Jacksonville
How we view it Mike Ciarochi
After watching the precision with which the Patriots dismantled the Steelers, it’s hard to pick against Bill Belichick’s team. The Eagles should put up a good fight, but look for New England to win its third title in four years. New England 28, Philadelphia 21.
Dave Stofcheck
If the Eagles’ offense doesn’t implode as the Steelers did, they’ll score enough points against an average-at-best New England defense. I also have a feeling Philadelphia’s defense will pressure the Patriots into a few mistakes, at least one of which will result in a score. New England won’t win a third Super Bowl in four years, so please, enough of this dynasty talk already. Philadelphia 27, New England 20.
Rod Schoener
The Patriots are an excellent team, but definitely not ready to be called a dynasty. Defense will be the key for the Eagles, as they have to prevent the Patriots from mounting patented sustained clock-eating drives. The return of Terrell Owens should definitely have an impact, physically, psychologically or maybe both. I have to go with our cross-state counterparts. Go Eagles, 31-24.
Rob Burchianti
This is simple folks. The Eagles are just happy to be in the Super Bowl after so many near misses, while this game falls in the “been there, done that” category for the Patriots. Though not invincible, New England knows what it takes to win this game. The MVP? Let’s just say it won’t be Freddie Mitchell. Oh, and don’t worry about the seven-point spread. Just play the over (47 ½). Patriots 31, Eagles 24.
Recent Super Bowls have had me checking around the younger set for some insight about the big game. A straw poll of the Conn-Area Catholic boys basketball teams gives a slight edge to the Patriots.
Nephew Brian Lohr, a 7th-grader at Harrold Middle School, looks for a 28-21 Eagles’ victory. Better known as “J-Dogg” to his inner circle, his younger brother Jason, a 2nd-grader at Youngwood’s Holy Cross School, also favors Philadelphia, predicting a 30-15 final.
My insight? Though not a profound thought, I see the game coming down to the grunts and control of the line of scrimmage. Should Jevon Kearse go freaky and Pittsburgh castoff Hank Fraley stand tall, the Eagles have the talent to win. Should the Patriots’ big men display the same execution of the AFC Championship, look for a reprisal of the Steelers’ debacle. I believe (i.e., hope) the elevation of Bill Belichick to Albert Einstein-Stephen W. Hawking status will have to wait a game because it’s the … Eagles 23, Patriots 13