It's down to the Pats and the Panthers. As much as I wanted Chiefs vs. Rams, they went out and dissappointed me. Everyone here in Boston is feeling pretty good about the Patriots' chances. But I'm going to pick the Panthers. Here's why: 1. Panthers have a good defense and a running game, two most important peices for a title. New England has just one. NE's rush defense is one of the best in the league, but Carolina's line is playing great and Davis is a bruiser that will wear them out. 2. NE's inconsistent offense. People love Tom Brady and he is clutch but the Panthers should be able to shut down the running game and make him throw, and he does turn it over. Pressure should be coming from Peppers all night long so look for him to cough it up a few times. 3. Carolina is a team of destiny. Who would have thought they could beat the Rams? I didn't even though Bulger is unproven and Martz is a choker. Then they beat the Eagles on the road too. They have tons of momentum and know they can beat good teams now. In either case NE's defense is superb so I expect a close one. 16-9 Carolina
This is going to be a tough one to call. I think it will be relativly low scoring and very close (kind of an obvious statement I know) 20-17 Carolina
I will take the Patriots winning 17-6. If New England can stop the Colts' offense, they can shut down Carolina's.
Panthers all the way baby!. Im no good at predicting scores...but Ill give it a shot. Panthers 21 Pats 20
Patriots win 20-17, on a last second field goal by Adam Vinatieri, making him the only kicker in NFL history to win two Super Bowls with last second field goals. Did anybody read the Chronicle sports section championship game(s) hype on Sunday? Turns out that Adam Vinatieri's great great Grandfather was the leader of the marching band that followed General George Custer around. He survived Little Big Horn because Custer ordered the band to turn back right before they hit Little Big Horn. Link to story: http://www.exploretheoldwest.org/custer's_last_band.htm More unusual facts for your next Trivial Pursuit game!
Carolina has a bad pass defense, and New England can not run the ball. Therefore, in a controlled environment...closed Dome....The Pats take the slipper off of cinderella and beat her with it..... Pats 31 Cats 13 DD
I will be rooting hard for Carolina, but I have a feeling that the Pats will come away with the win. 17-10 Patriots.
Freeney, who is a better player than Peppers in term of pass rush, was a non-factor. Patriots will find a way to make Peppers and his rushing crew a non-factor. Brady throws for 300 yards, 2TDs, 2picks and doesn't fumble since he only tucks. Pats win in one of the most physical Superbowls ever: Patriots 30 Panthers 13
I like the Pats, but it'll be close...Carolina has surprised me every week and I think they're for real... Can you believe we beat Carolina and we hung in tough with the Pats... Pats: 24 Panthers: 17
Panthers 4 Patriots 3 In the offensive ineptitude bowl, the 2 safties caused by the Carolina pass rush win the day.
