Super Bowl anyone's game

With two weeks to prepare for the NFL's premiere event, the media has been able to dig up several stories about players' backgrounds on and off the field. Writers are reopening the Ray Lewis murder trial and focusing on the past of each team's quarterback.\nThrough all this sensationalism, it seems the fact that the Super Bowl will determine a champion is irrelevant. These two teams come into this event incredibly focused, yet game analysis seems to be about anything except the game.\nThe most intriguing story is the mirror images these two teams present.\nEach arrived on defense. While Baltimore's ability to stop opponents has been well documented, the Giants have been just as tough. In playoff games against Philadelphia and Minnesota, the New York defense allowed just 10 points. It squashed the powerful Vikings offense, forcing eight turnovers and controlling the line of scrimmage. \nBoth teams come in on top of their games. New York has won seven games in a row after coach Jim Fassel guaranteed a playoff berth for his team. The Ravens have run off 10 consecutive games, including two postseason road wins at Tennessee and Oakland. \nSomeone's streak is going to end, which is why the coaches have tried hard to keep their players focused.\nRavens coach Brian Billick delayed his team's arrival in Tampa by a day, so the team could practice at home, away from the media frenzy. Fassel lectured his players about the distractions of the city, such as dangerous clubs and police that might be out to get them.\nBecause both teams have such strong defenses, chances are the game will be close by the fourth quarter. One fluke play could make the difference. The play of wide receivers and running backs is crucial, as a strong performance from either will create an advantage that will be difficult to counter.\nThat said, I think the advantage goes to the Giants. Their offense has a stronger potential to break out. With a pair of dangerous running backs, they have more options. Kerry Collins, the Giants QB, is coming off of a 381-yard, 5-touchdown performance. He read the Minnesota defense with ease and delivered the ball perfectly. While he has never been considered a great quarterback, he is playing the best football of his career.\nLook for a close game, with one big play making the difference.\nGiants 20 Ravens 10.\nWho would have thought it?