| Nothin's Finer than Carolina
By Shawn Plunkett January 29, 2004 |
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One week prior to Super Bowl XXXVIII, and the line now has the New England Patriots up 7 points. The line will most likely stay the same unless there is a substantial amount of bets placed on either side. All signs- Vegas, television commentators, radio announcers etc.- point to a tight, defensive-minded affair, with the Patriots coming out on top (including FourSport.ca's Featured Writer Pat Fournier). However, in the art of fairness, a closer look should be had as to why the Carolina Panthers will come out on top. Here are three major reasons. Carolina has the best defensive line in the game. Tom Brady is not Joe Montana despite what many commentators say. He is at best, the most celebrated and most talented "manager" (A QB whose role dictates that he does not win, nor lose a game, i.e. Trent Dilfer). With all due respect, Brady is a creature of an offense that does not let him make mistakes. Most important in this, is an offensive line that can protect long enough for Brady to throw the 20cm-long screen pass. The glorified running plays thrown by Brady will be disrupted by Carolina's athletic and un-heralded defensive line. Take away the screen pass and the Patriots will be susceptible to the zone blitz and man-coverage on the outside receivers. Look for Carolina to zone-blitz and play 'Cover 2' when the Patriots are in their dangerous 5-receiver sets. The zone-blitz will take away the check-down receiver and force Brady to throw down the field. Remember, the team that throws the more interceptions usually loses the Super Bowl. Brady will throw two. Bill Belichick's schemes will be held at bay by strong ground game. Carolina could win this game hands down if they ran every-single time. Mixing up Stephen Davis and DeShaun Foster should keep the Panthers RBs fresh. As he did against Philadelphia last week, John Fox has shown that he is willing to bar convention and run-run-run. However, Delhomme will have to eventually throw the ball, and this will walk right into Belichick's hands. If Delhomme does not get picked, Carolina will win. John Fox's team limits mistakes. Both New England and Carolina got to the Super Bowl because they do not make mistakes. Penalties and turnovers will be costly this Sunday and whoever makes the least amount of mistakes will win, perhaps quite handily. The Patriots' experience means they are less likely to commit mistakes, but their inability to stop the run and the Panthers' excellent defensive line may lead to mistakes out of frustration. Look for the Panthers to remain calm under their leader John Fox. The Panthers will also have the emotional advantage, as they will be playing for two members of the Panther family suffering from cancer: Mark Fields and Sam Mills. Prediction: Carolina Panthers 26-10
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