like it could be one of the best ever. Both teams have good defenses and offenses. Sound kicking games and special teams. Both teams have excellent coaching staffs. Statisticly they are the equal. Unfortunately, in the Superbowl things never hold to form, especially when there are two weeks to prepare.
I think NE will have a huge advantage in this game. And it starts with Billicheck. He was able to hold Tennessee and NE to 14 points each. That doesn't bold well for Carolina offense. The key for Carolina if they want to keep the game close is to run the ball. NE defense gives up 90 YPG and 3.6 YPR, Carolina rushes for 135 YPG and 4.0 YPG. Carolina strength is running between the tackles with Stephen Davis. NE strength is between the tackle with Washington, Seymour, and Bruschi (hope he plays). I just don't see Carolina running between the tackles against NE. And because of the ability of Ty Law and Ty Poole to play man on the outside, I expect to see Rodney Harrison as the eigth man in the box. If NE takes away the run, which I expect Billicheck to scheme for, that leaves the ball in Delhomme's hand to win. I expect Ty Law to take Steven Smith out of the game with is man to man skills. That leaves Muhammed vs Ty Poole with the Safety over the top. I like my chances with that matchup, 2 vs 1.
On the offensive side of the ball for NE, I feel NE's OL will neutralize Carolina great DL. They held in check a Tennesse DL with Hanesworth, Carter and Kearse, which is as good as Carolina's DL. I expect Weiss to throw a lot of screen passes and draws early against Carolina defense especailly since they like to get up the field and rush the passer. This will help slow their pass rush. I also think Carolina DB's will be in for a big surprise if they try to play NE's WR like they did Philly's, especially Manning. If he tries to jam Givens, Brown, or Branch like he did Thrash and Pinkston, look for some big plays by NE's WRs. NE will run the ball enough to keep Carolina honest.
I do feel NE will win this game but the seven points maybe a lot to cover. I will sit and wait and hope the line drops as the game approaches. I will have a final prediction later next week. I want to see how the week in Houston goes for both teams and the status of some injured players.
I think NE will have a huge advantage in this game. And it starts with Billicheck. He was able to hold Tennessee and NE to 14 points each. That doesn't bold well for Carolina offense. The key for Carolina if they want to keep the game close is to run the ball. NE defense gives up 90 YPG and 3.6 YPR, Carolina rushes for 135 YPG and 4.0 YPG. Carolina strength is running between the tackles with Stephen Davis. NE strength is between the tackle with Washington, Seymour, and Bruschi (hope he plays). I just don't see Carolina running between the tackles against NE. And because of the ability of Ty Law and Ty Poole to play man on the outside, I expect to see Rodney Harrison as the eigth man in the box. If NE takes away the run, which I expect Billicheck to scheme for, that leaves the ball in Delhomme's hand to win. I expect Ty Law to take Steven Smith out of the game with is man to man skills. That leaves Muhammed vs Ty Poole with the Safety over the top. I like my chances with that matchup, 2 vs 1.
On the offensive side of the ball for NE, I feel NE's OL will neutralize Carolina great DL. They held in check a Tennesse DL with Hanesworth, Carter and Kearse, which is as good as Carolina's DL. I expect Weiss to throw a lot of screen passes and draws early against Carolina defense especailly since they like to get up the field and rush the passer. This will help slow their pass rush. I also think Carolina DB's will be in for a big surprise if they try to play NE's WR like they did Philly's, especially Manning. If he tries to jam Givens, Brown, or Branch like he did Thrash and Pinkston, look for some big plays by NE's WRs. NE will run the ball enough to keep Carolina honest.
I do feel NE will win this game but the seven points maybe a lot to cover. I will sit and wait and hope the line drops as the game approaches. I will have a final prediction later next week. I want to see how the week in Houston goes for both teams and the status of some injured players.
