Seahawks vs. Broncos: 10 Players Who Will Decide the Game
Seattle and Denver will showcase two of the most talented rosters in the NFL at CenturyLink Field on Sunday. The team that exits with a win will be the consensus best team in football.
The Broncos have redemption on the mind; Seattle is looking for reiteration.
A handful of players will play a larger role in determining the outcome. The story of this rematch will likely be written by these men.
Percy Harvin
1 of 10
WR Percy Harvin
Percy Harvin needed just four touches in the Super Bowl to change the game. The receiver had just one catch for five yards, but his two carries for 45 yards had Denver on its heels, and his 87-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to open the second half essentially ended the game.
It will be harder for Seattle to surprise the Broncos with how they use Harvin, but that does not mean his immense talent will be easy to defend against.
Chris Harris Jr.
2 of 10
CB Chris Harris Jr.
Chris Harris Jr. was arguably the Broncos' best cover corner last season, and he excelled in the slot position. He was one of many Broncos who were not available in the Super Bowl due to injury. Now, he is back and playing great football.
Denver is counting on him to cover Percy Harvin at times. The winner of that matchup will greatly improve his side's chances of winning.
Justin Britt
3 of 10
RT Justin Britt
The rookie right tackle will have a tough task blocking Von Miller. He has mostly held his own, but he is not a strong pass blocker. Expect Seattle to leave a tight end in to help him contain Miller.
Justin Britt makes up for his pass-blocking deficiencies by excelling in run blocking. The undersized Miller has played the run well in his career, but he will have a hard time gaining leverage against the former Missouri state wrestling champion.
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Von Miller
4 of 10
DE Von Miller
Von Miller has already recorded a sack, but he has not yet looked like his dominating self. He is just nine months removed from knee surgery and will likely not be fully recovered until later in the season.
However, even 80 percent, Miller is still a handful for any opposing tackle. He is a player who can single-handedly disrupt an offense if not accounted for.
Max Unger
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C Max Unger
Max Unger will combine with guards James Carpenter and J.R. Sweezy to clear a path for Seattle running backs against a stout Broncos defensive line. Unger played injured much of last year, and he struggled to contain the Broncos' Terrance Knighton in the Super Bowl—a game in which Marshawn Lynch managed just 2.6 yards per carry.
Unger must get his linemen ready, and he must win his matchup to put Seattle in position to win.
Wes Welker
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WR Wes Welker
Back after his suspension was lifted, Wes Welker figures to be a major thorn in Seattle's side. He is one of the best slot receivers in the NFL and has terrific chemistry with Peyton Manning.
Seattle counters with feisty young cornerback Marcus Burley and zone coverage help from linebackers like Bobby Wagner, K.J. Wright and Malcolm Smith.
Russell Wilson
7 of 10
Russell Wilson is the third-rated passer in the NFL, according to ESPN.com. But it may be his legs that give the Broncos fits. Alex Smith scrambled for 42 yards against the Broncos last week and made a number of big throws after evading pressure.
Denver will have a tough time winning if Wilson is able to create time and yardage with his running ability.
Marshawn Lynch
8 of 10
Marshawn Lynch always runs with authority, and he is now running behind a good offensive line. He tore through the Packers defense in Game 1, and he was effective despite only having a few touches versus San Diego.
A Broncos team that sees Lynch go for over 100 yards on the ground will have a long ride back to Denver.
Peyton Manning
9 of 10
QB Peyton Manning
No list of pivotal players in this game is compete without the Broncos triggerman. His legacy was tarnished by the outcome of the Super Bowl in February. He can say that is the past, but that game still clearly fuels him.
It is hard to imagine him being anything but great this weekend. Look for Seattle to limit his favorite routes and targets. Do not expect a repeat of the mistakes that scarred his performance in the last meeting. Seattle will need to win this game in spite of Manning, not because of him.
Cliff Avril
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DE Cliff Avril
Seattle only sacked Manning once in the Super Bowl, but Cliff Avril and his line mates were constantly pushing offensive linemen back into Manning's lap. Avril had a deflection that resulted in an interception returned for a touchdown, and he represented a major challenge for the Broncos all game.
Denver now has its two starting tackles back and is counting on that being a major difference in pass protection. This game will be played in the loudest outdoor stadium in the world, giving the Seahawks pass-rushers a boost that has served them well against all opponents.
Denver will not win this game if Seattle can recreate a pass rush that in any way resembles what they produced in the Super Bowl.
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