MARV'S SUPER BOWL XXIX PREDICTION
"Writing these predictions for the Buffalo News is spoiling me," Marv Levy wrote for the Buffalo News. "So far all my predictions have come true. I am not one to gloat, but after all these years of abuse by the very same press corp that is now paying me, I must now do my dance. I did my song earlier in the year, now is the time for ol' Marv to "Walk the Walk." If coaching were as easy as predicting, I would have won four straight Super Bowls.
Now that I got that off my chest, on with the Super Bowl. Since I was the head coach to have been at the last four Bowls, I can call myself quite the authority on what it takes to get a team prepared for the majestic contest. All the intricacies involved in getting 47 players assembled into a fine-tuned machine goes beyond what I can describe in words. And since you all know that I am not one at a loss for words, this can testify to the complex nature of the task awaiting the two head coaches going into this Super Bowl XXIX!
Watching the Division championships, my emotions were overflowing like the molten lava in Mt. St. Helens. Those coaches were experiencing what I've gone through the last four years. I kept telling myself, why can't I be down there on the sidelines inspiring my players with little ditties and maxims. Life is unfair sometimes. I got to go to the show four straight times. I was the bridesmaid, but never the bride. To be denied one more chance is a pity. This Super Bowl will be no different than the last three. The NFC will dominate the AFC representative in this one. The Chargers are a good team, but they are no match to the 49ers, who's depth and explosiveness sets them apart from the rest of the NFL. Even the Cowboys the last two Super Bowls pale in comparison. Once again it will be the turnovers which will be a determining factor in this game. The last three years, the Bills average 6 turnovers in the Super Bowl. No team can expect to do this during the regular season, let alone the championship, and expect to win. The NFC championship game last week validates this. Dallas turned over the ball three times in a row in the first quarter and San Francisco capitalized on each one. The Chargers' only hope is to have those kind of breaks early in the game to set the tone and make the 49ers play catch up. Otherwise it is going to be a cake walk.
My prediction: 49'ers 41 Chargers 17!
"This is going to be my last prognostication for awhile, hopefully my last. I hope to be back at the Show again next year, trying my hardest to win one for Ralph before both he and I succumb to the tides of time. We got rid of Walt, and replaced him with someone who can not only fit in his shoes, but also wear his clothes. He has the same kind of appearance, disposition, prefers the 3-4 defense, and is known to masticate a swizzle stick or two. Wade Phillips should be able to supply you fans with the same kind of defense you have grown to love. The bend-don't break, defensive backs 20 yards off from the receivers strategy is here to stay!"
MARV'S SUPER BOWL XXIX PREDICTION
Marv Levy addresses the reporters at the Super Bowl convention center during the AFC - Pittsburgh Steelers press conference. As the man most experienced with handling the press corp during Super Bowl week, Marv was invited to open the ceremonies and to have the honor of opening the AFC press conference. Marv is sporting a white tuxedo and a white top hat with a Bills logo on the black ribbon at the base of the hat. He comes strolling up the cat walk twirling a white baton until he reaches the podium where he throws his hat into the crowd, flips the baton into the air, and he catches behind his back.
"Welcome ladies and gentlemen of the press to Super Bowl XXX ! This is going to be a grandiose affair. Being a head coach during the Super Bowl for four consecutive years, I feel that I am qualified to host this program. First and foremost, lets congratulate the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys for making it to the Big Dance!" At that, the overflow crowd gives a thunderous ovation.
"The Dallas Cowboys, this being their third appearance in four years, have been here almost as often as my Bills . Only this year, they don't have us to beat up on (this is greeted with roaring laughter). The Steelers are a formidable foe, as the Bills can testify to. However, I don't envy their role in trying to stop these Wild Cowboys! I predict Emmett Smith will run rampant through gapping Steeler holes and the 'Boys will romp. My prediction:
Cowboys 34, Steelers 14 !
"Now lets address the future state of the AFC now that Jimmy Johnson has pushed my friend and long time whipping boy Don Shula aside to coach the Miami Dolphins. I feel that Jimmy has run a smear campaign against Don and he owes him an apology. The least he could do is to offer him his FOX commentator spot. Jimmy is the most pompous, self-centered, egotistical coach I have ever seen. To do this to such an outstanding person as Shula, who is a walking legend, a walking record book of accomplishments is a travesty! My heart goes out to Don, as should all of yours. Johnson is going to be a big influence in the AFC East, if not next year, the next decade. He may have a plastic personality and hair style, but he can motivate his players. They may not say so publicly, but he still has strong support by the Cowboy players, many of whom have expressed interest in playing for Jimmy again. This being the decade of player and franchise free agency, don't be surprised if you see such Cowboy greats as Emmett Smith, Leon Lett, and Michael Irvin sign with the Dolphins when they become free agents. Imagine what a power house Miami could be if those three team with Dan Marino! Seeing those four on the same team would force me to finally retire!" With that, the crowd gives Marv a standing ovation and he then introduces Bill Cowher. "Good luck against the 'Boys, Bill ! You're going to need more luck that those two touchdown gifts the refs gave you the last two weeks!"
