I have a hard time believing that I’ve been doing this for 12 years! I picked up the torch from Mike Rafferty on a whim, and this column has gotten way more traction than I could have predicted (pun fully intended).
Y’all know the drill by now. But in case you need a recap. Every year, I ask around for people’s thoughts, ideas, and predictions about the Super Bowl. Family, friends, co-workers, advertisers, politicians, and more are absolutely AMAZING about participating every year!
Over the years, this series has gotten large and in charge! We are talking O-line-level big!
Before we get started, Jimmy will be back next week. Again, I’ve got thousands of words to get printed, so I need all the room I can get, and he was kind enough to give up his space for me.
Plus, Jimmy is pretty disgusted that, as of this writing, it’s somehow STILL JANUARY. At this point, I’m fairly sure it has been January for 525,600 minutes.
With that being said — he’s boycotting the office until the calendar flips to February and the thermostat reaches double digits.
So, without further ado — let’s get this party started!
As always, we begin right here in the office.
Wes is keeping it simple; he thinks the Seahawks are going to take the win 21-17. As it turns out, Charlie feels the exact same way. Good luck, boys!
As for the girlies, Kristy thinks the Patriots are going to win because they have the best name and the best colors. And Jaimie thinks the Seahawks are going to win 24-17. Don’t worry, neither of them actually cares enough about football for this to become an HR issue!
Webb Weekly wouldn’t be much without its wonderful writers, so let’s see what they have to say.
First up, Scott Lowery, “Raise your hand if back in September you saw this one coming. Don’t see many raised.
“It’s a game with some fun story lines. A second-year QB (Drake Maye) and a first-year coach (Mike Vrabel) return home to lead his team back to the big game he once played in, against a team with a journeyman QB (Sam Darnold) suiting up for his 5th NFL team.
“It’s glory days returned for the Patriots playing in their record 12th Super Bowl, seeking their 7th Lombardi Trophy. Seattle is making their fourth appearance, having lost to the Patriots in 2015. Both teams have had great 14-3 seasons, with Maye a leading candidate for league MVP honors. However, Seattle has the best wide receiver in the game, Jaxon Smith-Njigba (119 catches, 1,793 yards, 10 TD). I’ll ride with him to be the difference in the game.
“The Patriots have been a great story, and Maye looks like he’s for real. Their colors and uniforms resemble the US Postal Service, but they won’t make delivery on time in this one. Seahawks win and cover the spread.”
Jamie Spencer added, “Seahawks. Sam Darnold is cool. 24-20. The Needles prevail.”
For those who don’t know, while originally from the area, Bernadette Ulsamer has been living in Pittsburgh for so long that she may as well be native, so be ready. “I’m going with the Seahawks because I can’t morally root for the Pats; it just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. In true Pittsburghese ‘The Pats are a bunch of Jag—-!’ Don’t know if you can print that, but feel free to quote me.” Honestly, I don’t know if I can print that, but I’m sure you can fill in the blanks!
Lou Hunsinger doesn’t foresee a high scoring game, “I see it being 17-13 Seattle. Seattle has a rugged defense, which should make it a low-scoring game.”
Joe Smith is a Bill’s fan, so he certainly has feelings about the game. “Seahawks 30, Pats 24. The Seahawks are truly elite; I don’t think anyone can beat them — not even the talented Maye & co. As a die-hard Bills fan, I hate to see NE receiver Stefon Diggs — a former Bill whose personal life includes strangulation charges and something like six different baby-mamas — get to the Big Game before Josh Allen; but for all its signaling to the contrary, the NFL doesn’t reward virtue. (If it did, Sean McDermott would still have a job.)”
Tim Hartzell is rooting for New England, but doesn’t have faith: “I’m cheering for New England (only because they’re from the eastern half of the country and representing the AFC), but I think Seattle will edge them out. My prediction: Seahawks 21, Patriots 17.”
