Final analysis:
Quick weather for the game -- temp hovering between 12 and 15 degrees with a wind chill around -12. Winds are expected between 19 and 22 mph. That horse has been beaten to death, so I want to look at the actual players in this one. We know about Vick, the big play capability and the great legs, but I think the key is Warrick Dunn. His 142 yards last week is what opened up lanes for Vick to do his thing. The lasting image I have of Dunn were the playoff games vs the Bucs is 2001 and 2000, where he was ineffective and complained about the cold. (so much so when the Eagles pursued him as a free agent he said he couldn't play in such a cold city). To me this is a huge factor because Dunn in many ways sets up Vick's big plays by keeping the defense honest and keyed on him. After a few big hits from Trotter and co he really could become a non factor, based on prior performances in this spot.
I look for Kearse to spy Vick for some of the game, but I will be disappointed if he's not more creative than that. I look for him to try to confuse the QB just like he did to Culpepper last week, showing him a lot of looks and having guys blitz from all angles. I'd bet my bottom dollar that Kearse's sole job is to disrupt Vick, but I think he's going to be different in the way he does it from each play. JJ knows that you can't just put Kearse in a blanket "joker" role because Vick will adjust.
The TE's for both teams will play major roles in my mind, because I think both defenses can be soft in the middle at times. Gut instinct is that a safety will key on Crumbler more than not, and the Eagle's will take their chances and let the cornerbacks do their job in one on one situations.
Then is comes down to #5. This is the first time in two years he's fully healthy for the game, and he's coming off his best regular season to date. As much as we all want to talk about Vick's ability to run, McNabb can get it done with his legs as well, and there is no denying the fact that he's got a much deeper and complete grasp of the west coast offense than his counterpart at QB today. With the help of Westbrook, also playing in his first NFC title game as a starter, I think they find a way to get it done. This game isn't going to be pretty, but I really think it's only going to take a few big plays to win this one. 17-7 Philly.
Just on a side note, for obvious reasons everyone is saying that this is the 4th shot at it, and the players will be nervous/tight. Just wanted to point out that there are only three starters on defense (Dawkins, Simon, Walker) and 7 starters on offense (McNabb, Pinkston, Ruynon, Fraley, Lewis, Mayberry and Thomas) that will be playing today. In total, there are only 13 players that will dress today that have played in all three championship game losses. So while this might be a bittersweet situation for some, this is also an exciting morning to wake up to and take a fresh breath, because it will be their first crack at the Super Bowl.
Quick weather for the game -- temp hovering between 12 and 15 degrees with a wind chill around -12. Winds are expected between 19 and 22 mph. That horse has been beaten to death, so I want to look at the actual players in this one. We know about Vick, the big play capability and the great legs, but I think the key is Warrick Dunn. His 142 yards last week is what opened up lanes for Vick to do his thing. The lasting image I have of Dunn were the playoff games vs the Bucs is 2001 and 2000, where he was ineffective and complained about the cold. (so much so when the Eagles pursued him as a free agent he said he couldn't play in such a cold city). To me this is a huge factor because Dunn in many ways sets up Vick's big plays by keeping the defense honest and keyed on him. After a few big hits from Trotter and co he really could become a non factor, based on prior performances in this spot.
I look for Kearse to spy Vick for some of the game, but I will be disappointed if he's not more creative than that. I look for him to try to confuse the QB just like he did to Culpepper last week, showing him a lot of looks and having guys blitz from all angles. I'd bet my bottom dollar that Kearse's sole job is to disrupt Vick, but I think he's going to be different in the way he does it from each play. JJ knows that you can't just put Kearse in a blanket "joker" role because Vick will adjust.
The TE's for both teams will play major roles in my mind, because I think both defenses can be soft in the middle at times. Gut instinct is that a safety will key on Crumbler more than not, and the Eagle's will take their chances and let the cornerbacks do their job in one on one situations.
Then is comes down to #5. This is the first time in two years he's fully healthy for the game, and he's coming off his best regular season to date. As much as we all want to talk about Vick's ability to run, McNabb can get it done with his legs as well, and there is no denying the fact that he's got a much deeper and complete grasp of the west coast offense than his counterpart at QB today. With the help of Westbrook, also playing in his first NFC title game as a starter, I think they find a way to get it done. This game isn't going to be pretty, but I really think it's only going to take a few big plays to win this one. 17-7 Philly.
Just on a side note, for obvious reasons everyone is saying that this is the 4th shot at it, and the players will be nervous/tight. Just wanted to point out that there are only three starters on defense (Dawkins, Simon, Walker) and 7 starters on offense (McNabb, Pinkston, Ruynon, Fraley, Lewis, Mayberry and Thomas) that will be playing today. In total, there are only 13 players that will dress today that have played in all three championship game losses. So while this might be a bittersweet situation for some, this is also an exciting morning to wake up to and take a fresh breath, because it will be their first crack at the Super Bowl.
