Analysis provided by Boomer Esiason

By

© St. Petersburg Times, published January 30, 2000

The excitement of the Super Bowl lent itself to being the most exciting two weeks of my career. All players today relish the pressure to be in this game.

Speaking to both teams last week, I got a sense that both are really intense about winning this game. It's been business as usual for both.

Both coaches have been keeping them focused. I asked both if they were afraid of distractions, and both loved how professional their teams have been.

As far as the quarterbacks, they both seem to be very confident and relaxed. Kurt Warner is basically the next drop-back quarterback, like Johnny Unitas. Steve McNair is a tremendous quarterback, breaking tackles and looking like a running back at times. Both styles are extremely effective, otherwise both teams would not be here.

Tennessee plays an unconventional, man-to-man, blitzing defense. The key for St. Louis will be to handle that pressure and make big plays against the defensive backs of the Titans. If they are able to do that, expect to see a lot of big plays.

If not, expect to see a lot of big plays by the defense of the Titans, a team that had six safeties, 54 sacks and 24 fumble recoveries.

For Tennessee, its best matchup is its big offensive line against the small, athletic defensive line of the Rams. Expect Eddie George to run inside and force the Rams to play a straight-ahead game.

If the Rams are unable to stop George, then the best defense for the Titans is to keep the offense on the field and keep the Rams offense off it.

The wild card in this Super Bowl is that you have two of the best special-team units in the league. These teams have had explosive returns, not only in the playoffs, but in the regular season.

Don't be surprised if there is a big special-teams play today.

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