Percy Harvin Return For Super Bowl: Does It Matter?
Percy Harvin will likely return from injury to the Seattle Seahawks lineup in time for Super Bowl XLVIII. Both ESPN and FOX Sports are reporting the explosive wide receiver is expected to practice for Pete Carroll’s squad this week. The real question concerning Percy Harvin’s return is, “does it matter”?
While Harvin has not been an off field distraction for the Seahawks, there has been a constant battle to try and keep the talented weapon on the field. The Inquisitrhas been tracking the “now you see him, now you don’t” injury hide and go seek that has marked Harvin’s fifth season in the NFL.
After undergoing off season hip surgery, Percy Harvin returned to the offense in week 11 to face his old team, the Minnesota Vikings. With a team that was already clicking and cruising to the best record in the NFC, everyone was wondering how Harvin would fit into the Seahawks efficient offense. There would not be much opportunity to find out. Harvin re-injured his hip in that game after only making one reception for 17 yards.
Not to be seen again until the playoffs, Harvin finally got a chance to return to the field in the Seahawks divisional game against the New Orleans Saints. Coach Carroll was extremely positive about the return of Percy Harvin and planned on using him as he normally would. Flashing the brilliance that makes defenses tremble, Harvin went off quickly catching three passes for 21 yards and rushing once for nine yards.
What did not seem right about Harvin was his ability to take a hit in full action. He suffered two crushing hits, the second in the end zone where his helmet slammed against the ground on an incompletion. He would leave the game before halftime with concussion symptoms. He was held out of the NFC Championship game against the 49ers because of the concussion.
Now everyone is talking about Percy Harvin’s return for the Super Bowl. But does it really even matter? Consider that the Richard Sherman led Seahawks defense allows a stifling 273.6 yards per game, best by far in the NFL. Are they afraid of Peyton Manning? They respect him, but they aren’t afraid of anyone. The Super Bowl will be played at Met Life Stadium in New Jersey, where temperatures are expected to be some of the coldest ever for a Super Bowl. Usually, cold weather means good things for strong passing defenses.
As for the Seahawks offense, the Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch led attack uses balance and passing efficiency to move the ball downfield. Wilson has only thrown nine interceptions this season (less than Manning) and Lynch is known to step up in big moments (possibly because of skittles).
The return of Percy Harvin could mean big things and big plays for the Seahawks offense. But the real battle will be between the first ranked Denver offense and the top rated Seahawks defense. With or without Percy Harvin, this is shaping up to be one of the most exciting Super Bowls in history.
