Aug 8, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) prior to the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Many could peg a certain Week 2 NFL preseason showdown as a Super Bowl preview. Said game occurs soon when Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos travel to Seattle to take on Russell Wilson and the Seahawks.
Of course, this is just the preseason so we will not see much of the starters. That said, we will get an inside peak at how the starters do against each other and see which team has better depth.
Here is a full breakdown.
Where: CenturyLink Field
When: August 17, 2013, 10:00 PM ET
Watch: KTVD 20 (MyTV – Denver), KCPQ 13 (FOX – Seattle)
Live Stream: NFL Preseason Live
Broncos Player to Watch: Montee Ball
May 10, 2013; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball (38) during rookie minicamp at the Broncos training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The hype surrounding rookie running back Montee Ball is starting to reach a ridiculous pitch, so his five carries for nine yards in Week 1 of the preseason were a bit of a wake up call.
Ball is talented no doubt, but he is in no way ready to be the starter with performances like that one. He has a shot at redemption here against a very, very good defense. We’ll see if Ball is making a steady improvement each week leading up to the season.
Seahawks Player to Watch: Doug Baldwin
May 20, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) participates in organized team activities at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
With Percy Harvin gone it is time for Doug Baldwin to make his presence known. Golden Tate is not going to be able to do it all on his own, but as of now it does not look like Baldwin is going to be much help.
Baldwin failed to catch a pass in the Seahawks Week 1 contest. We’ll see if that continues, but at some point Baldwin is going to have to make some noise if he wants to stick around.
Matchup to Watch: Broncos Pass Rush vs. Seahawks Offensive Line
Jul 25, 2013; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) runs onto the field before the start of training camp at the Broncos training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Broncos have to find a way to generate a pass rush now that Elvis Dumervil has bolted for Baltimore. There is a pretty good opportunity here for the Broncos, as Seattle does not have the greatest of offensive lines.
Somebody has to emerge as a viable option. Von Miller is not going to be able to do it on his own, although we’d be he can come close if he stays on the field. Time for someone else to step up.
Prediction
Aug 8, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) under center during the first half against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
This one really is a toss up, as it would be if the two were meeting in the regular season. For now we would have to argue the Seahawks are a bit of a deeper team and have the home field advantage, so they get the nod.
Broncos 7, Seahawks 13
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