Super Bowl Predictions

Super Bowl XXXIX

Philadelphia Eagles 15-3 vs. New England Patriots 16-2

For the first year in many, we actually have two great teams in the Super Bowl. The Philadelphia Eagles (0-1 in SBs all-time, lost in XV) demolished the rest of the NFC throughout the year. Interestingly enough, many sports writers questioned the team's chances of a Super Bowl appearance after Pro Bowl Wide Receiver Terrell Owens went down with an injury. Many of them also criticized head coach Andy Reid for resting many of his team's starters the last two weeks of the regular season, when they had already clinched home field advantage on the NFC's side of the bracket. I have never been able to figure out either point. Without Owens, the Eagles are a vastly better team than they have ever been during this four year run near the top. They've never had a back as versatile as Westbrook in the playoffs. As great as McNabb has been, he has reached the pinnacle of performance in his career to this point. They may not have a go-to wideout without Owens, but they've never had one in the last four years. There were questions about the Eagles defense after losing their top two corners, Taylor and Vincent. But the defense has been the strength of this team. Yet again they have three pro bowl defensive backs. Dawkins is one of the very best safeties, and Michael Lewis isn't far behind. Sheppard and Sheldon Brown are two of the best at corner. But it has been the returnees that have improved the defense the most. Hugh Douglass and Hollis Thomas are part of a very deep line. And Trottier has managed to resurrect his career after a dismal stint in Washington.

New England is a great team. They have won two of the last three Super Bowls and lost in Super Bowl XXXI. This is there fourth appearance in the NFL's final game since 1997; they are 2-2 overall. As great as they have been, and will be, there is no need to rush the dynasty label on this bunch. The Broncos won the two Super Bowls following the Patriots' loss, and were never considered a dynasty. However, if the Patriots lose on Sunday, their dynasty hopes do not suddenly disappear. The 49ers of the 1980s won four Super Bowls in nine years and are considered one of the greatest dynasties in football history. Tom Brady has already been placed in the Hall of Fame by several older sports writers, who perhaps, are nervous they may not be alive five years after the Patriots' quarterback retires. Brady has been compared to Trent Dilfer and to Joe Montana. In reality he's somewhere in between. Actually, the Trent Dilfer comparison works because Brady has reach the expectations laid out for Dilfer when the latter was drafted early in the first round. As with Brady, Montana was surrounded by many great players. But Brady is not as good of a passer or as great of a player as Montana was. In addition, the Patriots' defense is far better than the old 49ers' solid unit.

Defense is what this game will come down to. The Patriots have no weaknesses of that side of the ball even with both starting corner backs out for this game. They've been out for nearly the entire season. The linebackers are probably the best group in the game. With McGinnest and Seymour (if healthy) rushing the passer, Bruschi and Harrison are able to make plays on McNabb's passes. On the other side of the ball, many people expect Corey Dillon to run the ball down the Eagles' throats. I expect a lot of play action in order to freeze the Eagles blitzes. This might also free up of few long plays for Branch and Givens down the sidelines. The key for the Patriots' offense is not so much piling on the points, but limiting turnovers.

As far as Terrell Owens, I'd be more surprised if he didn't catch a pass than if he garnered 100 yards receiving. However I expect a little less than 100 yards, but still a productive evening. He's a very good player, but not the key in this game. In the end, this game will be a defensive battle with many three and outs. Several big plays on offense and special teams will be the difference, as opposed to long methodical drives as predicted by many. Like most people, I'm rooting for the Eagles, but the Patriots will win 20-14.

As for MVP, the easy choices are McNabb, Owens, Brady, or Dillon. If the Eagles pull it out it may be a defensive player, maybe Lewis or Trottier, but Westbrook would be my pick from the Eagles. That seems like I'm on the fence, but remember I already said the Pats would win. So, I think the MVP will be WR/CB/PR Troy Brown.

But whatever happens, I'm just glad that we finally have two great teams to watch in the championship game again. I'm planning on enjoying the game, not watching the damn halftime show, and hoping that people just shut the fuck up at the party so I can watch the fucking game. Enjoy the game!