The Carolina Panthers were picked by SI to win the superbowl this year. If they plan on living up to that standard, this becomes a must win. It would be nearly impossible to get to and win the superbowl after an 0-2 start. Both losses would also be home losses. As the Pats know, it IS possible to start 0-2 and win it all. I'm sure that Carolina will come out flying, clawing and scratching, cheating, holding, whatever it takes to avoid an 0-2 start. These teams already have a chip on their shoulder with the other. They are 2 of the more physical teams in the league, so Sunday's game should be the equivilent of two school yard bullies fighting to be king of the playground.
Expert picks, as you know, don't really mean much but it might make you feel more comfortable about the game to hear them. All of the ESPN analysts that have picked so far have picked the Pats. In their fan poll, 77% of voters pick the Pats. Many of the local media however, (Tom Curran and Pete Sheppard for example) have this one chalked up as a Patriots loss.
Strategy-wise, most feel that Belichick will look to shut down the Carolina running game and force Delhomme to pass. He really only has one weapon (Steve Smith) in the passing game and he has been known to throw some interceptions. It will be interesting to see if Belichick goes back (or sticks with) the 4-3 defense. (Traditional wisdom is that it is easier to stop the run in a 4-3.) However, Belichick may not have a choice and may be forced to use the 3-4 exclusively due to injury. Jarvis Green and Seymour money are both on the injured list as questionable. Green has had a non-contact, red jersey on during practices, but Seymour has been seen practicing. If one or both cannot play then Belichick might have to go with the 3-4.
One of my 'players to watch' will be on the field this week for Carolina, WR Keary Colbert.
The Patriots are favored by 2.5 points. They are 28-8-2 over the last two seasons against the spread. Don't bet against the Pats.
I pick the Pats to win this one by the same score as they did last week, 30-20.
Oh, and don't forget to start Watson and/or Graham for your fantasy team this week.
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3 comments:
Dude, if you're going to use Pete The Meat as a legit source, I'm going to have to stop coming here post haste! :-)
It's because there is no bigger homer than sheppard, so it proves my point.
guess Sheppard was right...
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