in bischen "experten-wissen", für alle die es interessiert, irgendwie muß der Thread ja obengehalten werden
Torry Holt vs. Ty Law: Law may begin the game covering Isaac Bruce, but he'll spend a great deal of time shadowing Holt. The Patriots will likely use CB Otis Smith and FS Tebucky Jones to double-team Bruce on passing downs, and will put Law, their best one-on-one defender, in single coverage against Holt. Law kept Pittsburgh's physical receivers in check in the AFC Championship Game, but Holt is a much quicker receiver than either Hines Ward or Plaxico Burress. In fact, Holt resembles a thoroughbred on the final leg of the Kentucky Derby when playing on turf. He put up seven catches for 89 yards and a score in the first meeting between these two teams this season, and that game was on grass at Foxboro Stadium. The Rams' passing attack is simply too potent for Holt to be held in check, even by a great defender like Law, so expect him to post 100-plus yards receiving and a score.
St. Louis' key matchups: This is a traditional David vs. Goliath matchup. Head Coach Mike Martz will release his array of offensive weapons early against New England, looking to bury the P-Men in the first half and break their spirits. Kurt Warner will come out with guns a-blazing, looking for both Holt and Bruce on slants and long go routes early in the game. Warner reportedly feels better than he has in two weeks, which isn't good news for New England. DT Richard Seymour and DE Bobby Hamilton must put some kind of pressure on Warner, or the reigning league-MVP will have a field day. OT Rod Jones will start in place of injured starter Ryan Tucker, so look for Head Coach Bill Belichick to use Hamilton and LB Willie McGinest to test Jones on the right side of the Rams' line early. New England's front line must make an effective push against St. Louis, because giving Warner time in the pocket to throw will prove to be deadly for New England.
Marshall Faulk may be the best all-around tailback in the history of the NFL, and he'll thrive on the greatest stage the league has to offer.
Marshall Faulk put up 153 all-purpose yards and a score in Week 10 vs. New England. (AP)
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New England doesn't have a linebacker quick enough to stay with Faulk in man-to-man pass coverage sets, so Faulk's receiving totals could actually exceed his rushing numbers. Belichick tried to use LB Roman Phifer against Faulk in those sets back in Week 10, and Faulk responded with seven catches for 70 yards and a receiving touchdown. If New England needs to use an extra defensive back to contain Faulk, Bruce and Holt will have an easier time getting open downfield, which could mean at least one big passing play for a score between the two wideouts.
New England's key matchups: The success of New England's offense really depends on how well Antowain Smith can run the ball. The Patriots switched things up offensively against Pittsburgh last week, running a lot of passing plays early and using the no-huddle to confuse the Steelers defense. But St. Louis will be prepared for any surprises that Belichick may have in store for it on Sunday, so look for the Pats to revert to pounding Smith into the Rams' formidable front line. Smith hasn't been terribly impressive during the postseason (112 yards rushing, no TDs), but the Patriots need to control the time of possession if they are to have any chance at winning their first Super Bowl. And that means keeping St. Louis' juggernaut offense off the field as much as possible. Unless New England falls behind early, Smith will get a good number of opportunities to carry the ball, so 70 yards rushing and a touchdown isn't out of the question.
Tom Brady will have to use the play-action pass effectively, but look for the Rams to use some blitz packages against him to test his mobility, which may be hampered due to the ankle sprain he suffered last week. Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis will move Troy Brown all over the line of scrimmage in order to afford him the best possible matchup, so don't be surprised if the talented wideout has a solid outing. David Patten may be forced to go one-on-one with All-Pro CB Aeneas Williams in many sets, which means his yardage totals will be minimal at best. The key to success for the Patriots may be special teams, which was the real reason they advanced to the Super Bowl in the first place. In fact, Pittsburgh's defense only allowed the Patriots to score 10 points on offense, but two special teams touchdowns by New England proved to be fatal for the Steelers. If the Patriots can make plays on special teams, they'll have a much greater chance at slaying Goliath
