"It's one of those mano and mano things, or whatever they call it, OK?" -- Simeon Rice, Buccaneer defensive end.
Should be a doozy. On paper they all are. Except for last season's Patriots-Rams epic. That "should" have been a blow-out.
The 1stQ will make all the difference in this one. If the Bucs force an early turnover and can get some points from it, they'll win (Derrick Brooks, we're looking at you). Otherwise, the big bad offensive line of the Raiders will dominate the game. They won't win the MVP award, but they--or Lincoln Kennedy, at least--will deserve it.
Winner: Raiders. The O-Line is too big, too good. That's what my head says. My heart, for some reason, still keeps saying Buccaneers (oh, yeah, its because I always love a good defense). And my heart said Bucs last week, while my head was saying Eagles; and last year my head said Rams, while my heart was shouting Patriots . . .
Its a good thing I'm not a gambling man.
Posted by MartialI rooted for the Raiders out of West Coast loyalty and an long-held grudge against anything Florida (grew up in Buffalo, you learn to hate Miami, thus Tampa by extension.) My wife rooted for Tampa because she felt the underdog had fought long and hard to get here, so they must be tough team. She was right. I eat crow.
Posted by: Kevin Moore on January 27, 2003 12:34 AM