Super Bowl 2014: Most Memorable Photos from Seahawks vs. Broncos

It was built up as one for the ages, a Super Bowl between the No. 1 offense versus the No. 1 defense.

Unfortunately, only one team showed up on the biggest stage in football as the Seattle Seahawks romped the Denver Broncos in a 43-8 win to take home the first Super Bowl title in franchise history.

The story was the Seattle defense, which forced a safety and four turnovers—including an interception returned for a touchdown—to scorch the Broncos high-powered offense. Seahawks linebacker Malcolm Smith—who had the pick-six—took home MVP honors and became the third linebacker ever to win the award.    

Russell Wilson threw for over 200 yards and two touchdowns along with a few scrambling efforts that secured the win for the Seahawks.

As for Denver, Peyton Manning and Demaryius Thomas set records for completions and catches, respectively, but it was to no avail.

Let's take a look back at the pivotal moments in Super Bowl XLVIII through some of the most memorable photographs taken during the big game.

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Soprano Sets the Stage

Rob Carr/Getty Images

Opera singer Renee Fleming opened the 2014 Super Bowl with a beautiful rendition of the national anthem.

Miserable Mishap for Manning

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The first score of the contest occurred on a botched snap between center Manny Ramirez and quarterback Peyton Manning during the very first play from scrimmage. Running back Knowshon Moreno fell on the ball to give the Seahawks a 2-0 lead in the first 12 seconds.

Turnovers Set the Tone

Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

The Seahawks shut out the Broncos in the first half thanks to multiple turnovers caused by the "Legion of Boom" secondary. Safety Kam Chancellor had the first interception against Manning in the first quarter.

Lynch Bulls His Way to Six

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

Marshawn "Beast Mode" Lynch lived up to his nickname on a one-yard run that gave Seattle separation in the second quarter, putting the Seahawks up 15-0. It was the first touchdown of the game.

Seahawks Smother Manning with Defensive TD

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Malcolm Smith (53) picked off Manning late in the second quarter and ran it back 69 yards for a touchdown, giving Seattle a 22-0 lead after one half of play. Smith was named MVP of the Super Bowl.

Bruno Mars, Chili Peppers Give Needed Break

Larry Busacca/Getty Images

Bruno Mars highlighted a memorable halftime show that also featured an appearance from the Red Hot Chili Peppers.  

Harvin Blisters Broncos on Return

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

After missing all but two games on the season before the Super Bowl, Percy Harvin made his presence felt with an 87-yard touchdown on a kick return to start the second half.  

Kearse Keeps It Going

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Seattle continued to crush Denver when wide receiver Jermaine Kearse used a relentless run after the catch to find the end zone, putting the Seahawks up 36-0 in the third quarter.

Stunning Result for Broncos Fans

Matt York/Associated Press

It was a memorable night for Seattle fans, but the Denver faithful were forced to watch their No. 1 offense get shut out for nearly three full quarters in a lopsided loss.

Thomas Gets Denver on the Board

Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

The best offense in the NFL this season finally registered a touchdown, but Demaryius Thomas' effort was too late in the disappointing loss.

Wilson Can Do No Wrong

Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

Russell Wilson was sensational for the Seahawks and easily outshined his opposing quarterback in the biggest game of his young career. Here he stiff arms cornerback Champ Bailey.

Moment of Triumph for Seahawks

Rob Carr/Getty Images

The celebration finally ensued for head coach Pete Carroll and the Super Bowl champion Seahawks.

True No. 1

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

After much debate and speculation leading up to the game, defense reigned supreme in the lopsided victory. Long snapper Clint Gresham celebrates in a sea of confetti.