From Andrett Ervin Rock Hill, S.C.: How do you think Atlanta will be affected by playing on natural grass
instead of Astroturf?
Theismann: It won't affect them much. They played in San Franciso, Carolina and New England and did fine. Most of them are used to playing on grass. But you don't know what it will be like in Miami. The field could be soaked.
There could be a storm. Weather can be a factor in Miami.
From Nathan Wildes, Storrs, Conn.: Which running back (Davis or Anderson) do you feel will be more
productive overall in the Super Bowl?
Theismann: I think Davis will be a little more productive, but I would be surprised
if they each gained 125 yards. The key to the game is John Elway, not
Davis. Over the last month and a half, Elway hasn't played well. The
best game he played was the Miami game, but his completion percentage
wasn't high in the AFC title game. He's the key to them winning or
losing. His performance last year won't cut it Sunday.
From Sean Boardman, Westbrook, Conn.: Next year there'll be only one week between the conference championship games and the Super Bowl. This year there are two weeks. In your career,
you experienced both lengths of time to prepare for the big game. Which is better?
Theismann: If you're healthy as a player, I like one week because in my mind
players are creatures of habit. Most of the year is on a one-week
schedule. You travel on Monday. You have Tuesdays off. On Wednesday, you
work. On Thursday, you work. Friday is dress rehearsal. Saturday is
mostly special teams. Then you play on Sunday. If you are beat up from
the championship game, not having the right players out there the
following week can make it tough to win. Players win football games.
Coaches must adhere to a tighter schedule, but it boils down to the
players. With Atlanta and Denver, because of nature of their coaches,
Dan Reeves likes gimmicks, and Mike Shanahan likes gimmicks. With two
weeks you can put them in your offense and feel comfortable enough with
the changes. It could be different formations or defensive alignments.
If you have one week, it's more difficult to add those things.
