Thanks to Rob, Howard & John for joining Steve in our Weekly Blogger Debate…the Super Bowl XLVI Edition! Now give your answers below…
1. Who wins Super Bowl 46 & why?
Who wins Super Bowl 46...Manning or Brady?
JOHN MANUEL:
First of all I hate both teams here so picking one is tough. I hate the Giants more so I should pick the Pats but if you held a gun to my head I think the Giants win 24-17. Maybe a Homeland or Wire marathon will be on Sunday so I can watch that. Still have a hard time that the Giants are in the Super Bowl when the Skins waxed them somehow twice.
ROB YUNICH – STORMING THE CREASE:
The Patriots are the better team offensively and defensively. And, despite the hype and vague answers from Coach Bill Belichik, he knows how to beat the New York Football Giants. In fact, I would argue that he’s the best in the NFL at creating a game plan, especially with two weeks of planning time. It’s no wonder that, if the Pats do win, this will be Tom Brady’s and Belichick’s fourth title together. (And don’t forget that Belichick won a Super Bowl with Bill Parcells as the Giants’ defensive coordinator back in the day.)
HOWARD TICKER:
I believe the Giants will win this game becuase Brady plays bad under defensive line pressure and that is the Giants strength.
STEVEOSPEAK:
Giants- I think their defense is better than the Patriots and will be able to slow down Tom Brady enough. For all of Brady’s great traits, if you can get pressure on him, he becomes quite ordinary (it’s not an easy task with his quick release and that top O-line, but the G-men have the front 4 to do so).
2. What former undrafted Wide Receiver will have a bigger game — Wes Welker or Victor Cruz?
JOHN MANUEL:
I really can’t answer this. Question blew my mind. Both will probably have pretty good games.
ROB YUNICH – STORMING THE CREASE:
I’m going with Cruz, only because the Giants don’t as many offensive options as the Patriots.
HOWARD TICKER:
Wes Welker, especially since “Gronk” will be limited if he plays.
STEVEOSPEAK:
I’m going to say Victor Cruz. The Pats secondary has had major issues this year, and covering Cruz won’t be an easy task since Hakeem Nicks is on the other side. For Welker, he should expect more double teams, especially with Gronkowski somewhat hobbled.
3. In a game between 2 top Quarterbacks, what are the chances that a non-quarterback wins the MVP?
Will Gronkowski be able to play? If so, will he or any other position other than QB take home the MVP?
JOHN MANUEL:
I think there is a chance because if somehow its a lower scoring game like the last Super Bowl between the two. A lot of talk has been on guys like Vince Wilfork and Jason Pierre-Paul so they could have a chance. I still think Justin Tuck was the MVP the last time these guys played in the Super Bowl. He changed the game completely for Brady. I can’t see a RB taking the MVP, maybe Gronk sheds the boot and pulls a Willis Reed?
ROB YUNICH – STORMING THE CREASE:
The chances of that are about the same as me winning the PowerBall: zilch.
HOWARD TICKER:
Unless one of the receivers goes completely off (3 Tds, 150 yds) I dont see it being anyone besides a QB.
STEVEOSPEAK:
This is tough because QB’s win this award even at times when they shouldn’t. Both teams have some big time receivers, and potentially at least one defensive star who could win this award. Though on the flip side both teams lack a true number 1 back, so it won’t come from the backfield. Given all of that I’d say there is no more than a 20% chance a non-QB wins this award.
4. If you had a choice of any team of commentators, who would YOU choose to be the commentators for the Super Bowl?
JOHN MANUEL:
I am pretty happy with Michaels and Collinsworth. I have been down on Aikman and Simms this season. Collinsworth is the best of the #1 teams. And Gruden is the same thing every week. Jaws is OK but seems to take a back seat to Gruden saying, “this guy.” As for play by play, I am fine with any of the main guys…Michaels, Nance, Tirico or Buck. A lot of people hate Buck, but I think he is still good. But I go with Michaels since he is teamed with Collinsworth. Too bad NBC doesn’t have Rick Reilly, I could use one of those uplifting stories on the pregame.
ROB YUNICH – STORMING THE CREASE:
I’d have to select Pat Summerall and John Madden in their prime.
HOWARD TICKER:
John Gruden, John Gruden, and John Gruden.
STEVEOSPEAK:
Boy that is tough. Aikman and Buck aren’t a bad choice and Nessler and Mayock on NFL Network are solid as well. I’d probably say the NBC team we will see with Michaels and Collinsworth is the best. At times Collinsworth is annoying, but overall he’s pretty solid, and you can never go wrong with Al. I will say I’d love to see a guest 3rd member in the booth and that is Bill Raftery. My belief is Raftery is so good that he could succeed at any sport, and I’d love to hear him call the biggest game in the land.
5. Prop Bet — Who will be shown on TV more, Peyton Manning or Gisele?
How many times will we see this face Sunday?
JOHN MANUEL:
Manning by far. Manning will be shown at least 3 times concerning his neck and 56 concerning Eli. Is Gisele going to be there? Carnival is in 3 weeks, probably more important to her than the Super Bowl. Real prop bet is over/under 15 times they promote “Smash.”
ROB YUNICH – STORMING THE CREASE:
Most likely? Peyton Manning. More wanted to be seen by much of the viewing audience? Gisele.
HOWARD TICKER:
Manning
STEVEOSPEAK:
Let’s see Baby Bro is playing, in “Peyton’s Place”, against Peyton’s biggest rival, and oh yeah there is a little controversy going around Peyton’s status with the Colts next year. He wins this hands down. I don’t care if Gisele has a wardrobe malfunction like Janet Jackson, she’s not getting more air time then Peyton.
