The most anticipated game in all of sports should not disappoint this year in New Orleans.
Almost everyone is predicting a blowout from the Rams. Statistically speaking, the Patriots might as well forfeit. St. Louis boasts the NFL’s top-rated offense, not to mention the second best defense. They also have the league’s MVP in quarterback Kurt Warner as well as All-Pro running back Marshall Faulk. The Rams’ high-powered offense, “the greatest show on turf,” facing New England’s 24th ranked defense could break every Super Bowl record and score touchdowns at will.
However, New England should not throw in the towel just yet. The two teams met during the regular season with the Rams pulling out a 24-17 victory. Although the Patriots lost, they know they have a chance on Sunday. They will have to repeat their performance, holding Faulk under 100 yards rushing and forcing multiple turnovers from Warner.
Their defense is known for giving up a lot of yards but few points, averaging 17 points per game this season. However, New England’s secondary has to show up for the Super Bowl. They did have two interceptions along with Warner’s two fumbles in the first meeting, but that was meaningless as he passed for 401 yards and 3 touchdowns in the game.
Being a 14-point underdog for the Super Bowl comes as no surprise to New England, as no one has expected the Patriots to win all year. Riding the arm of quarterback Tom Brady after Drew Bledsoe got injured in the second week of the season, New England finished their Cinderella year with an 11-5 record after a woeful 5-11 last season.
The Patriots have rolled out eight straight wins heading into the Super Bowl, including their upset of Pittsburgh last weekend in the AFC championship game. The Steelers were considered the second-best team in the NFL and a lock to play the Rams. The Patriots proved otherwise, shutting down Jerome Bettis and intercepting Kordell Stewart three times on their way to a 24-17 victory and a deserving trip to Super Bowl XXXVI.
St. Louis, seeking its second Super Bowl victory in the past three years, has also posted eight consecutive wins and an even more impressive 14-2 regular season record. The Rams did stumble last week against Philadelphia, nearly giving the game away in a 29-24 victory. The Rams have reached the Super Bowl with sub-par performances in the playoffs from Warner, leading one to believe that he is due for a big game. He is averaging only 214 yards per game in the playoffs after throwing for over 300 per game during the regular season. Warner should be able to dice up the Patriots’ secondary again with 1,000-yard receivers Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce.
New England will be making its third trip to the Super Bowl–strangely, all have been losses in New Orleans. Is the third time a charm? It is unlikely, as they will have to play their best game of the year. Wide receiver/punt returner Troy Brown must also have as huge a game as he did against Pittsburgh, with 121 yards receiving and a punt return for a touchdown. Antowain Smith has to establish the running game so that Brady can get the ball to Brown.
Brady, who sprained his ankle in the Pittsburgh game, was named the starter for the Super Bowl despite Bledsoe’s strong performance against Pittsburgh. Bledsoe replaced the injured Brady halfway through the first half.
Bledsoe may be the better quarterback of the two, but New England did right by going with the guy who got them there this season. Don’t worry, Bledsoe fans–if Brady has trouble with his ankle, and it might not hold up on turf, he will be pulled immediately.
The Rams’ game plan is quite simple. Just get the ball to Faulk and let him do his job. The potent offense is bound to score points after averaging over 31 per game this season. The game will also be indoors, which will benefit St. Louis’ speed. If Warner plays mistake-free, it could get ugly.
The defense and special teams must only stop Troy Brown from having any big plays.
New England’s magic may have run out with a Rams victory all but guaranteed in Super Bowl XXXVI. However, with a little luck–well, all the luck in the world and a perfect game–the Patriots could pull off their biggest upset yet.
