If the Eagles see a lot of Kevin Faulk, it may be bad news for the Patriots. David Maxwell/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- You can talk yourself into just about anything if you have the time, a little knowledge and a fridge full of the right kind of beverages.

You can, for example, talk yourself past all those no-necks with the earpieces and the goatees at the entrance to the Maxim party here Saturday night. And then you can talk yourself right into that spot next to the supermodel that you've had your eye on since spring.

You can convince yourself, if you try, that Jacksonville's really not a bad place to hold a Super Bowl. What's the big deal about a 15-mile commute that takes an hour, anyway?

Yes, you can even talk yourself into believing, given the proper priming, that the Patriots won't absolutely wipe up the field with the overmatched, under-talented Eagles in Sunday's Super Bowl.

You betcha this game could be close. Heck, I can come up with two handfuls of ways it might be ...

10. Terrell Owens is healthy -- You know why everyone's talking about him this week? Because he's good -- arguably the best receiver in football -- and if he's healthy, he can make a difference. A big difference. A healthy Owens is a threat, he balances the Eagles' offense, and that causes the Patriots all sorts of grief.

9. The unforeseen injury -- Of course, for this game to be close, the injury bug would have to be awfully one-sided. But say the Patriots' QB hits his hand on someone's helmet, and in steps ... Rohan Davey? Or say the Pats' running stud doings a groin and Kevin Faulk jumps in. Think things change then?

8. Andy Reid outfoxes the genius -- Remember, Philly's guy can coach, too. He's pretty smart. He's pretty dedicated. He's got a pretty good record. And he's had two weeks to prepare, too. Maybe Reid won't outcoach Bill Belichick. But don't think he's going to get his clipboard handed to him.

7. Tom Brady slips -- Maybe the Pats' QB stays in the game but falls to earth, finally. Hey, he's had bad games. Baltimore in November, Miami back in October, Arizona in September. A four-pick game against Miami in December. He's had six games in which his passer rating has been under 80. And the Eagles, remember, have a good defense.

6. Turnovers -- Did I mention Brady's four-pick game, and the fact that Philly has the best secondary in the NFL? A couple of interceptions by that defense could turn this game in Philly's favor. And what if Corey Dillon gets a case of butterfingers? He's only fumbled five times all year. Is he due?