The-Hogs.net - Washington Football Discussion, Redskins to Commanders Era

Okay, I'll jump on this early again

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (-7) v. CAROLINA PANTHERS

Who's gonna be the next Super Bowl champion?

Offense

Carolina has that pound-it-out style of offense with a big throw to Smith once in a while. The key to their offensive attack, in my opinion, is to pound that ball on the ground early and often. Maintain control of the clock and keep the Patriots offense off of the field.

New England's running game isn't as good as Carolina's, however, New England has a short-passing attack that sort of substitutes for a running game sometimes. Brady is a very good QB when it comes to the "X's and O's" and the Patriots will surely mix the run and pass very well.

Advantage - Carolina

Defense

There isn't a better front-4 in the league than the Panthers' front 4. Those guys do an outstanding job against the run and pressure is always on the opposing QB. The seconday (a la Manning) is also playing very well, benefiting from the pressure the front-4 is putting on the QB.

New England may not have the skill at the front-4 that Carolina has, but the Patriots' defensive schemes are second to none! This team game plans extremely well for the opponent each and every week. They have a knack for shutting down the opponent's best weapon and, as a result, they win. The Patriots defense is swarming all over the place and when they hit, they hit hard. Likewise, their secondary (a la Law) isn't playing too poorly these days.

Advantage - Patriots

Special Teams

Kasay is a "hit and miss" kicker so the Panthers can't really rely on him to win the game for them. Sauerbrun, however, is an exceptional punter and, if this game becomes a game of field position, Suerbrun's big leg and accurate placement will really help the Panthers.

Adam Vinatieri has won big games for the Patriots before so they know they can rely on him to come through in the "big game". Their punter, Ken Walter, is averaging just 37.7 yards/punt this year and is not a talented punter as Sauerbrun.

[I'll let the rest of you address punt/kick-off return specialists...if you so choose.]

Advantage - Patriots

FINAL SCORE - PATRIOTS: 30 PANTHERS: 20

OK I've sat here for the past week and a half, trying to convined myself that this will be a game??

I just can't see a first year (yea I know Brady did it) QB getting it done against the Pats,

I have so much respect for what the Pats do and how they do, with no names, great coaching, great front office...to get rid of one of your best player and not miss a beat. These are the dicision teams are force to make today. They have been the NFL's best team since the cap and FA started.

Anyway Pats 26 Panthers 10 (4 AV FG's and he gets MVP)

I just can't see a first year (yea I know Brady did it) QB getting it done against the Pats,

one key here, brady didn't do it against BB's defense.
i see the panthers losing for this reason. you can not be a run only team against that D. and i'm not so sure they'll even be able to run against that D.
but on the other side, i don't see the pats having any run game either, but i do see them winning(maybe because of an interception return), in a very close game.
13-9 new england wins.

I think the Panthers will win cause they will keep the ball on the ground the whole game. The panthers do not pass alot or will pass alot this game, cause if they do New England will capitalize and throw acurate little pain in the azz throws over the middle and a field goal or 6, adds up in this defensive battle.

I also think that Jenkins is going up againt a not so hott LG and will dominate the outcome of this game