Lots of options for Super Bowl MVP choice
Congratulations to Seattle Seahawks linebacker Malcolm Smith, who was named MVP of the 2014 Super Bowl.
Smith had an interception for a touchdown to increase the lead against the Denver Broncos to 22-0, and his fumble recovery also led to another Seattle score.
There were other guys, however, who also deserved consideration such as wide receiver/kick returner Percy Harvin.
I must admit I didn’t think Harvin would be relevant, but between an 87-yard kickoff return and an average of 22 yards per carry on three runs, he was eligible for game honors in my book along with Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson.
Wilson has proved himself to be a bona fide winner, unlike Peyton Manning.
Despite all the heroics and great plays by the other players on Seattle, I believe Wilson deserved strong consideration after completing 18-of-25 passes for 206 yards and 2 touchdowns with no turnovers.
If Manning had delivered a victory with those numbers, I believe he would have been named MVP. It doesn’t really matter, though, because Wilson got the coveted ring in his second year and he’s now tied with Peyton Manning at 1 apiece.
It’s unfair to blame Manning for being a media darling; it’s not his fault the media constantly sings his praises. Manning has been a tough guy to criticize because he’s such a good guy, and it’s his apologists who bring the heat on him when he doesn’t perform well, which he sure didn’t do Sunday.
Judging from the cheers in the stadium and the comments from people I’ve talked to, there appeared to be a backlash against Manning.
So congratulations to the Seahawks and coach Pete Carroll for getting it done.
Weather a non factor:The NFL dodged a bullet with the weather on Sunday and pulled off a great show.I was against a cold-weather site from the beginning, and it was lucky for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell that the bad snowstorm didn#146;t hit the New York area until Monday morning. Of course, it did make the return home difficult for many travelers.Goodell said it was colder in Denver and Seattle than in New York, but let#146;s remind everyone those are considered cold-weather sites also.There were warmer weather conditions in the traditional Super Bowl venues, but his point was well taken. Now can you imagine if Chicago had hosted the Super Bowl this year? Between the snow and frigid temperatures, it would have been pretty horrid. The Super Bowl will be held in Arizona, San Francisco and Houston over the next three years, so it seems the weather won#146;t be a factor, but domed stadiums #151; no matter their location #151; will be considered down the line. The one thing we found out regardless of weather, the better team usually wins and that happened big time this year.Program notes:Follow me on Twitter@ north2north, and listen to Fox Sports Daybreak with Andy Furman and myself from 5-8 a.m. Monday through Friday on Fox Sports radio, and also from 7-11 a.m. Sundays. Check me out on iHeart radio or Foxsportsradio.com.Ÿ Mike North#146;s column appears each Tuesday and Friday in the Daily Herald, and his video commentary can be found Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at dailyherald.com. For more, visit northtonorth.com.