After asking the question “Who do you like?” I have to make a decision on who to root for. Let’s go through things I consider criteria for this, since I didn’t root for either team during the regular season.
Hawkeye, Cyclone and Panther Alum Players
Carolina Panthers: Bruce Nelson (Iowa).
New England Patriots: Dedric Ward (UNI).
No advantage.
Native Iowans
Carolina Panthers: Bruce Nelson (Emmetsburg).
New England Patriots: Dedric Ward (Cedar Rapids), Matt Chatham (Sioux City)
Advantage: Patriots.
Iowa College or Native Iowan Coaches
Carolina Panthers: John Fox, Head Coach (Iowa St Def.), Sal Sunseri, Def.Line (Iowa Weselyan).
New England Patriots: Brad Seely, Special Teams (Vinton).
Advantage: Panthers.
Website Coolness
Highly subjective. I like what I like and I want to find certain information easily. If the website helps me that helps its rating. The Panther’s site I found much of the information in table form. I had to go to individual popups or pages for information on the Patriots’ site.
Advantage: Panthers.
Cheerleader Occupations
This one is kind of subjective. I like teachers and I like professionals. Sales reps, secretaries, assistants, dance instructors and vague job descriptions won’t help. Neither will college students (they should be cheering for their college!)
Carolina Panthers: 3 Teachers, CPA, Mechanical Engineer, Banker, TV News Editor; extra points for a stay-at-home mom.
New England Patriots: 2 Teachers, Graphic Designer, TV Show Host, News Reporter.
Advantage: Panthers.
Going on this “scientific” analysis, I guess I’ll root for the Panthers!
