Trindon Holliday's kick returns were a major reason in the success of the Broncos this season. On Sunday, the Broncos died by Holliday and the return game.
When given chances to return, Holliday failed to cross the 20 on most kicks which put Manning in bad field position that they could never recover from against one of the best single-season defenses in NFL history.
Shaun Phillips led a good defensive line during the first 18 games of the season for the Broncos, yet in the 19th game he and the rest of the line did nothing.
Phillips, who had 10 sacks this season, barely touched Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson as the defensive line recorded zero sacks the entire game.
The unheralded player on the Broncos receiving corps, Eric Decker only showed up during the pre-game interview before Super Bowl 48.
Decker had one meaningless catch for only six yards in a downright pathetic performance for a player looking for a big contract this offseason.
Tony Carter's pass interference penalty to start the second quarter gave the Seahawks their first touchdown of the game.
Carter was repeatedly beaten in the game on crucial third down plays that kept the Seahawks offense on the field and the Denver defense on the field as well.
Manny Ramirez's botched snap on the first play of the game set the tone for both teams. The Broncos would never recover from this play, and the Seahawks soared to greatness.
Those who just missed the cut:
Champ Bailey, Cornerback
Peyton Manning, Quarterback
Chris Clark and Orlando Franklin, Offensive Tackles
