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Pregame Preparation
Sting rehearsed for the Super Bowl pregame show at Raymond James Stadium on Friday. |
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Cup o' Joe: TGIF!
Friday means players finally have time for themselves. The weekend could bring trouble, though, says ESPN's Joe Theismann, who believes the Ravens and Giants will be on their best behavior.
 • New Jets coach Herman Edwards said Friday that he and new defensive
coordinator Ted Cottrell are debating whether or not to switch to a 4-3
scheme. No decision has been made.
"We have some unique players on defense," Edwards said. "We have
some players who can rush up the edge. We'd like to get them up the field
and create havoc on the passer. We have some good linebackers. What are
going to do is build the system around the players."
The Jets have used a 3-4 the past couple of years. The Jets are
undecided what to do with linebacker Bryan Cox, who signed a contract
extension that has a March 2 roster bonus that could allow the team to cut
him. Cox had indicated that he may not want to return to the Jets if Bill
Parcells wasn't involved in the franchise.
Edwards said the Jets want to keep good football players and Cox is
a good football player. Edwards plans to sit down with Cox soon to discuss
his future with the team.
Apparently, Jets quarterback Vinny Testaverde senses he may have to
do more to keep his starting job longterm. He knows that Edwards hired
offensive coordinator Paul Hackett to develop second-year quarterback Chad
Pennington. Edwards revealed Friday that Testaverde will move to New York
this offseason to work on his conditioning. Last season, he stayed in his
home near Tampa to work out so that he could be closer to his family.
One of Edwards priorities will be finding a big receiver, a backup
running back, some help on the offensive line, another safety and another
defensive lineman.
Don't be surprised if Edwards brings a Buccaneers free agent or two
to the Jets. He was the Bucs assistant head coach. He said that some might
like a trip to New York city and if they do, he might be willing to pick
them up. Among the Bucs free agents are cornerback Ronde Barber, defensive
tackle James Cannida, defensive end Tyoka Jackson and safety
Damien
Robinson.
 • Shannon Sharpe, perhaps my all-time favorite quote machine, launched a diatribe against the media surrounding Ray Lewis, on Wednesday, pleading with the reporters to keep the focus on football. What Sharpe obviously didn't realize is that he interrupted Lewis from answering a question about knocking out quarterbacks -- a football-related inquiry.
• Ravens coach Brian Billick, who deserves more credit than he's been allotted for the team's march to the Super Bowl, badly misstepped Monday when he used the bully pulpit to lecture the media about Lewis. He gave new meaning to being an "offensive coach." Billick actually has a few legitimate complaints; the media has distorted some facts regarding last year's murder case.
But Billick has also misrepresented some facts. I was privy to the behind-the-scene negotiations between Lewis' lawyers and the Atlanta prosecution team. Yes, prosecutor Paul Howard knew the trial was disintegrating and approached Lewis' attorney, Ed Garland, about a deal. Lewis' plea of obstruction of justice was connected to his willingness to testify. Those are the facts. Anybody (including my friends) who thinks Billick took the focus off Lewis and put it on himself is full of wind. He magnified the
focus on Lewis. More
"What's your first play?"
— Ravens head coach Brian Billick on what he would ask Jim Fassel if he could pose one football question to his good friend.
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Which defensive player no one is talking about could emerge Sunday?
 TOM JACKSON
If Giants safety Shaun Williams stays healthy -- he's been recouping a hamstring -- he could have a big game. Williams' health is imperative because he has to cover the field and a hammy could really be a problem. A game like this expends a great deal of emotional energy, which is when injuries happen. Williams has played great all year and for the Giants to have success, they need him to be a steady, healthy presence in this game.
 RON JAWORSKI
The Giants' Shaun Williams could emerge Sunday. He has great range, and he is a big hitter. That is quite a combination for a free safety. Williams could make some difference-making plays for the Giants.
 MIKE GOLIC
Keith Hamilton. He was overlooked for the Pro Bowl and led the Giants with 10 sacks. Hamilton puts pressure right in the face of the quarterback, which is exactly where they don't like it. QBs would much rather have pressure come from the outside, where they don't see it coming. When they see it coming at them, they get happy feet. Hamilton doesn't do it with just a bull rush, either. He has fantastic moves. A lot of focus is put on Michael Strahan, but the push in the middle from Hamilton could be the difference in this game.
 JOHN CLAYTON
Michael McCrary. McCrary had four sacks in three playoff games, and he can do it all: rush inside, rush outside, bull-rush. McCrary also has the advantage of going against Lomas Brown, who has a bad back. He could have a big game and causes a lot of different problems for the Giants' blocking schemes.
 MERRIL HOGE
Rod Woodson. He could be the MVP because the Giants will throw the football and try to make plays in the passing game. This game is set up for the secondary to make plays, not the linebackers and defensive line. The Giants will throw. "Woody" has already tied the record for interception returns for touchdowns. He may break it in this Super Bowl.
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ESPN's Gary Miller welcomes guests Kurt Warner and Wayne Chrebet.
Brian Billick talks about what he is going to say in his last team meeting before Super Bowl Sunday.
