Doug's Super Bowl Preview

Welcome back to the Drill!! Its late and I've got lots of ground to cover, so lets get to it!

So after two whole weeks of hype and hype...and more hype..its GAME TIME! Super Bowl XXXIX kicks off on Sunday with the Philadelphia Eagles  taking on the defending Super Bowl Champions, the New England Patriots. Both are very good teams but only one can be champion. Read on for a breakdown and final word on who I think will be crowned World Champs.

Why The Patriots Will Win: Two Words: Tom Brady. Without question the most dominate post season player of this era, Brady is undefeated in playoff action. He has led the Patriots to two Super Bowl titles already and is poised to lead them to a third. Everybody said this is the year Brady goes down. But all he's done is shred the defense of teams that were supposed to beat the Patriots. After bombing Indianapolis in the Confrence Semi's, Brady avenged a early season loss to the Steelers by picking apart their defense and blowing them out in the Confrence Finals. His presence, poise and experience gives the Patriots and edge that cant be matched. He brings out the best in his teammates and has their respect. He stands on the brink of a dynasty. All that stands in his way, is an upstart team from Philly. This may be the most important game of his career, and if past history is any indicator Brady will rise to the occasion.

Key To Victory: Besides the need for a big game from Brady, the Patriots Secondary MUST shut down the Eagles passing game. They were able to shut down the Colts and the Steelers with a patchwork lineup. If they can do it again to the Eagles, they'll be dancing in the streets of Boston come Sunday night.

Why The Eagles Will Win: After losing three straight NFC Championship games,. the Eagles finally reached the mountain top by knocking off the Atlanta Falcons this year. Don't think for one second, they are satisfied with just BEING there. Donovan McNabb has been itching for a chance to play in the Super Bowl and you can bet he will pumped for this one.Add to that the explosive passing attack, McNabb's ability to scramble under pressure, and their solid running game and you've got yourself a dangerous team. And in the shadows, Terrel Owens waits. Only six and half weks removed from a devastating leg injury, Owens has rehabbed like a madman and is ignoring doctor's orders to sit this one out. The Eagles are seven point underdogs in this game, but the Patriots would be wise not to overlook this hungry, determined team.

Key To Victory: The Eagles have to find a way to get Tom Brady off his game. A task easier said than done. If they can blitz effectively, force him to scramble and rough him up a bit, it will do alot to rock the confidence of the defending champs. If Terrel Owens is anywhere near 100% he can change the outcome of the game. The Patriots pass defense isnt what it used to be, and McNabb and Owens could quickly expose this weakness with a few precision air strikes.

The Bottom Line: OK, I've been pouring over stat sheets, odd sheets,reading injury reports, scouting reports, weather reports, book reports, weapons reports, tossing darts, rolling dice and flipping coins and I finally came to a decision. The Patriots are the defending champs and have steamrolled every team that was supposed to beat them in the earlier rounds. The Eagles come in as the overwhelming underdog and given a snowballs chance in hell of winning. On paper it looks like a no brainer: Pats all the way. But there are so many x-factors and things that cant be measured with fancy reports or stat sheets. The Eagles have tremondous heart and will no doubt give it their all. Will it be enough to knock off a team that many say cannot be stopped?? Is Terrel Owens even close to being healthy for this game?? When the dust clears and Super Bowl XXXIX is over it will be......it will be....I may be crazy for saying this, but I'm picking the Eagles. Final Score: Philly: 28 New England: 21. 

As always, if I'm wrong, I'll be right here Sunday nite facing the music. Enjoy the game, and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

DQ