Broncos and Seahawks Shared Some Remarkable Similarities This Season
January 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) following the 26-16 victory against the New England Patriots following the 2013 AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
We’re not so different, you and I…
The Broncos and the Seahawks will meet in this year’s Super Bowl, and when you look back on each team’s season, it’s really remarkable how similar their paths to the big game were.
Not only are the Broncos and Seahawks tailor made to butt heads on the NFL’s biggest stage, they also faced some eerily similar obstacles.
The Colts
The Indianapolis Colts beat some REALLY good teams in 2013, but they weren’t able to handle the New England Patriots and the running of LeGarrette Blount. That being said, the Colts beat BOTH the Broncos and the Seahawks. Both teams lost at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Seahawks lost at Indianapolis in week five, and the Broncos lost there in week seven, the week that Von Miller returned from a six game suspension.
Late Season Home Loss
The Broncos and Seahawks have defended their home field very, VERY well over the last couple of years. In addition to winning both playoff games in front of the home crowd, each team only lost one game at home all season, and they both came late in uncharacteristic performances.
The Seahawks were stymied by the Arizona Cardinals back in week 16, losing 17-10. The Broncos were taken out on their home field in a week 15 Thursday night matchup against the San Diego Chargers.
**Side note — the last four Super Bowl winners have all lost in week 15. The Seahawks beat the New York Giants in week 15.
Dominance in New York…or wherever the Giants play.
The Super Bowl is being played in New York…or, New Jersey…?
It’s being played at Met Life Stadium. The Broncos beat the Giants there 41-23 in the second week of the season, and the Seahawks won (as previously mentioned) in New York against the Giants 23-0.
Revenge in Conference Title Game
In each case, both the Broncos and the Seahawks exacted revenge on the team they played in their respective conference title games.
Not only that, but each team had previously lost to their conference title opponent by a field goal or less. The Broncos dropped an overtime game to the New England Patriots on a muffed punt — on the road — and the Seahawks dropped a game 19-17 — also on the road — to the San Francisco 49ers.
How about that for coincidence?