In what may be one of the most anticipated matchups of the 2014 season, the Denver Broncos (2-0) head to CenturyLink Field on Sunday seeking revenge, as they prepare to take on the reigning Super Bowl champs, the Seattle Seahawks (1-1).
After suffering one of the most lopsided losses in Super Bowl history, a game in which the highest scoring offense in NFL history was unable to generate a single positive ‘green’ grade, Peyton Manning & Co. are hoping for a different outcome this time around.
It’s important that the Broncos are able to establish a balanced offensive attack rather than relying solely on their star quarterback and that'll likely be down to Montee Ball who ranks sixth with a run grade of +1.6 and has already forced 12 missed tackles on the ground.
As the Seahawks' run defense has played at a pedestrian pace through two games — Cliff Avril their only D-lineman carrying a significant positive grade in that regard — the Broncos could look to attack on the ground early and keep the Seahawks' third-ranked pass rush (+8.3) away from their future Hall of Fame quarterback.
Here are three more notable numbers for each side:
Denver Broncos
Aqib Talib – Has earned an overall grade of +3.8, and ranks third among cornerbacks while limiting opposing quarterbacks to a rating of 56.2 when they throw his direction.
Peyton Manning – Manning owns a quarterback rating of 132.5 when throwing off of play action, third best in the NFL. Establishing that early ground attack will be important for the Broncos' success.
DeMarcus Ware – Has earned a grade of +1.5 when rushing the quarterback and is tied for fourth among 4-3 defensive ends with two sacks this year.
Seattle Seahawks
Max Unger – With the exception of Justin Britt (+0.1), Max Unger is the only Seahawk who has earned a positive run block grade, earning a +5.4, the top run blocking mark for centers.
Marshawn Lynch – Finished the 2013 season ranked second in run grade, has produced the highest rated grade in 2014 earning a +3.7.
Michael Bennett – Is not only the highest rated overall defensive player on the Seahawks (+6.6), but he also has the second best rush grade of all 4-3 defensive ends, producing a grade of +7.5.
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