Andrea McElroy also has thoughts about the game, “Look, I’ll be honest with you: I don’t really understand football’s point system, and I’m not about to start pretending I do for this prediction. But here’s what I know for sure about Super Bowl Sunday.
“This year it’s the Patriots versus the Seahawks, and while the Seahawks are actually favored this time around, I’m sticking with my tradition — I always root for the underdogs. Call it a lifetime habit. The Patriots have had their glory days (remember the Tom Brady years?), so why not let someone else have a moment?
“But let’s be real about what I’m actually looking forward to! The commercials. Those 30-second spots that cost millions and somehow make me laugh, cry, or crave things I didn’t know existed. That’s the real entertainment baby!
“And the food. Our friends Joe and Lindsay come over, and we’re doing our annual Super Bowl spread — all kinds of sliders, snacks, and whatever else we can pile onto our kitchen bar. We’ll sit together, watch the game (or pretend to), critique the commercials, and just enjoy being together.
“That’s my Super Bowl prediction: good friends, great food, entertaining commercials, and hopefully a win for whoever’s wearing Seahawks colors. Their colors are really neat actually. Go underdogs!”
Let’s start the transition from the Webb Weekly family to the Webb Family with Papa Jim himself, “Over a decade ago, New England beat Seattle by four points due to one of the greatest Super Bowl blunders in coaching history. If they had simply handed the ball off to Marshawn Lynch, Brady and Belichick would have one fewer title, and Seattle would have had back-to-back Lombardi trophies. Karma completes a full circle as Seattle wins 28-24 by running the football and a late New England turnover.”
Michelle also thinks that Seattle will win, but she’s not thrilled about it: “I want New England to win, but I don’t think they will. I think the score will be 35 to 17.”
New dad and Not-so-Little Jimmy is calling a Pats win 24-21 over the Seahawks. He said, “I don’t really like either team, but I’m doing it for my buddy Chase Waller.” He didn’t tell me Beau’s thoughts on the game, but I have the feeling he’ll take the Patriots to be like Dad!
JW3’s father-in-law, Dr. Dave Raemore, thinks Seattle is going to take it 31-24 over New England. I have a feeling baby snuggles will keep the family from any hard feelings this year!
Hunter is personally invested in the game this year, “Rooting for Seattle Seahawks because of their elite defense this year, and also my former teammate Christian Haynes plays offensive line for them. Seattle 24, Patriots 21.”
And speaking of fathers-in-law, Hunter’s father-in-law, and owner of Pier 87, Frank Morrone, added his thoughts, “I do believe I’m 0-2, maybe 3. So here it goes. I’m not a fan of Boston anything, except for my family that resides there. Nor do I like the uniforms. Vrabel, I like, seems like a player’s coach, which he is. They would be more likable to me if they went back to the Grogan-era uniforms. I’ll take Seattle 38-24. Both defenses are tough, looking forward to watching, it’s always bittersweet knowing it’s the last game until late August.”
We also got some insight from around the local sports scene.
From Loyalsock, Justin Van Fleet is predicting some déjà vu, “27-24 with the Seahawks repeating history by throwing an interception on a red zone pass play. Patriots win.”
While we are in Loyalsock, Ron ‘CI’ Insinger also shared his thoughts, “Patriots 24-Seahawks 20. I’m going with New England’s rich tradition in the Super Bowl. They have that refusal to lose mentality.”
Over the river and up the hill, South’s Chris Eiswerth thinks the Seahawks have it in the bag: “I don’t think the Patriots will be able to keep up with Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.”
Fast Maz has some fast thoughts, “Seattle 31- New England 17… Because New England got beat by the worst team in the league.”
Crosscutters’ VP Gabe Sinicropi had this to say, “Seahawks win it 27-10. Seattle’s defense and passing game will shine on the big stage.”
He’s commentated more games than some of us have watched, Gary Chrisman added, “New England pulls the upset 27-24 in a thriller!! 23-year-old Drake Maye surprises and outduels Sam Darnold to stun the favored Seahawks!!”
