[thunderbrick]

C'mon, VL, who remembers the fair-weather games?  Give me the Ice Bowl every time!  Football is a manly sport for which we must suffer.  We are MANLY MEN! 

Smart?  Not so much.   

I have to believe the game is in NY for the money and the media coverage.  Hopefully the weather will cut down on all the circus-like atmosphere surrounding the game.

[rodge827]

Unless it is played in a driving snowstorm, a Noreaster, or sub freezing temperatures. The NFL should not have waived the dome requirement for host cities with an average daytime high of less than 50 degrees F.

+1 
Perhaps there was a little financial persuasion to have it in Soprano country? 

[macrojack]

Richard Sherman comes off like another big mouthed ego fool named Revis. A legend in his own mind.

I always thought the Super Bowl was played in a place people might want to go to as a winter vacation. Having grown up in 07442, I can tell you this year's location does not qualify. However, much as I'd like to see this blow up in Goodell's face, I am hoping for favorable weather for Peyton's sake.

Maybe next year's game can be in Green Bay or Toronto. Maybe London or Moscow.

Everything that happens in USA is driven by a profit incentive. Just because I can't understand the choice does not mean it makes no sense. Someone with a lot of juice set this up in the Meadowlands. As other posters have suggested, follow the money.

[soundbitten1]

If Peyton Manning needs good weather to win maybe the Broncos don't deserve it. I hope the weather is bad so he can erase that stigma too. Bottom line - both teams have to play in the same weather.

[JerryM]

I agree. 

Peyton plays outdoors in one of the coldest fields in the League. One hell of a lot colder than Seattle, for sure.

Denver by two scores.

[Letitroll98]

Stating the obvious, the Seahawk offense can't compete with the Denver offense.  Therefore the game will be if Seattle can slow down Payton, which is either get to Payton, which they won't do, or keep the ball from him all game by running Lynch, which they won't do successfully all game, just towards the end when they'll be too far behind.  Seattle will be behind by 14-17 points in the third quarter when Denver will go into their shell defense allowing a few points by Seattle late, Denver by 8.

[macrojack]

Whether or not Peyton Manning is the greatest QB of all time remains an open debate but I think it safe to say he is the most intelligent and best prepared QB ever to go under center in the NFL. The difference between him and Russell Wilson is enormous. Therefore, Denver has an enormous edge if skill is allowed to prevail. Weather, as in gail winds or relentless hail, could do much to narrow the difference between the QBs. Likewise, and most importantly, there is the matter of which team is treated more favorably by the zebras. I think PM will get the Ray Lewis treatment and come away with a win. If, on the other hand, they decide to allow Seattle's vaunted defense to play their way, which amounts to tackling receivers in the open field while the ball is in the air and holding them back by the jersey or grabbing an arm to keep them from reaching for a pass reception, then Seattle may well "win". There is a reason why they are the most penalized team in the league.
I stopped watching the NBA years ago because it has become so brutal and is so heavily influenced by officiating. I may well give up the NFL for the same reason. I'm a believer in skill and finesse in athletic competition, not cheating, bending the rules, or shaping the outcome to fit a story line.

The Broncos have overcome incredible adversity this year. Remember the front office guys with their DUIs? Head coach has mid season open heart surgery. Losing one of the best pass rushers in the league due to some stupid fax glitch and losing the other best pass rusher for six games to open the season because he smoked pot in a state where it is legal. Losing all-pro OT Ryan Clady for the year early in the season. Missing Champ Bailey all year. That's all that comes to mind immediately but it is a formidable list of setbacks, all of which have been overcome. The Broncos have shown themselves to be deep and resourceful all year - here's hoping they can keep that up for one more game.

[jimdgoulding]

Stating the obvious, the Seahawk offense can't compete with the Denver offense.  Therefore the game will be if Seattle can slow down Payton, which is either get to Payton, which they won't do, or keep the ball from him all game by running Lynch, which they won't do successfully all game, just towards the end when they'll be too far behind.  Seattle will be behind by 14-17 points in the third quarter when Denver will go into their shell defense allowing a few points by Seattle late, Denver by 8.

Nice take, Let . 

[ss397]

Denver looks very good, they are peaking at the proper time. They have more weapons than Seattle. But weather and turnovers could make it anyone's game, so we have to watch and see..

[Letitroll98]

Denver looks very good, they are peaking at the proper time. They have more weapons than Seattle. But weather and turnovers could make it anyone's game, so we have to watch and see..

The reason why football is such a bad bet.  One turnover can flip 14 points (witness James Harrison's pick six against Arizona a few SB's ago) and weather can drop the O/U in a flash, affecting the outcome of the game.  e.g. If it's a 10-7 game shut down by high winds and cold, the likely winner is Seattle, if it's 28-20 Denver is likely to be on top.  We are expecting 10" of snow today in southern NJ, just sayin'.

[jimdgoulding]

Here's my take on the Richard Sherman thing.  First, he thinks he is especially good at his job- which he is- and special in other ways.  He had a camera in his face coming off the field and took full advantage of it to tell you what he thought of his abilities and to promote himself into the limelight.  It has been said that bad publicity is better than no publicity.  He jumped on the moment with full fervor.  This being my understanding, I can only fault part of his judgment, but you can't say it was counterproductive.  I'm wondering if he might not be pivotal in Peyton's decision making in two weeks . 

