I have waited to post all week as I have been undecided for much of the time. But a few key factors that are givens help make up my mind. First, AFC has been the stronger conference by far this year. This would really decrease the value of Carolina's wins on road in playoffs as Eagles and Rams were not as good as records indicate. Second, Bellichick has had 2 weeks to prepare. This guy is a genius and always comes up with new wrinkles. In a lot of ways, he actually has surpassed Parcells in terms of game planning. I suspect that he will scheme to take away the running game of Carolina and force Delhomme to pass. Since defending the pass is a strength of Pats, this could make for a long game. Third, this is a young Cats team with a fairly inexperienced head coach. Fox has done a great job but coaching in the Super Bowl is a different animal especially with young players. Usually when mistakes are made, a young team loses focus and it becomes a long day. Fourth and most important to me is that the Patriots are not getting their proper due. This team has won 14 games in a row going for 15 and still have not gotten the proper due from the media or even me all year. Guys 15 in a row with a win is almost a perfect regular season. With this in mind, I will give the Pats their proper due here and take the Pats -7 (may buy the 1/2 pt) and the over 37.5. Final score:
New England 37 Carolina 14. Best of luck.
New England 37 Carolina 14. Best of luck.
