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Volume CXXXIII, Number 12 |
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Carolina Panthers will pull off a close victory
NICK LAROCQUE
STAFF WRITER
Super Bowl XXXVIII will showcase a battle between two teams built on very similar principles. This year, the Panthers' and the Patriots' success has come as a result of defensive dominance and flawless free execution on offense. They are both comprised of several stars at key positions but mainly of role-players who execute their system to perfection.
Tom Brady became the feel-good story of the NFL in 2001, as he led the Patriots to a storybook Championship season. Jake Delhomme, who entered this season as the backup to Rodney Peete, is the 2004 version of Brady.
Much like Brady in 2001, critics ask every week whether or not Delhomme will be able to perform under pressure. Much like Brady in 2001, Delhomme has answered every challenge. Going into this Super Bowl, Delhomme has the second highest passer rating of this postseason, behind only Peyton Manning. He does not always rack up huge stats, but he makes minimal mistakes. If Delhomme is able to make smart throws and minimize risk, the Panthers should be fine.
The key match-up for this game will be the Panthers running attack against New England's rushing defense. Carolina has made its living on offense by running the ball. An injury to Stephen Davis early in the second round game in St. Louis allowed DeShaun Foster, who had been used primarily as a change-of-pace back by Carolina, to establish himself as a real threat. If both Davis and Foster are able to run effectively against the Patriots, keeping each other fresh in the process, they will take pressure off Jake Delhomme and will put their team in a position to win the game.
Most experts have declared the Panthers defensive line to be the best in the NFL, and the Patriots are without Damian Woody, their best offensive lineman. I expect the Panther front four to generate pressure on Tom Brady. This pressure, along with the extremely physical play of the Panthers secondary, will neutralize the Patriots' passing game. My prediction is a very close game, and I expect the Panthers to win by a field goal. My MVP: Stephen Davis.
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