I suspect that Sherman is bright enough to work the publicity to his advantage going forward.  Time will tell. 

[macrojack]

Chances are good that Sherman will be doing wind sprints upfield with D. Thomas on every down while Manning throws to Decker, Welker, J. Thomas, Tammie, Moreno, Ball and Green all day. Certainly has other capable defenders and certainly the job won't be easy but given the run threat Denver poses, receivers should be able to get open on nearly every down.
Again, if the Seattle secondary is not allowed to manhandle Denver's receivers, the Seahawks should go down hard. I hope so. Cousin Pete has a reckoning coming his way.

[Chazro]

Random thoughts -

-Belichik's comments about Welker purposely taking out Talib were far more offensive to me than anything said by Sherman.  He might want to listen to his QB's comments about winning graciously.

-Just read a VERY interesting story about how the commission's contemplating doing away with the extra point after a TD seeing how it's practically automatic!  A TD would be an automatic 7, after which the team could option to run or pass for 1 point, but if the attempt fails you lose a point!  (Doubt it would ever happen but it really makes sense!).

-While watching the 2nd game on Sunday, the thought occurred to me that the way these 2 teams were playing (49'er's/Seahawks) seemed to be simply sloppy.  If the Seahawks play the same way against Manning and the Broncos they'll be picked apart.  This Superbowl might actually be a bore as I expect a lopsided win for the Broncos.  Win, lose, or draw it's been a tremendous year for Manning! 

[Letitroll98]

Just read a VERY interesting story about how the commission's contemplating doing away with the extra point after a TD seeing how it's practically automatic!  A TD would be an automatic 7, after which the team could option to run or pass for 1 point, but if the attempt fails you lose a point!  (Doubt it would ever happen but it really makes sense!).

A lady on the NFL channel had a better idea, move the extra point try back to the 30 yd line for a 40 yd attempt.  No more boring automatic 1 point play, no stupid taking a point away for a try for 2, we still have kickers making a point after a touchdown, and the option for the 2 point try becomes more of a reality other than at the end of games.  I really like that idea as much as I hate the proposed idea.

[Mark Korda]

Letitroll, good idea! Here is my new rule that would make the game way better....A 10 yard penalty for any receiver, and rarely the defender for mimicking the refs pass interference call. It seems about 90% of the time it influences the ref at home games to pull the flag  when they see the receiver make that motion.Let the refs make the call, or replay, as was needed at Seattle near the end on the goal line fumble, not the players with the ball...Mark Korda

[jimdgoulding]

Today on ESPN's First Take the consensus was to take kicking for the extra point out of the game altogether.  Run or pass.

[rodge827]

A lady on the NFL channel had a better idea, move the extra point try back to the 30 yd line for a 40 yd attempt.  No more boring automatic 1 point play, no stupid taking a point away for a try for 2, we still have kickers making a point after a touchdown, and the option for the 2 point try becomes more of a reality other than at the end of games.  I really like that idea as much as I hate the proposed idea.

+1

I too dislike the idea as a whole, but moving the ball back is fair and will make the PAT a lot more interesting.
Leave the 2pt option, and no loss of point for a failed attempt.

[Letitroll98]

The problem with messing with the extra point is that if you leave it a 6 point touchdown and a run/pass extra point, for the most part two field goals equal a touchdown, which would lead to a plethora of OT games.  If it's a 7 point touchdown and and 1 point run/pass extra point play, you take all the decision making out of the coaches hands, it's automatic to go for it.  Leave the 1 point kick and 2 point run/pass option in the game as it is.  The least invasive, and the least unintended consequences, is just make the 1 point kick harder.  I don't care if it's from the 15, 20, 30 yd line, just harder so that the block teams actually tries to block it, make it a real play.   

[rodge827]

The problem with messing with the extra point is that if you leave it a 6 point touchdown and a run/pass extra point, for the most part two field goals equal a touchdown, which would lead to a plethora of OT games.  If it's a 7 point touchdown and and 1 point run/pass extra point play, you take all the decision making out of the coaches hands, it's automatic to go for it.  Leave the 1 point kick and 2 point run/pass option in the game as it is.  The least invasive, and the least unintended consequences, is just make the 1 point kick harder.  I don't care if it's from the 15, 20, 30 yd line, just harder so that the block teams actually tries to block it, make it a real play.

Agree!

[rajacat]

If, on the other hand, they decide to allow Seattle's vaunted defense to play their way, which amounts to tackling receivers in the open field while the ball is in the air and holding them back by the jersey or grabbing an arm to keep them from reaching for a pass reception, then Seattle may well "win". There is a reason why they are the most penalized team in the league.
I stopped watching the NBA years ago because it has become so brutal and is so heavily influenced by officiating. I may well give up the NFL for the same reason. I'm a believer in skill and finesse in athletic competition, not cheating, bending the rules, or shaping the outcome to fit a story line.

So what if the Hawks are the most penalized team in the league? The Seahawks sustained several drive killing penalties  the last time they played the 49ers in San Francisco and subsequently lost the game.  Penalties are part of the game.  They don't bend the rules. They play on the edge of what's legal just like every other team in the league. I suspect that, if you watch with a critical eye, you would see Denver's huge offensive linemen appearing to hold on just about every play in order to protect Manning. To complain about the refs is just looking for excuses.