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I think I had permissions screwed up and no one was able to vote. Vote away now.
posted by ricky
Feb. 2 2005 9:16am -
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--- DELETED POST ---
(Trilo changed is mind and found the winnner... -ricky)
posted by trilogy251
Feb. 2 2005 9:05pm -
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OK so I admit am extremely biased on my pick to go with the Eagles but here it goes...
1. First I must say If I were not a die-hard Birds fan I would without a doubt go with the Eagles getting 7 points here. But I'd rather see a W for them on Sunday than win any amount of money, so my cash will be on the moneyline +220!!!
2. Pitt beat both of these teams handily in the middle of the season. They did this off of turnovers & broken coverages. This is not to say that it won't happen again, but Pitt was on a HUGE roll and brought their A game & lady luck in the Rookie QB while NE & Philly were caught off guard vs. a strong defense and were down BIG early. As far as NEngland dominating the Steelers in the championship game, you could see that was coming a mile away when the mediocre JETS should have stole one from Pitt the week before.
3. The No. 1 defense for the second half of the year when they moved Trotter to MLB was the Eagles. If you do not count the throw-away games 15 & 16, the Eagles were No. 1 in the league in lowest points allowed in the entire NFL. New England is also a top 3 defense no doubt, but as far as how well these defenses match up against their opponents offense has to be a scratch at the least, IMO giving a slight advantage to the Eagles since the Pats' secondary is banged up while the birds have 3 pro-bowlers in perfect health.
4. Both Offensive lines are among the best in the business - Both Pash Rushes are above average and can cause some trouble, but should not disrupt Brady or McNabb more than 20% of the time (simply b/c pass coverage is so strong on both sides).
5. On Offense, T.O.'s roll was never meant to stretch the field... that's Pinkston's department (and I hate pinkston, don't get me wrong) and truthfully one of the only strengths in his game. T.O.s roll was to get separation quickly in his routes and make things happen after the catch. Because he was so dominant all season, he would attract 2 defenders on him nearly every play. When they didn't double, it was usually 6 points for the Birds. So now the only concern is TO's cutting ability. I'm sure Reid will have him lined up with patters that favor him cutting on his good ankle. Look for Donnovan to go to him at least once on their first offensive series. If he has a few big catches in the first quarter it could disrupt the Patriots entire game plan.
As far as loud-mouth Freddie Mitchell & Greg Lewis are concerned, they've filled in nicely and could provide for decent 2 & 3 route runners maybe getting 3 or 4 catches a piece.
New England's receivers are all capable of big plays and have been solid throughout, esp. the playoffs. Branch & Givens have scary speed and Brady is as accurate as they come. Match them up vs. the Eagles secondary, and IMO we have the Philly/NE receiving corps. as a scratch for the game.
6. The running game advantage clearly goes to Dillon & the Pats. It balances their offense so well with a 1600 yard rusher. I think this makes D. Walker & Corey Simon the X-factors for the superbowl. How well they can contain Dillon will play a HUGE roll in the outcome of this game. If they hold him under a 4 yard average, it has to be a victory in their book. On the Eagles side of the ball, 70% pass plays is what drives the offense... but Westbrook is a dangerous back and Dorsey Levens has played in the big game before and can pound out tough yards. Still, Advantage - Pats
7. Quarterback - Brady, 2 SB wins, 0 interceptions, as cool as they come. The edge will always go to the guy with the rings. Donnovan has never been here, but I'm sure you guys have seen his highlight's all year, and he's been playing much smarter in the playoffs. If he doesn't make any dumb passes his performance should match Brady's... let's not forget about his wheels though, second in the league only to Vick. Again, slight edge to Brady b/c of experience.
8. Special Teams goes to Philly - Adam V. is the most clutch postseason kicker ever, I know - but Akers is also a PIG, just look at his FG%. Other than the kicking game, Philly's punt & kick coverage dominates New England's. B. Westbrook will also be returning punts making that a major field position threat in the Eagle's favor.
So basically this game comes down to turnovers, as do most games. If both teams are smart with the ball it could be one of the great games in SB history and will NOT be won by 7 or more points.
GLA & GO EAGLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
posted by tigertimsju
Feb. 3 2005 1:23pm -
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The Eagles + 7.5 is a gift and take the gift and cash it
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
posted by mustand1z
Feb. 3 2005 5:15pm -
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I don't know why anyone is playing the under in this game. Both teams have offenses who can score and defenses with issues. If Carolina and NE can cover the over 35 1/2 last year, I can't see these two teams not covering the 47. I personally think it plays out this way.
New England takes a double digit lead in the first half..roughly17-7 etc...then in the 4'th we see the catch up game that Carolina played last year. Philly has the D to stop New England occasionally. I am on the over in this game and took it at 47. Good luck whatever your on
PLAY ON OVER 47 in the Super Bowl.
PC
posted by pc7588
Feb. 4 2005 1:25pm -
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NE -7 is the play.
Philly has had a cake walk to the NFC Championship by playing two teams that would not have made the play-offs in the AFC - That is correct neither Minny nor Atlanta would have made the play-offs with an AFC schedule.
Pittsburgh is a better team than Philly, and look what NE did to Pitts at Heinz Field.
NE will easily cover and everyone will say what a terrible SB it was.
PS - GotPicks Horse Racing Forum is up and running! Check it out!
posted by drtnapper07
Feb. 4 2005 3:34pm -
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PHILLY + 7 ( I am buying the hook here to get 7.5) Look for a great game here as Pats still have issues in the secondary ! Pitt had guys open all day but Ben did not find them ( was at game) or just plain made some bad throws! Pitt beat themselves! Indy well no surprise here the weather was the Pats friend here also! Pats are very very good but laying seven here well my quarter says to many! PHILLY +7 in a barnburner!
posted by joeweaver
Feb. 4 2005 3:50pm -
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Can't understand why people still bring up NE's secondary. They've been banged up all year yet still shut down opponents. AFC is clearly the better conference. The Pats know how to finish teams, and the greenbirds will be no different than the Colts and Stillers. It could get ugly if Donovan makes a couple of mistakes early.
Anyway, NE 37 Eagles 17
posted by cman419
Feb. 4 2005 4:25pm -
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Jets ML
posted by teeks75
Feb. 4 2005 5:18pm -
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BEST PROP BET OF GAME IS PATS TO SCORE 1ST
TAKE IT AND $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
posted by mustand1z
Feb. 4 2005 7:01pm -
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NE -7
posted by zmatty
Feb. 5 2005 9:01pm -
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This is a tough one being a die hard Steelers fan......
Pretty sure NE -7.5.
posted by hevman
Feb. 6 2005 12:28am -
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Best Bet is OVER 7 1/2 Frist Quarter
Thanks everyone for posting here
posted by goat-
Feb. 6 2005 8:15am