The Final Four: Seeds Align

And then there were 4.

The team led by a QB trying to put a stamp on a storied career. The team that never goes away. And I mean EVER. The team that is flying high on the wings of the league MVP, SuperCam. And the team that is riding circuit Kurt Warner 2.0 (Palmer) in hopes to finally hoist the Lombardi. 

Championship weekend has finally arrived and according to the seeds (both 1vs2 matchups), it should be nothing short of magnificent.

New England at Denver

Brady vs Manning for the 17^th time. Quite possibly, and most likely, the final meeting between the two. It doesn’t get much better. Brady holds a considerable edge overall at 11-5, but the record is even in the postseason at 2-2. More surprising to note is that Brady is just 2-6 in Denver, including a loss two years ago in the AFC title game. This matchup seems much different than years past however. Although Peyton Manning is still a field general, his physical abilities are surely declining. He doesn’t have the ability to sling it all over the field like he did in his glory days. Meanwhile, Brady is still one the league’s elite and the Pats are searching for their record 9^th Super Bowl appearance.

                    Brady vs. Manning for the last time for a trip to SB 50                        

This weekend will be the fifth straight Conference Championship appearance for the Patriots (7 out of the last 10). It has annoyingly become the norm during the Brady-Belichick era. On the other hand, it will be just the second time the Broncos will be in such a position in that same span.

With Manning becoming more dependent on the running game, it will be imperative for the Denver defense to step up to the challenge of stopping Brady and Co. To this day, it blows my mind that teams still haven’t found a way to stop the dink and dunk Pats offense. Surely, it’s easier said than done, but I’ve seen them do the exact same thing over and over and over again, and not a single team has been able to stop it. Denver will have to take away the underneath routes and bring the pressure with their front four. Another key will be the effectiveness of Manning in the passing game.

The sheriff has never been an underdog at home, which is what he faces when New England comes to town. Nothing would be sweeter than seeing one of the greats have one last shot at the Lombardi. In the end, this is a game I just can’t see the Pats losing (I sure hope I’m wrong!)

Prediction: New England 27 Denver 20

Arizona at Carolina

Both teams are looking to secure just their second Super Bowl appearance, with neither having captured the elusive Lombardi trophy. A game that will feature Heisman trophy winner vs. Heisman trophy winner. An ageless vet against an animated young [Superhero] talent. The Cardinals boast experience – Larry Fitzgerald, Carson Palmer, and Dwight Freeney – including an assistant (Tom Pratt) that coached Kansas City in Super Bowl I!! The Panthers boast youth – Cam Newton, Luke Kuechly, and Josh Norman – including a strong bond of brass togetherness.

                                  The NFC Champ will have the opportunity to bring the first ever Lombardi back to its fans.                                         

No one could have predicted Carolina’s success this year. But then with a Superhero (to so many kids) at the helm, who couldn’t see this coming? Meanwhile, Arizona has been waiting for the opportunity to redeem themselves after a last second Super Bowl loss to Pittsburgh eight seasons ago. And just like that team in ’08, the quarterback is on a mission to deliver.

Both teams field top-10 offenses and relatively strong defenses. There might not be two more similar teams in the league (Carolina averaged 31.3 pts/game to Arizona’s 30.6). Even with the defenses, this is a game that very well could turn into a shootout.  

Carolina just seems destined to make it back to the big game. Maybe it’s because Mike Shula (son of legendary Coach Don Shula) is the one calling the offensive plays. Or maybe it's the togetherness they embody. Then there is the Cardinals. With a win, Mr. Pratt would go down in history as being a coach for both the very first Super Bowl and the 50^th! What a story that would be! 

Prediction: Carolina 31 Arizona 27