A Super Primer for XXXI : READY FOR PRIME TIME PLAYERS

Projected Patriot MVP

Willie McGinest, Defensive End

Let’s face it, against the No. 1 defense in the NFL, Patriot quarterback Drew Bledsoe, saddled with the inexperience to be expected of a 24-year-old in his first Super Bowl, is not going to be throwing a lot of bombs. And against the Packer defensive line, running back Curtis Martin, despite his mercurial, slashing style, is not going to see much of the territory beyond the line of scrimmage. If New England is to have any chance of pulling off a huge upset, it will have to be with its defense, a defense that has not allowed a postseason touchdown, holding the Pittsburgh Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars to a combined nine points. And if the defense is to have its way, it will be led by McGinest, the former USC star who was a major force as the Patriots did what seven previous Jaguar opponents could not do--nullify quarterback Mark Brunell. Doing the same to Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre won’t be easy, but it’s the only chance New England has.

Sleeper pick for MVP

Bill Parcells, Head Coach

It’s halftime. The Packers are in front, 17-3. Parcells feels his team’s hopes slipping away. So he plays the last card in his hand. He tells his players that all the reports they’ve been hearing are indeed true. He will announce his resignation after the game.

Win one for the Tuna? Whatever works.