Super Bowl 2014: Quarterback Duel Between Peyton Manning And Russell Wilson Could Be Key To The Game

The most important players in Super Bowl XLVIII will likely be the two quarterbacks. Twenty-six of the 47 Super Bowl MVPs have gone to a quarterback, and there’s a good chance that pattern will continue this year.

The Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks have two of the best signal caller in the NFL. In the regular season, Peyton Manning outperformed every player at his position. He set all-time records, completing 55 touchdown passes and throwing for 5,477 yards. He was second in the league with a 115.1 passer rating and led the highest-scoring offense in the history of the league.

Wilson did not put up numbers like Manning, but in just his second season, he’s proven himself to be an upper echelon quarterback. He ranked in the top seven in passer rating and yards per attempt, as well as finishing the year with just nine interceptions. He also led Seattle to the best record in the NFC.

Despite Manning’s better numbers and more experience, this Super Bowl might end up being more suited to Wilson’s skill set. The Seahawks quarterback is a very good passer, but his running ability is a weapon that few signal callers possess. Seattle relies heavily on its running attack, with Wilson and Marshawn Lynch leading the way.

The Super Bowl is still over a week away, but the early forecast calls for a good chance of precipitation on the day of the big game. If the weather conditions are bad, it might be difficult for both teams to move the ball through the air. Manning isn’t very mobile, while Wilson has no problem running with the football.

Two of the game’s best will be going up against each other in the biggest contest of the year. Who has the edge?

Since Seattle has the league’s No.1 defense and the team relies so much on the run, many don’t realize how good Wilson is. In a few years, there’s a good chance he’ll be the No.1 quarterback in football. However, it’s hard to give him the edge when facing a future Hall of Famer.

Manning has a very tough task in going up against the Seattle defense. Not only have they surrendered the fewest points this year, but players like Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas lead the best secondary in the NFL. Still, Manning has overcome every challenge that he’s faced this season. He’s been incredibly consistent, throwing for at least 300 yards in 12 games. He’s also been very good in two playoff games, registering a 107.1 passer rating.

The biggest reason why Manning has the edge might be his surrounding weapons. The trio of Wes Welker, Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker is the best in the NFL. Tight end Julius Thomas has also been one of the best players at his position. Wilson did not have a receiver to surpass the 1,000-yard mark this season. Percy Harvin is expected to play in the Super Bowl after missing almost the entire season, but it’s unknown how effective he’ll be.

Denver has been made a slight favorite in the game. Having Manning at quarterback might be worth those few extra points.