Discuss the game, make your prediction!

I think it will be relatively close in the first half, but NE will pull away in the second, like today, but more convincingly.

That's the conventional wisdom. Then again, Michael Vick and the Falcons were supposed to be able to run the ball today. Heh. Their "DVD" had a scratch and has to go back to the store. The Eagles' offense was supposed to be hampered by the winds. Two of their TD drives were against the wind.

Probably the only thing we can say with certainty is that Cyd is going to be insufferable for a couple of weeks. wink Then again...

eek!

Today's Patriot's game was interesting. The Steelers were competitive all the way, but couldn't make the big plays like NE and were never in it on the scoreboard. Kicking that field goal did seem to take the air out of their second half rally. I never thought the Falcons would win- they were a long shot.

You know, if someone wanted to go to the game I could easily be persuaded to spend some money and make the trip. I'm sure the legit travel agencies would be charging quite a lot, but it would be worth it.

Well, I nailed the NFC game (had Philly 27-14) and missed on the AFC. My early read is NE 31, Philly 13. I just think the Pats seem to have an answer for every team they face and get a "we're just glad to be here" sense from Philly.

As usualy you have no idea what you are talking about... Consider this, all time Reid off a bye week..8-0.

The birds are gonna stomp that little pretty boy pansy ass dick into the ground...

GO EAGLES!

TO TO TO TO!

Brady seems to be the most humble QB in the league right now. Individual stats don't seem to be his goal. Maybe growing up with older sisters really has made him mild-mannered as one of them suggested. Big games haven't phased him.

As a former college lacrosse captain Bill Belichick must have learned to judge players for smarts and team-value rather than star quality.

Maybe the only way to beat them is to be humbler.

Joe..think twice about that!..Jacksonville is going to be HELL! those of us who HAVE to go are dreading this trip. Not enough hotel space; a traffic nightmare; no great party spaces, in fact the Maxim party is being held at The Garden Club of Jacksonville and the Playboy Party at The River City Brewing Company, NOT exactly primo party spots! A week in Jacksonville isn't exactly the same as New Orleans, San Diego or Houston, my last three trips...And when I was there in November with the Lions for the Jags game it was FREEZING!...it should be called Jacksonville, Georgia....because of the weather AND the people.

Somebody obviously bought someone off for Jax to even get the Superbowl! They friggin have to use cruise ships for hotel space.

Although Joe, I am sure just being in the town around other fans would be great.

GO PATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations are in big order for any and all Eagles fans this morning. Way to go Eages, and go beat those Pats!!!!!

Not at all. I just think it's great that they're back in the big game. I am surprised that anyone could think they Eagles will win this game. I don't see how it's even possible. I'm going to just really enjoy watching the Super Bowl this year.

Patriots 31, Eagles 10

Cyd - judging by the Vegas oddsmakers (the Pats are an early 6-61/2 point favorite) your prediction seems a bit high but not out of the realm of possibility. But you also need to remember that on any given Sunday, anything can happen. I think there was a game this year between the Pats and the Dolphins that had a rather unexpected final score.

I speak for most Eagles fans, I think, in feeling that we had a great season getting to the Super Bowl. The Patriots are the class of the league and worthy Champions. The Eagles aren't too shabby either. As the Home Page headline reads, the Pats and the Eagles have the best records over the past several years. And they both should be good for many years to come with young quarterbacks, strong organizations, unintrusive owners and great coaches.

JIP - NFLJock is right. Don't bother with Jacksonville. I considered going but remembered my trip there when the Eagles last played Jacksonville (and lost). We ended up staying about 30 miles south of the Stadium, parking was awful and the stadium left a lot to be desired although I understand it has been upgraded. The Bike Stop may be a better venue to watch the game. They put on a great party yesterday with lots of food, an open bar for a time after the Eagles won and 150 beefy, woofy men packed together. Hell, they even had song sheets with the words to the Eagles Fight Song (only in a gay bar) which was sung with much gusto.

[quote]Cyd at Outsports:
[QUOTE]I am surprised that anyone could think they Eagles will win this game. I don't see how it's even possible. I'm going to just really enjoy watching the Super Bowl this year.[/quote]And exactly how could you assume the pats are a lock? Hardly. Will anyone pick the hirds? Jaws perhaps...

