TAMPA – Picking a winner is never easy, but here are some thoughts on Super Bowl XXXV from some of those who passed through town this week.
Hall of Famer DON SHULA – Giants. “I think both coaches have done a great job, but I have to go with the Giants. I just hope they don’t see this in Baltimore, where I have a steakhouse.”
Hall of Famer DEACON JONES – Giants. “Offense, defense, special teams – they’ve got the three areas covered. If the Giants protect the football, it’s over. The Ravens offense doesn’t score. When you don’t score a touchdown in 21 quarters, you wonder sometimes if you’re a qualified NFL offense.”
Jets linebacker DWAYNE GORDON –Giants. “This should be a close game and the Ravens have a great punter and kicker, but the Giants have the better offense and Kerry Collins is hot right now.”
Former NFL coach SAM WYCHE – Giants. “Like everyone else, I think the game will be low-scoring. I think it will be decided by turnovers and special teams, mainly the punting game.”
Chargers kicker JOHN CARNEY – Giants. “In Matt Stover and Brad Daluiso you have two great kickers, but the Giants offense has the potential to bust out. I think they can put up some big points if they get rolling.”
Vikings wide receiver CRIS CARTER – Ravens. “The Giants had a great game against us, but this Ravens defense is really solid.”
Hall of Famer SONNY JURGENSEN – Ravens. “It’s a question of who could play worse and still win and I think that’s the Ravens. We might be here until Tuesday before somebody scores.”
Fox sideline reporter PAM OLIVER – Giants. “One fluky play, one fluky turnover and somebody’s going to score. I like the Giants, 13-10.”
Former Dolphins kicker GARO YEPREMIAN – “I’m helping smokers kick the habit now with Nicorette Orange, the new orange-flavored Nicorette nicotene gum and I see the Giants winning it on a kick, 17-14. But I have picked 10 losers in a row.”
‘NSYNC’s LANCE BASS – “Giants by 10.”
‘NSYNC’S JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE – “Ravens by seven. I didn’t expect either team to make it”
Orlando Magic’s TRACY McGRADY – “I’m with the Ravens. Ray Lewis is a hometown guy.”
Broadcaster and former NFL linebacker BILLY RAY SMITH – Giants. “The Giants wide receivers could have a big day. Look for the double move, the up and out.”
Hall of Famer MIKE DITKA – Too close to call. “I don’t the see the ability of either offense to push the defense around. Baltimore has a little edge on special teams. I think this will be 10-7 or 13-10.”
Hall of Famer JACK YOUNGBLOOD – Giants. “The defense that takes opportunities to turn the ball over to give their offense the short field to work with. That will be the winner. You would think that Baltimore’s offense is more susceptible to making a mistake so I see going something like 17-13.”