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As we all know, thanks to the media saturation we are subjected to in the two weeks prior to the Super Bowl, a number of various factors have already determined the outcome of the game. These range from video game simulations (more on this eerie phenomenon in a moment) to fluke coincidences regarding past Super Bowl teams, from a discussion of intangibles to a breakdown of statistics. However, none of these matter as much as one key factor: the overwhelming power of a simple jinx. And a good running game.
The ancient Greeks held many different ideals (the importance of hospitality, respect, defending one's honor), but they never underestimated the damning power of the sin of hubris. All of the great victims of remarkable underdogs have had their fair dosage of hubris: Sam
Riddle, the Houston Cougars of "Phi Slamma Jamma" fame, the St. Louis Rams of 2002. (Bear in mind, there is a key difference between maintaining a level of confidence and disrespecting an opponent.)
The New England Patriots are the latest example of a team whose pre-game hubris will ultimately be their downfall. Even though many of the pundits are calling for a Panthers upset this week, the Patriots and their fans have clicked their over-confidence into turbo mode, disrespecting the Panthers coaches, workmanlike defense, underrated quarterback, and no-name wide receivers. It's ironic though, since this is the same ill-fated nonsense the St Louis faithful were spewing not two years ago about these very New England Patriots, and we all know how that turned out. Patriots fans are sure of a blowout victory and a second title in the three years, but come Sunday, their overconfidence will make the agony of defeat that much heart-rendering in the event of a Panther win.
Three key factors have led me to believe that the Panthers will win on Sunday. Firstly, the ever-present football mantra: the team with the better running game wins. The Panthers-the superior rushing offense-will be able to control the clock and the line of scrimmage, wearing down the Patriots defense while keeping their own defenders rested on the sidelines. Carolina's prototypical thunder-and-lightning ground attack-workhorse Stephen Davis between the tackles, the shifty Deshaun Foster in open space-will open things up for a few deadly play-action strikes from Jake Delhomme.
Now, X's and O's analysis is all fine and dandy, but greater powers are always at work, especially in games of such magnitude. Obviously, the biggest supernatural factor is aid from an omnipotent deity, but since Kurt Warner is not playing in this game, God has yet to declare his allegiance in this match-up. The next most important universal dynamic at play here is The Game Before the Game, a media-week hype-driven event staged by the people of 989 Sports to shamelessly promote their video game "NFL Gameday." The concept is simple: one player from each team (in this case, Steve Smith for the Panthers and Troy Brown representing the Patriots) face off against one another in a preview of the weekend's showcase. The effect, likewise, is simple: the game has been played the last eight years, and every time, the team that won the simulation has gone on to be triumphant on Sunday. Eerie coincidence? I think not. Reliable prediction? Without a doubt.
Steve Smith and the Panthers, lead by Video Stephen Davis' 317 yards and four TDs, upended Troy Brown and the Patriots. I'm sorry Pats fans-but it's in the cards. Or in this case, the memory cards.
As I wrote this piece, I had two key factors: the dominance of Carolina's running game and the triumph of Steve Smith. But then, a third sign was given to me.
As my fingers rapidly shifted across my keyboard, tapping out my predictions and ramblings, I decided a nap was in order, since I was only working on a few hours of sleep. Well, the nap was rather enjoyable, but what made it worth mentioning was the dream that kept me entertained in my slumber. I am not making this up-I dreamt the outcome of the Super Bowl.
Now, I'm not one to claim that dreams-especially my own-come true, but I believe in this instance I was treated to a vision of things to come. For instance, this dream occurred as I was writing; logically, it follows that it was given to me for this very piece. Also-a sound argument is typically made up of three key points. At the time, I had only two, the running game and Steve Smith's domination of Troy Brown. Thus, the dream was the third and final key to the Panthers winning on Sunday.
Here's how it went down. It was a close game throughout; with three minutes left in the fourth quarter, the score is tied at 14 and the Patriots are driving downfield for the victory. On 3rd down, with the Pats approaching mid-field, Troy Brown drops an easy pass from Tom Brady that would have moved the chains, and the Patriots are forced to punt. The punt is high and angling towards the sidelines, but Muhsin Muhammad attempts to make a sliding catch of it, a huge mistake. Not surprisingly, he muffs it, and the Patriots recover. With about 40 seconds remaining now, they need to move the ball a bit closer to get into field goal range for the victory. Tom Brady drops back, just looking for a slant, and wildly overthrows his receiver...and Ricky Manning intercepts the pass and returns it the length of the field for the game winning score. He showboats his way down the field, dancing with the ball and removing his helmet, before finally jumping into the end zone. These penalties, while they didn't negate the score, forced John Kasay to boot a 47-yard extra-point-and he was up to the task. In one of the most dramatic Super Bowls ever, the Panthers emerged victorious thanks to a last-second defensive touchdown.
So there you have it: the Panthers will win due to their powerful two-headed rushing attack, because Steve Smith came through in the clutch in the Game Before the Game, and because I dreamt it. And if the Panthers actually win on a last-second interception by Ricky Manning-watch out. It might be too much for me to handle.
So that's it folks--enjoy the big game, have yourself some buffalo wings and some nachos, enjoy some quality commercials (I expect a strong showing from the "BRILLIANT!" guys and from Leon) and then check back here early next week for my Super Bowl wrap-up and diary.