When I don’t have a strong affinity for either team in the Superbowl I tend to root for the underdog, so I’m hoping the Panthers pull off an upset. The fact that their coach is the former Giants defensive coordinator (whose departure was a big piece of the Giants decline) is also a big point in their favor. But do I think they can actually beat the patriots? Well….no. Belicheck is also a former Giants defensive coordinator (whose earlier departure was also a factor in an earlier Giants decline….) and he’s just a fantastic coach. Plus I don’t think the Panther’s strong running game will be able to overcome the stronger Pats defense, and while everyone is falling in love with the Panthers QB, if they decide to air it out a lot I think the Pats will be taking the ball away. On offense the Pats will be able to plod down field with the short passing game. It’s not going to be a high scoring affair, and I expect it to be a competitive and entertaining game, which is more than you can say for most superbowls. In the end, Pats by a touchdown.

Come back on Monday to make fun of me as you see fit, but that’s my call. I was 50% in my playoff picks which doesn’t speak well of my powers of prognostication, but I figure I picked against the Pats twice so now I’ll switch and pick them, I have to be right 😉 (I still think in a best of 5 the Titans would have won 3, but kudos to the Pats for taking that game).