By the Stats:
The Patiots have the third rated offense, the first rated defense, and have played the 3rd toughest schedule in the NFL - that's 3-1-3. The Patriots were 14-2 in the regular season, and have handily beaten the second and third ranked teams in the NFL in the playoffs. I have the Patriots graded as an "A" team.
The Eagles have the 12th rated offense, the fourth rated defense, and they've played the easiest schedule in the NFL - that's 12-4-32. Their regular season record is 13-3, but could be 15-1, since they rested key starters in the last two games of the season, losing at 8-8 St Louis and vs 8-8 Cinicinati. The two teams they beat to get to the Superbowl were 8-8 Minnesota and 11-5 Atlanta. I have the Eagles graded as a "C+" team. Their strength of schedule takes the Eagles out of the "B" category and into the "C".
By the emotions:
I'm not as educated about the Eagles as some people - but it seems to me that after losing the Championship crown 4 times in a row - at home, the focus and the fear was on winning the NFC Crown and getting to the Superbowl. How much emotion is left for winning the Superbowl?
Bill Bellicek just wants to win - whatever way it takes - he doesn't care if the win is by one point or twenty - but there are other factors at play in this game- there are three things going for the Patriots that spell domination in this game -
First is Charlie Weiss, the Offensive Coach - winning this superbowl with a dominating offense will help him in his recruiting for Notre Dame. A dominating win will propel his coaching abilities into the spotlight and should help his team attract better athletes.
Second is Romeo Crennell, the Defensive Coach, who will want to end his carreer in New England with a dominating defensive game as he prepares to coach in the NFL (Probably Cleveland) - this will give him a reputation with players and fans that will last long enough for him to build a winning team.
Finally are the players, especialy the O and D linemen who want to make a lasting statement after being ignored all year as the media focused on the abilities of other teams, on the abilities of the coaches and on mssing "star" players such as Law and Seymour. These guys are quietly pounding their chests and wanting to close the season with a dominating win that will focus on their part of the game.
Conclusion:
The Patriots are better statistically and are also emotionally prepared to win, while the Eagles are just happy to be there.
Take the Patriots -7 and under 49
Good luck!
The Patiots have the third rated offense, the first rated defense, and have played the 3rd toughest schedule in the NFL - that's 3-1-3. The Patriots were 14-2 in the regular season, and have handily beaten the second and third ranked teams in the NFL in the playoffs. I have the Patriots graded as an "A" team.
The Eagles have the 12th rated offense, the fourth rated defense, and they've played the easiest schedule in the NFL - that's 12-4-32. Their regular season record is 13-3, but could be 15-1, since they rested key starters in the last two games of the season, losing at 8-8 St Louis and vs 8-8 Cinicinati. The two teams they beat to get to the Superbowl were 8-8 Minnesota and 11-5 Atlanta. I have the Eagles graded as a "C+" team. Their strength of schedule takes the Eagles out of the "B" category and into the "C".
By the emotions:
I'm not as educated about the Eagles as some people - but it seems to me that after losing the Championship crown 4 times in a row - at home, the focus and the fear was on winning the NFC Crown and getting to the Superbowl. How much emotion is left for winning the Superbowl?
Bill Bellicek just wants to win - whatever way it takes - he doesn't care if the win is by one point or twenty - but there are other factors at play in this game- there are three things going for the Patriots that spell domination in this game -
First is Charlie Weiss, the Offensive Coach - winning this superbowl with a dominating offense will help him in his recruiting for Notre Dame. A dominating win will propel his coaching abilities into the spotlight and should help his team attract better athletes.
Second is Romeo Crennell, the Defensive Coach, who will want to end his carreer in New England with a dominating defensive game as he prepares to coach in the NFL (Probably Cleveland) - this will give him a reputation with players and fans that will last long enough for him to build a winning team.
Finally are the players, especialy the O and D linemen who want to make a lasting statement after being ignored all year as the media focused on the abilities of other teams, on the abilities of the coaches and on mssing "star" players such as Law and Seymour. These guys are quietly pounding their chests and wanting to close the season with a dominating win that will focus on their part of the game.
Conclusion:
The Patriots are better statistically and are also emotionally prepared to win, while the Eagles are just happy to be there.
Take the Patriots -7 and under 49
Good luck!
