Justin Davidson:
The New England Patriots will be dousing themselves in champagne for the third time in four years come Sunday night. The Philadelphia Eagles, on the other hand, will find themselves once again sulking in the locker room as they chow down on some Chunky Soup prepared by Donovan McNabb’s mother. As much as it pains me to say, the Patriots have successfully labeled themselves as a dynasty with wins over the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers during these playoffs-both very difficult wins, to say the least.
The New England offense is too good, too determined, and too experienced. Tom Brady knows how to lead his team to victory, and, whatever that formula is, it seems to work consistently. Tedy Bruschi and the Patriots’ defense will run all over Donovan McNabb, who will have the added pressure of making plays without star receiver Terrell Owens in the huddle. Despite injuries to key players Richard Seymour, Ty Law and Tyrone Poole, the Pats have demonstrated their defensive prowess and ability to shut down explosive offenses like the Colts and Steelers. The Eagles have demonstrated their uncanny ability to choke when it comes down to crunch time, and this year will be no different.
Prediction: Patriots 23-13
Scott Kaufman-Ross:
On Sunday two very balanced teams will square off in what I think is finally a Super Bowl matchup of the best teams in each conference. The burning question for the past two weeks has been, “Will Terrell Owens play?” Now that it appears he will be ready to go, this opens up a tremendous opportunity for the Eagles. The Patriots’ weakness lies in the depth of their secondary, missing both starting corners Ty Law and Tyrone Poole. If Donovan McNabb can successfully throw the ball deep to Owens, and one of the Eagles’ secondary receivers makes a few plays, the Eagles’ offense will score on New England. However, if Philadelphia fails to succeed in throwing the ball downfield, Belicheck and the Pats’ quick defense can focus in on Brian Westbrook, inhibiting the Eagles from using their most valuable weapon. The Eagles’ defense cannot allow Tom Brady to have the same success throwing the football that he enjoyed against the Steelers. If the Eagles’ secondary, which boasts three Pro-Bowlers, can make one or two big plays, and Tom Brady doesn’t play another flawless game against a stellar Eagles defense, Philly may finally have their Super Bowl-just sounds like too many “ifs” to me.
Prediction: Patriots 27-24
Derek Winters:
This is a very difficult game to pick for a variety of reasons. First off, if you look at the raw numbers and possible outcomes, this game is bound to be a train wreck for any sports writer-or gambler, for that matter. Tom Brady’s play-off record is impressive-not to mention he is undefeated in the Super Bowl. Eagles coach Andy Reid, however, is 9-0 and riding off one of the biggest wins in Philly football history.
I am somewhat baffled in my selection process, but I think Reid’s defense will have a tough time focusing on the Pats’ offense. Last week, all the Eagles had to do was stop Vick, and they did. The outcome is going to come down to time of possession and the X-Factor. Time of possession will be very important. In order to win, each team must wear down the other’s defense while keeping their own defense off the field. This aspect is much more important for Philly because they must break down the Pats’ defense over the course of the entire game. The X-Factor is an often overlooked player, such as kicker Adam Vinatieri, who’s had two game-winning field goals in two different Super Bowls. Philly’s X-factor will be their wideout, Freddie Mitchell. The guy can make great plays, and, much like his teammate T. O., he can’t seem to shut up. Calling out the Pats’ defense might take New England off their game and open up spots for other players on Philly’s offense. Ultimately, the Philly’s antics will not be enough to match the Patriots’ defense and offense.
Prediction: Patriots 31-17
Alex Schwartz:
Although ESPN’s fancy statistical jargon and individual player matchups might confuse you, don’t let them. Super Bowl XXXIX is going to be the pinnacle of sports, but the victor will not be determined by any pragmatic football superiority or mental edge. Dating back to Super Bowl II, where square-shaped Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi was carried off the field by his victorious team, a curse has transformed the game of football. The following season, plagued by a series of herniated disks, strained muscles and torn tendons, the Packers stumbled to a mediocre 6-7-1 record. Ever since this momentous occasion, players with heftier coaches have shown a slight aversion to the big game, and the Curse of the Fat Coach has reigned supreme.
Don’t let the sweatpants confuse you. Bill Belichick is a very svelte, trim, fit individual. I wish the same could be said for Andy Reid, a man never confused with Keira Knightley. His girth will lead the Eagles to second-guess their desire to win the big game. Do you think Terrell Owens, already projected to be the third-string receiver following a severe ankle injury, is going to want to carry a bowling-ball shaped man on his shoulders? As these thoughts torment the Philadelphia Eagles in Jacksonville, Tom Brady will pick apart the distracted secondary and lead the Patriots to an easy two-touchdown victory.
Prediction: Patriots 31-17