TO or NO TO for the game... the Eagle are a balanced, well coached, Solid team who can go toe to toe with the Pats in all areas of the game.

This game will not be a blowout, you can book that.

Who the f*** is that?

You don't need him.

I'm gonna get in trouble at home for saying this, but...Pats are going down. In that manly way. wink

[quote]Joe in Philly:

Probably the only thing we can say with certainty is that Cyd is going to be insufferable for a couple of weeks. wink [/quote]eek! [/QB][/QUOTE]

Insufferable? Cyd? Maybe he's been reading too many postings from Eagles fans.

Seriously, I don't remember a Super Bowl where I had less interest in the teams. The Pats and Eagles are my least favorite teams. Yes, they're good, there's no denying that, but I've never been able to warm up to either organization, or coach, or QB. Maybe there's a figure skating extravaganza I can watch instead on Super Bowl Sunday.

Please Lord! Let Paul McCartney flash his man boob! PLEASE!!

I say the Eagles will win by two touchdowns.

Patriots over Eagles 34-24. How soon before we're all sick of the pregame hype??

Eagle Chad Lewis will missa the Super Bowl; surgery scheduled for this Wednesday.

~Adam

That's why Cyd in insufferable. The game has already been played in secret and only Cyd has been clued in on the result. The Oracle has spoken, so no further discussion necessary.

[ January 24, 2005, 09:55 AM: Message edited by: Jim at Outsports ]

Bitter bitter bitter.

I'm just happy the Patriots are still alive in the playoffs. I don't care - everyone can pick the Eagles if they want to. As I said, I'm just surprised how anyone could still not get that the Patriots are this year's Super Bowl champs.

What? His Magic 8 Ball?

Finally a voice of reason!

I love how fans who are confident in their team are brandished "insufferable" - usually by those who cheer for perennial losers.

I love how fans who are real fans actually support their teams when they are winning AND losing. Unlike some fans who cheer like mental patients when their teams are at the top of their game and basically abandon them when they suck. Here are some interesting stats for you Cyd. You may want to write an article about where the New England fans were a few short years ago:

http://www.kenn.com/sports/football/nfl/nf...attendance.html

Sorry for the double post - but here are some stats for you Kenny "Bandwagon" Bucs fan:

http://www.kenn.com/sports/football/nfl/nf...attendance.html

Why should a family of four pay $400 for tickets, food and parking to watch a bad team lose? I've always liked the Patriots - since I was a little kid. But, if they're 2-8, I'm just not going to pay $100 to watch the game from the stands when I could watch them at home for free. Every team's attendance goes up when they're good.

I'm gonna make a conservative guess of Patriots 53 - Eagles 6.

Cyd - I don't doubt that you are a true, blue fan and I wasn't referring to you or anyone else -- just that I remember that the Patriots played for many years to empty seats and were even threatening, as I recall, moving to Hartford. My comments were not meant as a broad brush for Boston fans who faithfully supported their beloved Red Sox for all those years. But frankly, your attack on fans who support "losers" is just plain bull shit. Shouldn't we be uplifting people who stick with their teams through thick or thin? Isn't that why everyone was so happy about the Sox winning and why the Cubs fans are so celebrated?

If you don't like Eagles fans (and I'm the first to admit, sometimes there is a lot to dislike about them), the intellectually honest thing to do is just say - "look, I don't like Eagles fans because (insert reason(s))" rather than attack them for something they do that is actually admirable (i.e supporting their team when they win AND lose).

And, in terms of money, when a team sucks you can pick up a ticket to their game for next to nothing. I was out in Phoenix in the Fall and could have picked up 2 tickets to the Cards game for 25 bucks; probably less.

Ditto on that one.

I wonder how many current Eagle-maniacs were booing when McNabb was drafted over some marquee QB.

I'll admit my own flip-flop. I wasn't impressed when T.O. first came to Philly, but now seeing him cheering his teammates even from the sidelines makes me think he could be as much an Eagle-maniac as he is an egomaniac.

