Spring Break
Superbowl XXXVIII
The Biggest Game of the Year
Eric Boyles
Issue date: 1/29/04 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 1
Panthers vs. Patriots, who would have ever guessed they would be playing for the World Championship of Football? Super Bowl XXXVIII proves to be a battle of the defenses, with Carolina showing some of the best defensive play that the playoffs have ever seen. In the NFC Championship game versus Philadelphia, the Panthers forced the Eagles to throw four interceptions, and Ricky Manning Jr. was responsible for three of those picks in the 14-3 victory.
On the other hand, the Patriots have showed their own defensive dominance, forcing the Co-MVP, Payton Manning, to throw an uncanny four interceptions. Both defenses have stepped up when the game was on the line, and it will be interesting to see which defense will own the field.
Offensively, these are two different teams, and it shows in their play. The Patriots revolve around Tom Brady and his passing game, while the Panthers revolve around their ground attack. Delhomme can get it done with his arm, as long as Stephen Davis and DeShawn Foster keep the running game strong.
The Panthers remind me a little of the last Super Bowl Champions, the Bucs; they have a great defense, and a no-name quarterback that gets the job done. That seems to be the formula for success the past few years with teams like the Baltimore Ravens and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The X-factor definitely belongs to the Patriots, having been in the Big Game just two years ago, and having a very mature roster full of Super Bowl experience might and will be a factor in the big game.
This Super Bowl could prove to be one of the best in a while, so maybe this year the commercials will not over-shadow the game. I am going to go out on a limb and take the Panthers over the Pats, the running game will take over lead by Davis and Foster, and the Cinderella defense will force Brady to turn over the ball. The game will be close, but the Panthers will win 21-17, and continue their Cinderella season right into the history books.
On the other hand, the Patriots have showed their own defensive dominance, forcing the Co-MVP, Payton Manning, to throw an uncanny four interceptions. Both defenses have stepped up when the game was on the line, and it will be interesting to see which defense will own the field.
Offensively, these are two different teams, and it shows in their play. The Patriots revolve around Tom Brady and his passing game, while the Panthers revolve around their ground attack. Delhomme can get it done with his arm, as long as Stephen Davis and DeShawn Foster keep the running game strong.
The Panthers remind me a little of the last Super Bowl Champions, the Bucs; they have a great defense, and a no-name quarterback that gets the job done. That seems to be the formula for success the past few years with teams like the Baltimore Ravens and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The X-factor definitely belongs to the Patriots, having been in the Big Game just two years ago, and having a very mature roster full of Super Bowl experience might and will be a factor in the big game.
This Super Bowl could prove to be one of the best in a while, so maybe this year the commercials will not over-shadow the game. I am going to go out on a limb and take the Panthers over the Pats, the running game will take over lead by Davis and Foster, and the Cinderella defense will force Brady to turn over the ball. The game will be close, but the Panthers will win 21-17, and continue their Cinderella season right into the history books.
