From: un036337@wvnvms.wvnet.edu
Newsgroups: rec.sport.football.pro
Subject: SB predictions--Dallas by double digits
Date: 26 Jan 93 12:09:58 EST
Organization: West Virginia Network for Educational Telecomputing

Ok, I think i am about ready to do my predictions on the Cowboy-Bills super
bowl.
	I predict that the Cowboys will win with a double digit margin of
victory.  To see why, let's start with the talent pool.
	DB-Both teams have excellent sets of defensive backs, but I think
Buffalo's squad has the edge in talent, while the Cowboys have the edge in
Speed.  Henry Jones' addition to the Buffalo defensive backfield has made a
HUGE difference.  Overall, Slight edge Bills.
	LB-The Cowboys have a solid set of LBs, but do they compare to Bennett,
Conlan and Talley?  Definately not.  This is a LB corps to challenge the
Saints...well almost.  Big edge Buffalo
	DL-again, the Cowboys have a solid crew, but with Bruce Smith, and a
suddenly good Phil Hansen, the Bills have it.  Edge Bills
	K-Steve Christie was a huge help, and if the game is to close, his
veteran status over Elliot's rookie status should show.  Lin howveer, has a
muhc stronger leg, and is improving weekly.  Slight edge Bills.
	Return teams-Kelvin martin may be the most explosive return man in the
NFL along side Mel Gray, and Deion Sanders.  HUGE edge Dallas
	Coverage teams-Dallas is as well coached in this area as anyone in the
league, and combined with their natural speed, it's a mismatch.  Big edge
Dallas
	OL-very similar situations.  Both squads were much maligned last year
(though the Cowboys far more so than the Bills) and have improved.  I still
think the Cowboy line is getting more credit than they deserve, but I do
believe they have an advantage on the Bills.  The Bills line seems to play up
and down football.  Sometimes  I see Dlmen on their backs five yards downfield,
and other times, Thomas can't get any room.  They get the job done just well
enough though.  Slight edge Dallas
	WR-Here is where a key mismatch lies.  Andre Reed hasn't been an impact
most of this season, and I hav yet to hear much about James Lofton playing at
the top of his game.  Don Beebe seems to be playing well, but that won't cut it
when compared to Michael Irvin who is in his prime, and Alvin harper who, while
he doesn't make alot of catches, when he does, they hurt.  The big part of the
mismatch comes when you realise that these guys, combined with Martin, are all
big tall, and fast compared to a shorter, slower secondary.  Add it up, and
Aikman may get a game plan that says "Throw the ball high so we can outjump
them".	Edge Dallas (this is being generous to Buffalo I think)
	RB-Buffalo has mroe depth, but Emmitt Smith is as good as any back you
can name.  I still believe that Barry Sanders is a better back, but hampered by
OL troubles, but Emmitt is easily #2, and has a MUCH better team view of
himself than does Thomas.  Thomas and Davis are as deadly a duo as you could
ask for, but only one can play at a time, so the depth advantage will only
factor in if somone is hurt, or dead tired.  The big Dallas advantage comes
from FB Daryl Johnston.  Mueller for Buffalo is good, but doesn't compare to
Johnston.  He turns it from slight edge Dallas to Edge Dallas.
	TE-Metzelaars has gotten more work since Reich showed the Bills he
could be used, but Novacek is among the elite.  Edge Dallas
	QB-Here's the pivotal spot the way I see it.  Jim Kelly is a choker. 
In the playoffs, he has thrown more pix than TDs, has played miserably in 2
super bowls, and has throughly convinced me that he folds under SB pressure,
and only the talent around him keeps getting him there.  If FRrank Reich were
the man, the Bills could probably win, but the Choker will kill them.  Troy
Aikman on th other hand (according to the USA Today) has thrown 4 TDs and 1 INT
in his playoff career.  It shows that Aikman rises to the occasion, and kelly
actually falls to it.  Edge Dallas
	Over all, Special teams and offense belong to Dallas, while Buffalo has
a slightly better D, but remember, this is TALENT-wise.  The Cowboys defense
plays over and above themselves for Dave Waanstedt, and the Bill D hasn't even
apporached it's potential ever, thought they have gotten better since the
comeback against Houston.
	Coahing wise, Johnson is smart as a whip, while I would place 75% of
the blame of the 1990 Giants loss on Marv Levy's head.  he makes no adjustments
before or after the games in 2 SB chances, and apparently hasn't learned his
lesson.  The USA Today quoted him as saying that the Bills were also America's
team.  Doesn't he ever learn?  Even Thurman "I'm the Jordan of the Bills"
Thomas looks like he has learned enough to HIDE his arrogance.  Levy's lack of
learning w.  To make it worse, Johnson reportedly has consulted with Joe Gibbs,
and Bill parcells on how to deal with the two week layaway before the SB, and
how to beat the Bills.   Very smart, and very humble thing to do.  Has Levy
ever done such a thing?  No.  He has botched opportunity after opportunity, and
it will cost him again.  Say hello to the first team to lose 3 straight Super
Bowls.  
	Brian Mulholland
	--Skins fan