But then I suppose he gets paid a bonus if they win the superbowl regardless of whether he plays. Wonder what else is in that contract. wink

MDphl, I don't mind Philly fans AT ALL! There is only one fan of a team who has EVER made me turn on a team because he was jsut completely obnoxious about his team. But, three years removed, I like that team very much again (Minnesota Vikings).

I'm GLAD the Eagles won. As Jim and I discussed privately, so many of our strongest supporters on this site are Eagles fans - we're both SO GLAD they are happy today! I have nothing against any fans. Even living in NYC and not liking the Yankees - Yankees fans don't bug me. If I could pick, both the Eagles AND Patriots would win the Super Bowl. But, I need the Pats to win the Super Bowl to win a season-long bet I have - so, I hope they do win it all. Plus, it would be final confirmation of the brilliance of a man I respect deeply - Bill Belichick.

"Cyd The Insufferable", unless Jeebus H. Christ, Elvis and/or Brett friggin Somers have personally visited you, told you the outcome of the game, and you have photographic proof, I'm going with the EAGLES all the way! :cool: Final Score: Eagles 31, Patsies 19.

Plus, I did better in the Pick 'Em this year than you did, O great Oracle, so I think I'm a better predictor of the final outcome. Nyah, Nyah!!!!!!

GO EAGLES!!!!!! :cool:

PS -- (shameless plug) do I get a Superbowl Party invite this year??

Exactly my point. We'll hear the same thing for the next two weeks from the national media, if we haven't heard it already (you'll have to forgive me, but I didn't feel like watching ESPN last night).

And this comes from the same person who wrote on October 17th...
...and then offered some glowing flowery tribute after the Red Sox proved him wrong.

OK - we're all going to get a penalty for piling on Cyd (not that it wouldn't be worth the 15 yeards ).

For some reason I thought their stadium was a newer one. Anyway, the main attraction for me is this: I was in attendance on October 21, 1980 when the Phillies won the World Series. So just imagine the small number of people who'd be able to say they were there in person for both the Phils' first WS win and the Eagles' first SB win. But I'd need someone to go with me to do all that necessary driving. wink

You're right. I'm wrong. Go Eagles!

But Cyd, by your own admission you were "over" the Pats in 2002 and had an amazing re-interest in 2003 (that's what 17-2 will do for you). And when a friend of ours first met you and assumed you were a Pats fan, you said "not really."

It's fine to root for the Pats, but don't act like you've been with them through thick and thin while the rest of us bitter types continue to cheer for "losers."

I thought the Super Bowl has yet to be played or have I been in a coma? wink

On Ebay, tickets are around $2,000 apiece.

Ebay Super Bowl Tickets

I guess I'm not a real fan, 'cause I couldn't pay that much! But Joe, if I did, I'd drive down with you in a heartbeat!!

As I've told you many times, I hated how the Patriots treated Bledsoe after that Super Bowl, like he had done nothing for the team. As I told you then, I was boycotting the team for a year out of respect for a player whom I thought did great things for that team.

And as I told you before the 2003 season, they had served their sentence with me for treating Bledsoe badly. And, lest you say again that I jumped on their bandwagon when they were good again in 2003, I was driving the bus when I picked them BEFORE the 2003 season to win the Super Bowl

Shoot me if my loyalty to a player I thought did great things for the team outweighed my love of the team for one season.

Not sure if I have said this yet but....

GO PATS!!!!!!!!!!!

GO PATS!!!

What are you two going to do in two weeks? Post "GO GOLF COURSE" or some other drivel?

If you really loved me you'd just drive me to the game and back even if you didn't get a ticket. wink Have you guys ever considered trying to get media credentials for events like this?

Okay, I will jump into the fray, as one of the few devoted Patriots fans on the board. I have suffered through their bad years (years when those empty seats meant even my family in Western Mass had a hard time seeing games on television because of regional blackouts). I remember well the "draft bowls," typically versus the-then Baltimore Colts, when you actually wish your team will lose, thereby gaining the worst record in the league, and a first-round draft pick. I remember the horrible loss to the Bears in '86, when a lot of the players tested positive for cocaine (so that's how they won three games on the road to get to the Super Bowl). And I remember the way Bill Parcells royally screwed the team in 1997 (as my poor dear, Patriots-loving mother lay on her deathbed) and in all likelihood cost us, including Drew Bledsoe, that Super Bowl.

