Just another take on the Super Bowl

[dawgball]

First, I usually don't give NFL predictions because I normally am completely off. But here is my take on the Super Bowl this year. I see shades of last year's big game when a high-powered offense went against a very sound defensive team. The non-offensive team had a very talented coach (Billichek) and it showed when it mattered. I believe that there is too much emphasis being placed on the Raider's O vs. Buc's D. This match-up will most likely not show a clear winner. I would like to concentrate on the other side of the ball when Sapp takes on the cheerleader role.

Brad Johnson is certainly a better QB than Trent Dilfer AND I would also choose him to run my offense over Tom Brady. These two QBs in the past proved that with a good system (coach) and the ability not to turn the ball over, an average QB can win the Super Bowl. Gruden, being the offensive-minded coach, will have a few surprises ready and the Oakland secondary is not the best group to have the game riding on. How many of you thought that Tampa was done against the Eagles when they fell behind 7-0. Tampa doesn't have the offense to overcome deficits...correct? They proved last game that they do. I don't think that anyone here would argue whether or not Philly's secondary is heads above the Raiders.

The front line for Tampa's defense, verbally led by Sapp, may be recognized and talked about, but I still don't think they get as much credit as they deseve. With constant pressure on a less than mobile (at least compared to McNabb-injured or not) QB in Gannon, Oakland's offense will not be able to dictate like they want. If you see Oakland trying to run the ball to set up the passing game, Tampa may end up routing the Raiders right back up to the bay.

Home field advantage: IMO, this does not exist in the Super Bowl. The Oakland fans will show in droves outside the stadium, but Super Bowl tix are not bought by fans. They are gobbled up by people who want to be seen or see others that want to be seen. This is one of the areas that the NFL does not compare to the college game. In the biggest game of the year when it matters most, there are less dedicated fans for the opposing sides than any other weekend during the season. I have seen several people talking about a virtual home field for Oakland. Not the case if you ask me.

My prediction: Tampa Bay 30 Oakland 17
MVP: Warren Sapp

 

[c20916]

Dawgball,

Nice writeup, but I have to disagree. I think Gannon is more mobile than you give him credit for, if need be he can take off and gain some yards, he's no Mike Vick or McNabb, but he is mobile.

Also your other point about Oak trying to run the ball, I think they will have success running the ball against TB. Oak has one of , if not the best OL in the league, and if Oak runs right at the undersized TB line they will have success. Look what Philly did to TB in their first meeting.

I agree with you on the homefield, it's neutral to me as well. I think the Oak offense will have the TB defense on their heels all day. The only thing that concerns me in going with the raiders is their DB's. Woodson is not 100% and he looked it against Tenn. I still think I will go with the radiers despite that.

 

[the_fix_is_on]

If MVP stands for Most Vacuous Pinhead...I'd say Sapp wins it, hands down.

 

[dawgball]

Thanks for the comments.

I definitely don't compare Gannon to Manning when it comes to mobility, but the way TB's defense was able to contain the run of McNabb and Vick (as you mentioned) makes me believe that Gannon scrambling abilities will be nulled. Gannon is smarter than both the two QBs mentioned above, so he will be able to get rid of the ball in better fashion to minimize losses.

It's not that Oakland does not have a running game, but I do not feel that this is the way that they can beat TB. If they have to resort to trying to run the ball to set up the pass, then I think this is where TB will make a move.

fix--I didn't say Sapp would win a popularity contest, but I think he may be the biggest factor in the game. I might play a prop on him to win the award if the odds are right.

 

[FRANK RIZZO]

Great write up!

Great write up!

Thank you for providing some insight on this game. I feel the one thing that people are failing to realize is that the offense and Defense of the Bucs of present cannot be compared to its earlier season form. As I have said in other threads this offense had to learn it's 4th scheme in 4 years. Why? Because they have had 4 different offensive coordinators in the last 4 years. They have developed into a better than average group and understand what needs to be done to be successful. This gives the defense time to rest and be on go making big play after big play. Do you remember what the Bucs did to the St Louis offense 3 years ago. They completely shut them down. You will see much of the same on Sun. The only difference is they did not have any offense to back them up. Bucs in a not so close game.