He may be more of a baseball guy, but George Lepley knows a thing or two about football. Also, “I think Patriots win 24-20. I have rooted for the Patriots since 1971, when they drafted the son of handicapped Native Americans. Jim Plunket was the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback and number one draft pick from Stanford to the Patriots. His career didn’t take off until the Raiders picked him up on the waiver wire, and he won two Super Bowls for them.”
We know that I don’t like to get political in my column, but we did check in with a few local politicians to see which side of the NFL aisle they are on.
State Representative Joe Hamm sees Seattle coming out on top. “Seahawks 27, Patriots 17. The Seahawks’ defense proves too much for the Patriots and their young QB, Drake Maye. Seahawks wide receivers have a big game against the Patriots’ secondary.”
Fellow State Rep Jamie Flick also sees a Seahawks win, but in a much closer game. “Seahawks 38-35 in OT. Kicking game will be the difference!”
On the county level, County Commissioner Chairman Scott Metzger said, “Drake Maye and his dad went to the Super Bowl 10 years ago in Santa Clara. Now he returns to the same field where he sat in the upper deck and helps guide the Patriots to a 28-24 win. Mike Vrabel turns a 4-13 team a year ago into the Super Bowl champs.”
Fellow commissioner Marc Sortman is also rooting for the Pats. “Patriots, both teams are playing well, but last week’s game, the Patriots seemed to ‘want it more’. 27-17”
Can we go 3-3?
Our final commissioner, Mark Mussina, “Seattle 27-10. New England has played a soft schedule. Offensively, I think they can be a little challenged. I like Drake Maye, but I think he’s going to have to play really, really well for his team to have a chance, and I don’t see that happening.”
In the illustrious words of Meatloaf, “Two out of three ain’t bad.”
In the City of Williamsport, Mayor Derek Slaughter thinks the Seahawks are going to overcome destiny, “I think the Seahawks offense and defense will ultimately be too much for the Patriots. Although it seems Drake Maye might be destined, I think Maye and the Patriots’ run comes to an end. I’ll go Seahawks winning in a close one 24-17.”
There are some people you don’t hear about that Webb Weekly wouldn’t be able to function without.
Brian Haas, from Larry Haas Delivery, makes sure the Webbs reach a variety of post offices each week and thinks it’s going to be a 21-17 New England win.
Patti Kiessling is the only person who has been working for the Webb family longer than I have. She said she doesn’t know much about the teams this year and is just hoping she does well in her Super Bowl squares!
Webb Weekly is printed each week, all the way down in Maryland. Just south of the Mason-Dixon, Rich Stutz, the press room manager, offered up this: “I’m not really a football guy. I watch the Super Bowl, but that’s about it. I had to Google who was in it this year. I am going with the Patriots, but that’s as far as my football knowledge goes.”
My football knowledge isn’t much more, so I get it!
Where would Webb Weekly be without all of its amazing advertisers? No place good, that’s for sure! I do appreciate how many are willing to participate in this poll every year!
Blaise Alexander is looking forward to a Seattle win. “The Super Bowl looks a bit lopsided at first glance. Seattle has the depth, the defense, and the veteran quarterback. If Sam Darnold is on — which I think this is his game to shine — I look for a two-touchdown separation, somewhere in the area of 35 to 10, Seattle.
Larry Allison Jr., Allison Crane and Rigging, also sees a Seattle win, just a closer score, “Seahawks 31, Patriots 28. Sam Darnold has a day!”
Mike Rupert, Rupert’s Specialty Meats, was busy preparing for the big game but paused long enough to give us a score — 28-24 Pats.
Making his first Webb Weekly prediction, Matt Welty from Beiters doesn’t follow football much, but was nice enough to send something anyway! “I hope for Seattle, and maybe they have a chance without Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.”
