With the game inching closer and closer, I sat down to share my initial thoughts before I give my prediction next week. 

Quick-hits on the game that is 10 days away.

• Only the fourth time since 1992 that both #1 seeds will meet for the Lombardi Trophy.
• Richard Sherman is a great cover corner. 
• Speaking of Sherman, his rant after the game went out of character of what the NFL wants, but was a welcome admittance that this is an intense game played by world class athletes. 
• Speaking of the NFL, the league and its owners are quick to remind fans that this is a business, and business is sure to be good in the biggest city in the country. 
• Peyton Manning is a great quarterback.
• The game feels like a 24-20 game.  Denver’s offense hasn’t been clicking like early in the season, and Seattle’s D hasn’t missed a beat all year.  If Denver has the ball last they should win.
• Brandon Browner’s suspension may be the great equalizer due to Denver’s receiving weapons. 
• Does a good (or excellent) defense always win championships like the old adage goes?
• If he wins does Peyton Manning ride off to retirement?
• Is Jack Del Rio’s defense capable of playing smash mouth football and controlling the line of scrimmage?
• If coaching does come into play i.e. clock management and challenges, does that give Denver the edge due to having Peyton as a coach on the field?
• If the game is played in inclement weather will the league ever hold another outdoor cold weather game?
• If weather is a factor does that give the edge to the Broncos passing game or Seattle’s rush attack?

More coverage and analysis to come on Super Bowl XLVIII !