| Ah, Super Bowl Sunday. One of the most wonderful days of the
year. It’s a time for gathering with friends to celebrate one of America’s many
treasures. But it’s also a time for stress and trepidation, because many football
fans enjoy betting big bucks on the Super Bowl. And given the parity-stricken state of the
NFL and two title-game participants most fans are not familiar with, many bettors have
probably been scratching their heads in bewilderment as to what to do.
Fear not, my friends. I will save you.
As of this writing, the Rams were favored by seven points. Do yourself a favor and take
those points.
Both teams have very impressive records against the spread this season (St. Louis is
14-4; Tennessee 13-5-1), so that can’t be used as a barometer. But here’s what
can: The Titans have momentum, and the Rams don’t.
Tennessee has won seven in a row, with only one of those opponents scoring more than 17
points. Granted, the Rams have lost only once since dropping back-to-back games to the
Titans and Lions in Weeks Eight and Nine, respectively, but they’ve shown some kinks
in their armor of late.
The defense allowed a total of 75 points to the Eagles in Week 17 and to the Vikings in
the NFC divisional round. Sure, they outgunned both opponents, but that explosive offense
came to a screeching halt last week vs. Tampa Bay, whose defense has some similarities to
that of Tennessee.
The Buccaneers possess a deep and lightning-quick front line, same as the Titans. But
here’s the rub: Tennessee’s defense is even more aggressive than the Bucs’,
and that’s saying something.
Tennessee runs the fabled "46" defense of Buddy Ryan, who showcased the
scheme in the Bears’ 46-10 win over the Patriots in Super Bowl XX. The key to the
defense is speed, speed and more speed. It consists of blitzing from anywhere and
everywhere. But it also consists of man coverage in the secondary, which the Rams could
exploit, should they get a pass off.
Everyone knows of the Rams’ speed on offense. What’s the best way to defend
speed? With more speed. Fight fire with fire. That’s what the Titans will do, and
that’s how they will not only cover the spread but win the game.
Not convinced? Worried about those one-on-one matchups St. Louis’ receivers will
have? I’m not. The longest pass allowed by the Titans in their three postseason games
went for 37 yards. While that may seem like a lot, compared to the gobs of yardage put up
by the Rams’ passing game, it really isn’t.
I don’t think this will be the prettiest Super Bowl ever, but I do think it will
be exciting to the end. I look for the Titans to control the line of scrimmage —
again — with a solid running game, and I look for the Titans’ defense to give
Rams QB Kurt Warner problems — again.
Remember, his two first-quarter fumbles in the teams’ last meeting resulted in two
Tennessee touchdowns. While the Rams made a valiant comeback in that game, it wasn’t
enough. Another rally this Sunday won’t be enough either.
Final score: Tennessee 25, St. Louis 22.
Last week’s record: 2-0
Season record: 37-39-2 |