As usual, Robin Tebbs from Tebbs Farm went to her grandson, Brecken Steinbacher, for help with her guess. “He told me the Seahawks will win 31-28!”
Did you know that both the Super Bowl and STEP turn 60 this year!?
Rachelle Abbott, president & CEO of STEP, is a Bill’s fan who would love to see New England get beat this year. “Let’s go, Seahawks! As a life-long Bills fan, I would love to see Seattle wallop New England 37-10! There is always next year for JA17! Go Bills!”
Dana Cain, STEP’s Multimedia Specialist, agrees with Rachelle, “I’m going to guess 24-17 with a Seahawks win.”
Kyle Hetner from Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak doesn’t know much about the teams this year, but said, “The 12s will soar into Santa Clara and outnumber the Pats fans. This ‘home-field’ advantage will give Seattle the edge and push them to a 31-24 victory. New England cannot win a Super Bowl without Brady & Gronk, right?”
Rick Quigley from Fairfield is predicting a very close game, “Seahawks 28-25. Strong offensive team and solid Defense.”
Like many people, Ken Dirocco from Impact Advertising is hoping for a Patriots win but doesn’t know if they can pull it off. “I would rather New England win for Vrabel’s sake. But I don’t know if anyone can beat the Seahawks. Seahawks 24, Patriots 20!”
Cami Rooney from Re/Max West Branch didn’t send a score, but she did mention that she’s a Josh Allen fan, so I’m guessing she’s not rooting for New England.
Steve Kaiser Sr., from Kaiser Brothers, thinks New England will win by 7!
Brian Peace from Murray Motors sees a Seahawks win, “Seattle 30, New England 24. Sam Darnold and the 2 good Wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba are going to be too much of an offense for the Patriots to stop. Also, the defensive backs for Seattle are going to give New England’s pass game trouble.”
Next up, friends and family!
My husband is always full of insight when it comes to the Super Bowl. “I predict the real Super Bowl ring is the friends we made along the way.”
Although Kiddo wasn’t really much more help. When asked about the game, I just got a text that said, “Patriots.” So, yeah…
This next one surprises me a bit. My favorite sister-in-law, Kari, actually sent me a prediction. She said, “Seahawks win 24-17. Gotta give love to my west coast roots. Plus, I hate the Patriots.” I’ll be honest, I didn’t think Kari was much of a football girly, and I’m almost positive any interest is entirely Taylor Swift’s doing.
Not gonna lie, I was a little scared to ask the Van Campens for their thoughts on the game this year. With the Eagles out, I wasn’t sure they would even participate. But luckily, they like me enough to send me something anyway.
Tricia said, “Well, since I have zero interest in either team this year, I don’t think I can make an educated prediction; however, I’d like to see the Seahawks win if I have to choose. I predict I will make and eat a bunch of delicious food.”
Josh was still holding out hope that the Eagles would win by 72 points. After a little more thought, he said, “Or Patriots 21 to Seahawks 17.”
I guess it’s a good thing neither of them is particularly invested in the game this year!
My sister Nicole also submitted a prediction, and she thinks the Patriots will win 28-21.
I know just enough about football to be dangerous. My knowledge of specific teams and/or players is even less. But I do enjoy watching the Super Bowl every year. I don’t have any skin in the game, so I guess I’m gonna go, 28-17 Seattle. Honestly, I’m really just hoping to be invited for all that delicious food Tricia’s making.
Even if your team doesn’t make it, it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement of the game. Plus, good food, getting to be judgy about commercials, and hanging out with friends just make my heart happy.
Please be safe on Super Bowl Sunday. Don’t get so caught up in the excitement that you do something stupid: no drinking and driving. Get home safe so others can get home safe.
Also. Remember. The Super Bowl is on a SUNDAY. You have to get up on Monday and go to WORK. And if you are reading this, chances are, you don’t recover like you did when you were 25, so take it easy. No one wants to go to work with a hangover.
