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The
Patriots Will Make the Rams Sweat
By Jim Buzinski
Outsports.com
I find it hard to get too excited about the matchup between St. Louis and New England. Their game in November was somewhat interesting but not too riveting. I would have much preferred Pittsburgh, but we can only hope it's a close game.
Despite my lack of enthusiasm, I think the Patriots will give the Rams a game. I can't see New England winning (absent five Ram turnovers), but the Pats will throw a bit of a scare into the Rams.
In their three-year playoff run that started in 1999, the Rams are 5-1 in the playoffs. Their margins of victory are not that impressive, save for the 28-point blowout of Green Bay two weeks
ago, aided by eight turnovers: 12, 5, 7, 28 and 5. The spread this Sunday is New England +14, which tells me the Rams are overvalued again. The public is enamored of the ``Greatest Show on
Earth,'' but the Rams play tighter in the playoffs than the regular
season.
Rams Offense vs. Patriot Defense
Look for New England to blitz frequently, trying to rattle Kurt Warner, who is playing with sore ribs. Pats coach Bill Belichick is a master at positioning players, so much so that Peyton Manning said it appears as if New England is playing with 15 instead of 11. Belichick and his staff will concoct something to try and keep the Rams off-balance. The key is not Warner, but running back Marshall Faulk. If his combined yardage running and receiving tops 120 this means the Rams are heading for a blowout. Less than 75 yards means the Patriots are keeping it close.
Patriot Offense vs. Ram Defense
The big mystery is who will start at quarterback for New England. Unless his ankle is too sore I say it should be Tom Brady. Despite the heroics off the bench of Drew Bledsoe vs. Pittsburgh, this is Brady's team and he deserves the chance to finish what he started. The Pats' offense is a lot like Brady-efficient, sometimes erratic but able to get the big score. Running back Antwoaine Smith isn't much of a threat, which will force New England to throw early and often. Watch for some trick plays. The Rams defense has great speed and athletes and will test Brady or Bledsoe. If the Rams win the turnover battle this one is over.
Special Teams
Both teams have reliable kickers, while budding superstar Troy Brown gives New England the return edge.
Coaching
Both Belichick and Rams coach Mike Martz will both be very well prepared, which means no strategic edge.
Outlook
The Rams have too much overall talent to expect a New England win. The Patriots need some points off of turnovers and an early lead to force the Rams out of their game. I don't see it. Expect it to be
relatively close throughout, but in the end talent wins out.
Rams 27-Patriots 16.
Jan. 30, 2002
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