Super Sunday Speculation

I'm having a hard time getting hyped up for today's Super Bowl. It's a rather underwhelming matchup because both of these teams have such unexciting offenses, so many no-name players and I never got much of a chance to see them play this season until the playoffs. This game reminds me of the Ravens-Giants Super Bowl three years ago, when everyone was like "these teams are playing for the NFL title?" The fact that the Pats and Cats are both defense-oriented could make for a plodding game without any big plays or memorable moments.

However, the flip side to this is that the game could be close. People always forget that you don't need to have exciting teams to have an exciting game: two well-coached, low scoring clubs could end up tied late in the game. Either way, it's the Super Bowl for godsakes: you've got to watch.

In any case, here's how I see this game being played out: New England, benefitting from their experience and the confidence of Tom Brady, get the early momentum and go up 10-0. But Carolina eventually establishes their running game, and Stephen Davis dominates the second and third quarter. Both field goal kickers have a busy day, as both offenses move the ball but have trouble punching it in the end zone. Turnovers and special teams also play a big role and in the middle of the 4th quarter, Carolina finds itself with a 16-13 lead. But Brady rallies his troops and conducts a masterful drive, culminating in a touchdown with less than two minutes left. Thrust into the two-minute drill, a desperate Jake Delhomme forces a bad throw, which Ty Law intercepts and returns for a touchdown, capping a 27-16 Pats win.