Peyton Manning is one win away from having one of the greatest seasons in NFL history.
His performances this year have been nothing short of outstanding, as Bronco Mania has taken complete control of Colorado, and orange and blue can be seen wherever one travels.
All eyes are on Manning to bring the Lombardi Trophy into the House of Elway and solidify himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks to play the game.
After the AFC Championship game on Jan. 19, the TV broadcast cut to a view of Manning looking off into a sea of confetti. But unlike most of the players, his face was stone cold. He did not care that he had won or just beat his arch nemesis, Tom Brady, because he knows that if he does not win the Super Bowl, the dream season is a bust.
However, Sunday will be one of Peyton’s biggest challenges to overcome, as the weather is going to be cold, plus Richard Sherman leads the best backfield in the NFL.
The weather is a key factor in this game because much controversy has been discussed about the location of the Super Bowl in New York, and with recent projections, the NFL has plans to move the game in order to accommodate for weather.
A high of 37 degrees with a 10 percent chance of precipitation is forecasted, which could affect the players’ performances, but Manning has performed well in the cold this season.
His only loss in a cold game this season came against the Patriots in overtime, though Manning threw for 150 yards and two touchdowns. That was Manning’s worst game of the season.
But he responded week 14 when game time temperatures were a balmy 19 degrees in Denver and Manning threw for 397 yards and four touchdowns. He has also tried to beat the cold during the past week, as Manning was seen wearing two pairs of gloves during practice.
Manning is focused, the Broncos are focused and the stakes have not been higher, but the Seahawks are a great team and it is hard to tell the outcome of the Super Bowl.
Seattle has nothing to lose and could easily return to the Super Bowl next year, but Manning’s legacy will be questioned forever if he can not add another ring to his collection.
It will be an exciting game with a lot riding on it, including Manning’s legacy. But all that being said, in Peyton we trust.
Paul Holden is a freshman studying journalism and a Colorado native. Are you also rooting for the Broncos in the Super Bowl? Let him know @PaulHolden33 and ph553412@ohiou.edu.
