From: alvstad@mari.acc-admin.stolaf.edu (Joel D Alvstad)
Subject: Unabashed Super Bowl Thought
Organization: St. Olaf College; Northfield, MN
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1993 22:58:41 GMT

In response to all the talk about the Super Bowl, I guess I'd just put in my
$.02 on what my thoughts are.  I am not an expert, nor do I claim to be.  These
are just my opinions.

QB--Jim Kelly for the Bills returned against Miami and played a good game.  I
didn't notice many mental lapses on his part, even though had had missed the
previous two and a half games.  Granted, he does know Super Bowl defeat, twice
in the big game.  Troy Aikman on the other hand has been next to flawless over
the past few months.  Even though he doesn't have the 'big game' experience,
in the NFC east there is no such thing as a non-important game.  I look for
both QB's to have decent performances, but if Kelly throws the INT, Buffalo is
doomed.  Edge:  Dallas (slight)

RB--When you think about the Bills running game, you think of ONE man, Therman
Thomas.  Kenneth Davis is a nice backup, but Thomas is going to be THE running
back for the Bills.  Thomas has sure hands as a receiver, to go along with his
blazing speed and strength.  He has had a groin problem, lately, but he has the
entire offseason to rest.  Dallas has a back of its own in Emmitt Smith, who as
we all know has led the NFL in the past two season in rushing, and is the first
rushing title winner to play in the Super Bowl the year of his title.  Smith
runs best between the tackles, and look for him to run right behind Nate Newton
toward Bruce Smith for most of the game.  Any argument against Smith's hands
are untrue, and both he and Daryll Johnston are receiving threats out of the
backfield.  Edge:  None

WR--Buffalo has speed in Bebee, guts in Reed, and experience in Lofton.  All
three are important to the game plan, but for Buffalo to win, Reed needs to see
the ball a lot more than he usually does, and when he sees it, he needs to catch
it.  Dallas has speedy, tough, and tall receivers in Irvin and Harper, and a
clutch 3rd down receiver in Martin.  I think that Dallas' receivers could play
the difference in the passing games.  Edge:  Dallas

TE--Buffalo's Metzelaars and McKeller are both good blockers, but Novacek for
Dallas can do it all.  Novacek and K. Jackson for Miami are the premier TE's in
the game today.  Edge:  Dallas

OL--Buffalo's line is really underrated, probably because they aren't as big as
most OL's.  Buffalo's OL dominated a good Miami defense and an even better 
Pittsburgh defense.  Dallas' line is big and strong, with the keys at the guard
position and Nate Newton.  Edge:  Buffalo (very slight)

DL--Buffalo has Hansen on a tear, but Bruce Smith is weakened by injury.  Like
I said earlier about Thomas, Bruce will play hard because the off season is
time enough to heal.  Dallas, unlike Buffalo, plays a 4-3, with Russell Maryland
at tackle being key.  Whoevers DL rushes the passer better has the best shot at
winning the game.  Edge:  Buffalo (very slight because of an injured Smith)

LB--Buffalo's Bennett is a pass rusher and Conley and Talley are run stoppers-
each among the best in the league.  Dallas needs a big game in the middle by a
rookie, and in the SB, that may be asking too much.  Edge:  Buffalo

DB--Buffalo's cover men have the unenviable task of guarding men a lot taller 
and just as fast as themselves.  Kelso's heavy hitting could play a factor.
Dallas also has to cover tall, speedy receivers.  Look for Ike Holt to be picked
on to the point that Dallas will go with more zones.  Edge:  None

PK--Buffalo's Christie hit five of six against Miami, so he's on a bit of a roll
into the SB.  Dallas' Elliot hasn't been spectacular, but has gotten the job
done for the most part.  Edge:  Buffalo.

P---Field position could be important, and Buffalo's Mohr is spectaclular at
pinning the opponent deep.  Dallas' Saxon has been struggling as of late, but
he's due to have a major role.  Edge:  Buffalo

Special Teams--Buffalo's Steve Tasker is the best in the game.  He has a knack
for the big play, so if anyone in the game makes a big play on special teams,
it'll be Tasker.  Dallas has a less heralded specialty unit led by Gant, a hard
hitter who forces a lot of turnovers.  Edge:  Buffalo (slight)

Coach--Marv Levy has been here twice before, and at age 64 might not make it
again with an againg team.  He's smart and knows how to tap his teams potential
when they're down (Houston game).  Jimmy Johnson promised the people of Dallas
to have the Boys in the SB in five years.  It took him four, and his first
season shouldn't count at 1-15.  Johnson knows what coaching the big game is
like, just not at the pro level.  It shouldn't matter.  Edge:  Dallas

All said, the Super Bowl will boil down to a couple of things.
1)  Christie attempted 6 FG's at Miami in the AFC title game.  That is 4 too 
many attempts, IMHO.  If Buffalo settles for FG's instead of TD's, Dallas will
win.
2)  Pass rush.  Both teams have it.  Both teams need it.  Whoever gets in the
face fo the other QB more should win.
3)  Special teams.  STeve Tasker will make a big play of some sort.  If his
big play leads to seven points, Buffalo wins.
4)  QB play.  Kelly can't throw the INT, and if he does, look for Reich to play.
Aikman needs to continue his second half burst from Sunday for Dallas to win.

I want Dallas to win this game, but I'm afraid that Buffalo is due.

Final Score:  Buffalo 27, Dallas 24.

Joel Alvstad
Purple and gold flows through my veins.


Newsgroups: rec.sport.football.pro