Super Bowl Predictions: Another Lombardi For Patriots?
INDIANAPOLIS (CBS) - Super Bowl Sunday is here and here are the predictions from the WBZ/98.5 The Sports Hub:
Scott Zolak, 98.5 The Sports Hub
I actually do think this game will live up to the hype, but I think it will be more higher-scoring than four years ago.
Somebody is going to make a play in the third quarter, and I think it will be New England. The Giants will get to Brady early in the game, but the Pats will make adjustments up front. I think Gronk is a go and he'll play the entire game, but I don't know how productive he'll be. I think Wes Welker is going to be the MVP. I'm going 31-27 Patriots. Giants make it close at the end, but they just run out of time. Pats win their fourth Super Bowl in the last 11 years.
Andy Gresh, 98.5 The Sports Hub
As cliché as it is to say, it's about turnovers and taking care of the football and those little things. It really is. It's about taking care of the football, red zone execution and getting to the quarterback. I think this is the time where Tom Brady has the chance to get his big shining moment; to drive the team down the field and get a touchdown, not a field goal to win the game.
I'm going to say the Patriots handle the things they need to, but get ready for a close game. Patriots 24-23. I'm really having a hard time picking an MVP. I would say the easy one and go with Brady, but I would say the other one could be Aaron Hernandez.
Steve Burton, WBZ-TV Sports
Well, they know what's at stake, and Tom Brady is more focused for this game than every before.
The experts are predicting a close game, but don't be surprised if it's not. I won't be.
There is no doubt Gronk is hurting, but with one game left he will put the pain aside and give it his all.
If they protect Brady and keep him upright the Patriots could put up some big numbers. As for Eli Manning, he has reached elite status; just not Brady status.
The Giants will score -and it could come in bunches- but the Patriots defense is not going. They have been playing great during the postseason, and they'll need to keep that going.
Patriots take this one 28-21.
Read: Mike Reiss Super Bowl Predictions
Dan Roche, WBZ-TV Sports
Going into the Denver Divisional play-off game the Patriots were extremely confident. You could see it and feel it in the Patriots locker room and around Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. The Pats then went out and destroyed Tim Tebow and the Broncos,
Going into the Batimore AFC Championship game the Patriots seemed on edge. They were quiet and conservative. I think they knew they were in for a fight. It turned out that way too as the Pats won on a missed FG.
Going into the Super Bowl against the Giants the Patriots seem to be back to their Denver mood. I don't know if it's just that they like each other from the Head Coach all the way down(as our Patriot analyst Scott Zolak suggests) or if they are confident in their game plan. Bill Belichick seems to be in a real good place as does QB Tom Btady. It appears they are confident in their game plan.
How will that translate onto the football field Sunday? Who knows. Gronk's injury, turnovers, penalties, and more can all play a role in how Super Bowl 46 unfolds.
I do think that the Patriots have too much on their side this time around. They can rid themselves of Super Bowl 42, David Tyree, and the perfect season for one. The Belichick and Brady combo can move up the history charts or even put an end to their historical run. And, maybe the biggest thing if all is.....the Myra Kraft factor. I believe in fate and I think we will see her watching over Tom Brady and company in this one. There's too much good stuff here.
I think the Giants are a great team. They have an explosive offense, terrifying defense, solid special teams, and an outstanding coach. But, I just think the Pats will find a way. I expect no-huddle from the start and they will hang on. Pats win 31-27.
Levan Reid, WBZ-TV Sports
I started this by thinking that Pats were going to lose. The Giants started out as the underdogs but they sure don't feel like that.
My problem though is they wouldn't shut up. Guys chirped and put up bulletin board material for the Pats early. As that was going on, the Pats became more relaxed and they seem to impress people more with their quiet confidence. No Bravado for them.
Watching Gronkowski will be something the Pay attention but I just get the feeling the contingency plan is in place and the Pats are ready to roll with it.
Get ready for a superbowl that's headed to over time. Pats win in the extra frame 30-27.
Walt Perkins, WBZ NewsRadio 1030
Nothing would make me happier than to see the Patriots with a 30 point lead with 3:00 to play. Alas, I doubt that is going to be the case.
As Bill Belichick has said on numerous occasions, most NFL games are decided on a few plays. One team makes them, the other doesn't.
Unfortunately for New England, it has been the New York Giants making the plays down the stretch of late when these two teams meet. That trend will be reversed in Super Bowl XLVI.
Each team will make a number of plays but I think the Patriots offensive line will do a solid job against the Giants pass rush. It will be up to Tom Brady to find the "open receiver" quickly, because doing a solid job against the Giants pass rush means keeping them at bay for a second or two. That is how much time Brady will have to work with. He needs to be at his best.
How Rob Gronkowski's left ankle holds up is, perhaps, the biggest question heading into the contest. My concern isn't whether Gronk can run his routes. The concern is how strong is the ankle when it comes to blocking. No doubt the 2nd year Tight End will be called upon to help slow down the Giants rush. If his left ankle doesn't hold up, that will be a problem.
We may see Brady under center for more plays than normal. It would certainly help if the Patriots can establish some sort of ground attack. That would make the play-action more effective.
Still, it will be a close game and I think we will see the first overtime game in Super Bowl history with the Patriots winning, 30-27, on a Stephen Gostkowski 32-yard field goal.
My pick for game MVP? Patriots Tight End, Aaron Hernandez.
Watch Patriots Game Day Predictions:
Tune in to Super Bowl XLVI between the Patriots and Giants on 98.5 The Sports Hub, the only place to hear the local call of the game. Pregame coverage begins Sunday, February 5 at noon.
