by Fuzzy on Tue Feb 08, 2005 8:29 am
My take on the game, and keep in mind I am not big NFL fan, however I have seen, 36 of 39 super bowls, least that I remember.
It was a very good game, two well matched teams. The fact that NE had to plan their defense with three strategies, (i.e. is TO playing, if he plays, how well, and what if he can play well) must have given NE defensive co-coordinator some sleepless nights.
For the Eagles, I think there early game strategy of blitzing really kept NE off balance, however NE did counter against Philly's offence equally well. On the first drive that the Eagles managed to drive down to the NE goal, I think would have dictated the game, and given the Eagles the win eventually, if they had scored a TD. I believe Philly made a huge error, on the last drive of the half, not trying to score, using a hurry up offence was fatal, as it showed up being there downfall in the last few plays of the game.
That being said, the whole first half saw two very talented teams, counter each other well. In the second half, both teams made several adjustments, I think NE did a better job of finding holes in the Eagles defensive coverage. By the time the Eagles started to force double coverage to the outside, and get the passing game really moving for them I think momentum had switched over to NE. As for the QB match up, time will tell if Tom Brady is really a great quarterback or just an average one with a great team. As for Donovan, I personally feel he is not a great one, and I think his performance showed that. Now for T Owens, what can anyone ever say about his devotion to his team, he played unbelievable well. I saw the game he was injured in, and I never thought he would be running, but super bowl time, never mind playing at what appeared to me 100%.