In a game that was predicted all week to be a showdown between two elite teams, the Seattle Seahawks dismantled the Denver Broncos 43-8, earning them their first ever Super Bowl victory in franchise history.
Super Bowl XLIII started with the Broncos first offensive snap sailing over Peyton Manning’s head, resulting in a safety for the Seahawks. The Seahawks offense controlled the first quarter with their effective play-calling and play-action passes with Seattle taking a 8-0 lead into the second quarter.
In the first, the Seahawks accumulated 142 yards compared to only 11 for the struggling Broncos.
The second quarter mirrored the first, with the Seahawks capitalizing on a pick-six by Malcolm Smith, and a one-yard touchdown run by Marshawn Lynch. The Seahawks led 22-0 going into halftime, with the defense halting the number one offense.
The Seahawks opened up the second half with an 87-yard kick return for a touchdown by Percy Harvin. Harvin was injured most of the season and only played 19 plays during the post-season.
Seattle also added another passing touchdown coming from Russell Wilson to Jermaine Kearse for a 22-yard score. The Broncos responded with a touchdown pass from Peyton Manning to Demaryius Thomas. The Seahawks led the Broncos 36-8 after three quarters.
Despite what many predicted the game did not come down to the fourth quarter, as the Seahawks dominated this game with their defense and great play-calling. Golden Tate scored the final touchdown of the game making it 43-8.
The game tied the record for the third biggest blowout in Super Bowl history, with the Seahawks taking the lead 12 seconds into the game and never relinquishing it.
Seattle forced four takeaways from the number one offense. Manning threw one touchdown versus Russell Wilson’s two-touchdown game. Despite the hype surrounding the star running backs of this game, neither Lynch nor Bronco Knowshon Moreno played significant factors in the outcome.