Requisite Super Bowl Prediction

This game will come down to how well the defenses play.

The Patriots have the easier task. Donovan McNabb, while having a great season, has been flummoxed by defensive schemes in the past. Terrell Owens is not 100 percent, and may be more distraction than aid. Brian Westbrook is the bright spot, and versatile enough to pose big problems for the Pats.

The Eagles have to contain Brady, one of the more accurate passers in the league, his slew of great receivers, and Corey Dillon, who's had an explosive season. It's a tall order, much more difficult than containing Michael Vick and shutting down the Falcons.

What are the chances Andy Reid and the Eagles will pull it off?

Not very good, given that the Patriots shut down the NFL's highest-flying offense (Indianapolis) and stingiest defense (Steelers) the past few weeks.

Patriots 31, Eagles 6

Update:

So right, so wrong.

Defenses were the key to the game, but the Eagles managed to effectively contain the Patriots' multiple threats for most of the game. The Eagles had success deep down the field against the weak New England secretary, but for some reason preferred to throw short slants to the injured Terrell Owens.

Final score: Patriots 24, Eagles 21.

A fine Patriots Day nonetheless.