halftime.
While down 22-0, Denver faced a critical 4th & 2 on Seattle’s 19 yard line. John Fox decided to go for six points, and as a result Manning threw yet another ‘duck’ as he was hit as he attempted the pass.
If the Broncos were able to comeback and win the game in the second half, it would complete the longest comeback victory in Super Bowl history.
On a crucial fourth down on Denver’s 19 with just over a minute remaining in the half, Manning was hit as he threw which resulted in yet another ‘duck’ released from the arm of Manning.
