The Pigskin Prognosticator -- Super Bowl XXXVII preview

Call it the Pirate Bowl.

These two teams are identified by the swashbuckling swords and the ominous skulls and crossbones on their uniforms, and in the case of the Raiders, in their stands. They're also two very tough teams. Oakland features a core of talented, gritty veterans who have a goal to reach and limited time to do so. Tampa Bay has the best defense in the NFL, featuring swarming Derrek Brooks and in-your-face Warren Sapp. This will be a battle.

Call it the Chucky Bowl.

Bucs coach John "Chucky" Gruden knows all about his opponent. He should, since he coached the Raiders the last few seasons before going to Tampa at a heavy price. The Buccaneers gave up two first-round and two second-round draft picks plus $8 million for the rights to Gruden. If Tampa wins, the price will have been well worth it. If Oakland wins, they know Chucky played an important role in getting them to the top. Plus, they have those picks and that money to help them replace their older talent.

Call it the Sunshine Super Bowl.

Two warm weather teams playing in sunny, pleasant San Diego. What would the old-timers, the ones who played in zero degrees with leather helmets and no facemasks, think? They would probably think, "I wish we had had it that good."

Call it a reason for a party.

Countless fans and non-fans alike will be gathered together to watch the game, and the commercials -- not necessarily in that order of priority.

Or, you can simply call it Super Bowl XXXVII, and may the best team win.

As for me, I'll call it Tampa Bay 24, Oakland 21.

Thanks for reading all season long. If you'd like to drop me a note, you can do so at SimonsSaysSports@yahoo.com.