It's a shame that this year isn't anything like last year.
Last year the Super Bowl wasn't drowned out by egos, and people actually focused on the game. Now we hear even the most stupid questions being asked about guys who will probably make little to no impact in the game itself. Hence, that's what I'm here for. Let's talk about the game.
The focal point of this game is the Eagles offense. They have a lot of pressure on them, regardless of whether TO plays in this game or not. It's not because I don't think they can put points on the board, because they will. But will they put enough points on the board to keep this game within single digits? That's the question.
As I stated during conference championship week, New England's offense plays to the level of their opponents just enough to win decisively. They don't have to put 30-40 points on the board every week, although they could if they wanted to. Brady showed in the Steelers game that he can air it out when he wants to, and if you don't bring pressure on him he will make you pay for it. And in the fourth quarter they'll make sure they're ahead by two scores so they can simply hand it off to Corey Dillon and suck time off the clock.
The Eagles have to score, and score often. If they try to make their move in the fourth, it'll be too late. If they wait until the third, it'll be too late. Brian Westbrook will have to have a big day, and McNabb has to make plays with his feet; NOT to scramble out the backfield, because I guarantee you Bruschi will be spying in the middle of the field waiting to kill McNabb as soon as he crosses the line of scrimmage. He has to give his guys time to get open, much like he did against Atlanta two weeks ago.
On the other side of the ball, Philly has got to keep New England's receivers in check. Brady has a quick release, and his accuracy is second to no one, so it's going to be hard for that secondary to break up plays. However, they can't let those receivers get into open field, nor can they allow them to get any YAC. If I were Reid, I'd try some cover 2 man's and stay out of zone coverage. Brady will rip the Eagles apart if they try to play zone all game.
Their best bet is to keep Dillon grounded and to pressure Brady to make mistakes. That's easier said than done, because I think the offensive line will be and always has been the difference for the Patriots. For that reason alone, I expect Jeremiah Trotter and the linebackers to have a relatively quiet day on Sunday.
Regardless, here's how I think it'll go:
Reid will try the same approach that most coaches do against New England: Ignore Brady, let him pass as much as he wants, stop the run, and beat their defense. And it won't work. If you're going to beat New England, you're going to have to beat Brady. Dillon is only the finisher; he isn't going to win them the game. But considering the circus and hoopla surrounding the loudmouths on that team and the fact that New England wakes up and goes to sleep pissed off, I don't think they are ready for the Pats.
McNabb will have his receivers taken out of the game pretty early. Pinkston won't be a factor and will be beaten up. Mitchell will be slapped around. TO is only dangerous with two legs, and I doubt if he'll be anything other than a slot receiver. Hence, that only leaves Westbrook. And placing the linebackers on Westbrook will probably end any real threat he poses. McNabb will use his feet much like he did in Atlanta, but that's only going to work for a few plays before he gets popped one good time. Expect a game that's the equivalent of last year's Carolina/Philly NFC title game.
Meanwhile, Brady will continue to be Tom Brady; sit in the pocket, allow that force field known as his offensive line to keep everything out, and place the ball right into his receivers' numbers. A couple of air outs and this one will be in the bag.
As Limbaugh said today, it's not whether or not Bellichek will win this one, but how much he wants to win by. Philly isn't scaring the Pats by being the champion in the worst conference since the 1970's. And all the necktalk by TO and Mitchell just made that chip on their shoulder just a little bit bigger.
I hope Wilma McNabb loaded up on the chunky soup this week, because McNabb and TO are gonna need it. Mitchell too. This won't be close like the Pats' other two Bowls; I got the Pats in a romp.
