Timothy Walz

I am a 54-year old sports fanatic currently working as a research analyst and writer for the U.S. government in Germany. I am married and have two sons, both of whom also live and work here in Germany. I became a grandfather for the first time in July 2004, with the birth of a grandson. I was born and raised in Minnesota and am a die-hard Vikings, Twins and Timberwolves fan. My favorite sports are professional and college football, basketball, and baseball, and I am also an avid enthusiast of golf, boxing and tennis. I have lived in Germany for more than 20 years, which has given me a greater appreciation and understanding of more traditional European sports such as soccer, cycling and Formula I racing.

Published on 02/2/2008

The final chapter on the season unfolds Sunday, with all eyes watching to see if New England will accomplish the impossible – finish a perfect season – or the New York Giants will accomplish the improbable – prevent the Patriots from going down in history as probably the best NFL of all time. Read on to see which team succeeds.

Look for a “perfect” ending to another exciting season.

Super Bowl Sunday is upon us, and as expected the New England Patriots are right where everyone has been predicting they would be – on the precipice of the greatest record in NFL history. The last opponent standing in their way to perfection is the New York football Giants, whom few expected to see on the field in Arizona this weekend. The Patriots are overwhelming favorites to end their unbelievable season by hosting their fourth Lombardi Trophy, and there is little reason to see how they will stopped from achieving their season long goal. Quarterback Tom Brady is ready to etch his name alongside the absolute greats of the game, the team is as well-round, disciplined, and focused as any coach could ask for, and they have way too many options on their prolific offense for the Giants to keep pace.

This is, however, no slouch team the Patriots face on Sunday. The Giants play rugged, sometimes ugly football, but they got hot at the right time of the season, have set an NFL record for most consecutive road wins (10), and are protecting the ball. Quarterback Eli Manning looks more comfortable in the pocket, running back Brandon Jacobs is a beast, and their front seven are as stout as any in the league.

The outcome of this game has to hinge on whether or not the Giants’ defensive line can pressure Brady. With a weakened secondary facing one of the league’s most impressive receiving corps, New York’s linebackers will have to help out in coverage, putting tremendous pressure on the front four to deliver huge plays. I just do not see how they will be able to achieve that level of success for 60 minutes.

The Giants have no fear of the Patriots, and pushed New England in the regular season finale. This, however, is not a regular season game. The Patriots are probably as determined as any team that every stepped foot on a Super Bowl field, and I see them operating at high efficiency, especially as Brady begins to dissect the defense in the second half. It should be close and competitive early, but New England will pull away late, putting a comfortable finishing touch on their unblemished season.

If you are a New York fan, as my oldest son is, you will have no reason to hang your head by losing to this team of greatness. For New England fans, congratulations on having the best organization from top to bottom in the NFL. Finally, for fans with no team loyalty, appreciate the fact you are witnessing history and the crowning of a NFL champion that will probably never be emulated.

Final Score: New England 35 – New York 24.