By Andrew Rosario
Sunday, Super Bowl XLII will take place in Minneapolis, Minnesota between the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles. This coming on the heels of a report from the Los Angeles Times that says NFL ratings among NBC, CBS, Fox and ESPN lost money as a result of the decline.
It is not known whether the Colin Kaepernick protest and possible collusion with the owners, who did not hire him, played any or some part in the decline. What is known is for the second year in a row, the networks who have paid more than $1 billion for the right to air the games, have lost money. The concussion aspect of the game, the conversation of social impact by the league and its players, seem to have added to the decline. So when the game kicks off at about 6:30pm EST, millions of fans will tune in. Many making wagers that a Las Vegas bet shop estimates will reach close to $4 billion.
That said, the Patriots have been favored by 4 1/2 points which may rise depending on the availability of Rob Gronkowski. The “Gronk” suffered a concussion in the AFC championship game against Jacksonville and has been under the league mandated concussion protocol.
The Eagles meanwhile, are saying all the right things as they look to get revenge from their 2005 loss to New England 24-21.
The Patriots are looking to become the first team to win back to back Super Bowls since they did it in 2003-4. In the long run, the Eagles defense will keep them in the game and will give them a chance to come out on top. Tom Brady and their offense will be too much in the end. Commissioner Roger Goodell will have to hand over the Lombardi Trophy for the second year in a row to owner Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick. Pat 27 – Eagles 20.
There will be no love lost in the Tri-State area because both Giants and Jets have a heated, hated rivalry with both the Eagles and Patriots. Giants fans can take solace that the two times the Giants faced New England in the Super Bowl, they came out on top. The first time, the Patriots were looking to become the first team since the Miami Dolphins to go undefeated winning their first 17 games. Big Blue denied #18.
