Monday, January 12, 2009

All Four Super Bowl Previews III

It's a JMO tradition to post on the four possible Super Bowls now that we know who will be playing in the Championship games. So I don't waste the time of the people not reading this here they are:

I'm going to list them as least compelling to most:

Arizona vs Pittsburgh
I don't see any reason to hope for this Super Bowl. Pittsburgh's defense was #1 in the NFL in many categories this year. Now, Arizona's offense have become more potent in the last few weeks but they are no match for the modern Steel Curtain. If San Diego couldn't get past them, the Cardinal's certainly won't. That and there's no other story. Kurt Warner vs Big Ben? Arizona's first trip to the big game vs a franchise with lots of history? Pittsburgh would be the first to 6 Super Bowls. I think this matchup would give the Steeler's their second Super Bowl victory in 3 seasons and maybe their first legitimate one. winner: Steelers (Loser: NFL Fans)

Philadelphia vs Baltimore
Another snoozer. Less so than AZ vs PIT just because the Eagles offense is slightly better than AZ and the Raven's D is slightly worse than PIT. But, again, there's no compelling story here. Rookie QB vs QB likely leaving? East Coast Battle? Redemption for McNabb vs a team that's not as good as the last team he lost to in the Big Game? I think the pressure gets to McNabb again and Ravens walk away with their first Super Bowl win since they trounced the Giants in Super Bowl XXXV. Winner: Ravens (Loser: McNabb)

Philadelphia vs Pittsburgh
Now we're getting interesting. "The Clash of the Keystone state!" "The Fray for P.A." "Pennsylvania Pummelling!" I think the most entertaining part about this game would be in the stands. Both fan bases are known for being obnoxious, berating, and combative. There might be harder hits in the stands than on the field. Maybe they should have the Eagles fans on one side and the Steelers fans on the other like at high school basketball games. Winner: Pittsburgh (Loser: Stadium Security)

Arizona vs Baltimore
I've listed this one last because I think this would be the best game. Two first time trips: The Cardinals and Flaco. The matchup for the Arizona offense and the Baltimore Defense is very exciting and the reverse is almost as even. Kurt Warner and his near explosive offense vs Ray Lewis and his near impenetrable defense. Veteran QB vs Rookie QB. Personally, I'd like to see Warner go out on top with a victory here. This game is tough to call. Can Flaco win the game his first time there? Can the Cardinals stop him and overcome the Ravens vaunted D? Winner: Ravens (Loser: the Manning family)

So, I'd like to see Arizona vs Baltimore with AZ winning it all. I expect to see Pittsburgh vs Philadelphia.

What are your picks (hopeful and expected)?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Marc,

I agree. Would like to see Kurt win one and then retire.

Bill

Marc said...

Thanks Bill,

I knew I could count on you to appreciate my sports post!