I have lived, worked and argued with Dallas fans, Niner fans, and, the absolute worst, Redskins fans over the years, defending my loyalty to the team. I have searched high and low in DC for places to watch my beloved Pats play, when they were never the featured game, and remember rejoicing that one bar in DC, with the entire NFL Sunday package on satellite, was willing to put the Pats game on, if only on the smallest, hardest-to-see screen. When I could not find their game on TV I have watched AFC games I could not care less about, just so I could catch the "10-minute ticker" and find out how the game was going.

So I am going to fully relish this win, and my hopes for another Super Bowl championship, for the full two weeks. I love this team not only because they have always been my team, but also because they have a coach and a roster of players that clearly is focused solely on the goal of winning - not feeding into the hype, not getting game-day stats, but simply winning.

I will not make the predictions that Cyd or other sports writers have done, if only because I don't want to jinx the Pats. But I will say that intellectually I believe the Pats will win. First, they have been there before, while the Eagles (who, incidentally, I was rooting for yesterday) are on their first try, and may indeed have the "whew, we got here!" let down. Second, Belichick seems supernaturally able to put together a strong game plan every week, seemingly finding those tiny weaknesses that the team can exploit. But mostly I believe they will win because they are truly a team, and that seems to be their biggest strength. I too questioned the decision not to go with Bledsoe in 2002, but I think the way the team played that whole season, including the leadership by Bledsoe, was the foundation for the relative selflessness we see in them today.

I fully understand the Eagles will be a tough opponent, and could easily win the game. But I am rooting for and hoping for my Patriots.

Pats 24, Eagles 20.

Anybody loan me a BB gun?

As for CPT_Doom, nice to see there is one TRUE Pats fan here and not just the noveau rich.

[ January 24, 2005, 02:08 PM: Message edited by: Jim at Outsports ]

OOOh! That is some serious Patriotism there Doom!

Bringing dieing mothers in to sports smack is fightin' words in some quarters.

quote from: Joe in Philly
"If you really loved me you'd just drive me to the game and back even if you didn't get a ticket. wink Have you guys ever considered trying to get media credentials for events like this?"

Jim and Cyd, that's an interesting question; have you guys ever applied for NFL credentials before? The deadline for the Super Bowl was back in November, so this year's pretty much a bust. Having covered the past three, my credentials are pretty much guaranteed ever year, however it would be interesting to see how the League would treat a request from someone "new" to the press corp or more importantly individuals from "your" organization.

[ January 24, 2005, 04:09 PM: Message edited by: NFLJockGuy ]

Joe, there are complete packages thru AAA for about 4000 a person. I also saw ads for a charter fight, USA3000 for $349 a person. In any case it does seem like an awful lot to be spending for the game, but I can understand thinking about being there in person since it has been 24 years.

I've seen lots of packages advertised...but I'm not sure it would work logistically. Even if they provide transfer to/from the airport, and even if they provide transfer to/from the stadium, if the hotel ends up being in the middle of nowhere I'm stuck for the other 2 days or so, depending on the length of the trip package. And I don't want one of those same-day packages.

This is one of those trips that really requires a boyfriend. Sigh......

As everyone who has not lived under a rock is aware, the Patriots are the popular choice since they are favored and have won twice in the last three years.

However the Eagles and their fans have waited a long time for this moment and are not about to just be happy getting there. If we just blindly follow the masses who expect the PATS to mail it in, then why bother having the game or watching it.

I rememeber a young PATS team in 2002 going against the "Greatest show on turf". They were 14 point dogs and had no chance of winning by all the experts. We know how that turned out. Last year a Carolina team that really lacked an offense all year, took the PATS to limit.

I am just saying the Super Bowl is not a multigame series, so with the right breaks and mindset anything can happen. I expect a close physical game, and naturally I am picking the Eagles.

We've talked about it, and will definitely discuss applying next year. I think they actually frown on Internet sites, as there are thousands of them. We'll see.