Sometimes you get tired of the mere formality that the regular season has become in sports. We all know that the Eastern Conference teams in the NBA have no chance against any of the various Western Conference juggernauts. It’s common knowledge that the American League baseball teams have far too much firepower in their line-ups for those inferior National League squads. In professional football the AFC rules. As a matter of fact, it sure was a great Super Bowl last Sunday between the Patriots and Colts, as some people openly considered it.
I think the NBA champion Miami Heat, or the World Series king St. Louis Cardinals, might have a little something-something to say about that nonsense. Are there any Florida Gators fans that want to chime in about things? I think I know what they might say: “Crown this!” sounds about right. Thankfully it’s required that the games actually get played.
Early Vegas lines have the Colts a 7-point favorite over the Bears. I know I’m in the minority, but I have to tactfully disagree. I’m here to drop my Super Bowl DIMES of knowledge.
Defense wins championships, or so they say. I don’t care what “slump” the Bears defense went through or what improvement the Colts have shown; Chicago’s defense is better. Don’t buy into the media’s accusations of vulnerability. They have All-Pro playmakers in the trenches, among their linebackers and in the secondary. This is a championship caliber defense and such groups win Super Bowls. Now they’re the underdog and feel disrespected. It doesn’t matter if it’s true or not. That counts for a ton and they are going to absolutely bring IT on game day.
Intangibles are easily overlooked or forgotten entirely. The Bears hold the advantage in this area of unpredictability. The Colts have atrocious special teams play. They repeatedly allow huge returns to their opponents on kickoffs and punts. Unfortunately for them, all-world return man Devin Hester plays for Chicago. The Bears also force turnovers as well as any team in the league. Very few units are as adept at stripping the rock away from ball carriers. Rex Grossman may have thrown too many interceptions, but it feels like no other quarterback has accounted for more “homerun” touchdown passes. Look for a couple in this game as Indy overloads to stop the run. Finally, even place kicker Adam Vinatieri can’t be considered much of an advantage for the Colts, since Robbie Gould of Chicago is as cool as they come.
Mentality is something the Colts do not have on their side. Peyton got the #### off his back when he finally beat Brady and the Pats in a meaningful game. Yadda, Yadda, Yadda. Says who? It’s not a #### on his back in the first place. It’s freaking King Kong and he's still there. Those same doubt-filled thoughts will be dancing in his head on Super Bowl Sunday. In fact I expect them to be even worse. He’ll have two full weeks to think about things. If you don’t believe the fear of failure is still on his mind, and in the heads of all his teammates, YOU… ARE… NUTS. It’s just his legacy that we’re talking about here, and perception is everything to some folks.
Execution of the game plan (as usual) will be critical to winning. Thanks to their defense, this will be easier for the Bears. Just think back to the NFC Championship game and repeat after me: “Reggie and Deuce who”? Brian Urlacher and crew will do the same to Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes. They may seem to give up too much passing yardage, but that’s what happens when you stuff the run. Manning will get his of course, but the Colts will be forced to play one-dimensional football. It’s been demonstrated many times that Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne can be disrupted by physical play. Don’t be surprised to see it yet again, leaving Manning overly reliant on his tight ends. The Bears will gladly take that exchange. On offense Chicago can stay true to their plan. They’ll pound the run to set up the passing game for the occasional deep ball. It’s a big if, but if Grossman protects the ball, the Bears will win this game handily.
Staffing on the teams is remarkably similar. (Enter sarcasm) Hey, did y'all know that Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith are the FIRST African-American head coaches to ever make it to the Super Bowl?!?! Oh…you’ve already heard? Seriously, let’s think about Dungy for a minute. If you ask me, more comparisons should be made between him and Marty Schottenheimer, than with Lovie Smith. Even though Tony has now made it to the big dance, and Marty still hasn’t, both coaches are notorious for having their teams fail when it matters most. This goes back to when he was leading Tampa Bay into contention, and Lovie was one of his assistants (Watch as the apprentice bests his mentor this year). Tony couldn’t pull it off back then and he’s not about to with the Colts. Oh, and need I remind you that Jon Gruden won it all with the Bucs, the very same season he replaced Dungy? I don’t think it was a coincidence. For the record I think Tony Dungy is a fine coach and an even better man. It’s just his karma.
Ultimately though, what do I know? I’m just not buying that this is Peyton’s year. These are my DIMES and I’m sticking with them.
Dang it! I actually thought about you and your picking prowess as I was writing this. At first I thought you were a Colts backer. Then somewhere in the abyss of my memory banks I thought I might have recalled your allegiance to the Monsters of the Midway. Funny that you would be the first to respond. I see it was the latter.
I guess if we go down we go down together man.
Here's to a great game and a few "too" many tasty beverages.
Nice breakdown of the match-up. You make a lot of very good points. However, after the Colts took out the Pats after being down by 18, I'm inclined to think anything is possible at this point. Should be an exciting game.
The only thing I really disagree on here is the Dungy-Schoettenheimer comparison. C'mon, now, Dungy isn't THAT bad. LOL.
As a Chargers fan, I think Marty should be so lucky as to have Dungy's postseason record.
Nooch--Thanks for the comment. I can understand your point with Tony and Marty. To be honest Marty's reputation is a lot worse. It should be. He's been coaching forever.
I guess what I was getting at is the whole 2 black head coaches in the Super Bowl stuff these past few days. It doesn't bother me one way or the other. It's great to see and all but I think we have all gotten the point and its historical significance. This was my way of saying that race aside, Tony has just as much in common (professionally as a coach) as he does with Lovie. Not as bad yet but if it keeps up, he already has a solid base of evidence for coming up short.
I saw you had a blog up. Once I get the kids to bed I'll be stopping by.
Rivjo - Good job here, buddy. This is a very difficult game to get a handle on. The Bears would seem to have a definitive edge with their defense, but they've shown at times that they can go through spurts especially when they're behind when they get back on their heels a little - and Manning is lethal when he dictates things. But on the other hand, a defense like the Bears is tailor made to give Manning fits, especially if the Colys get behind.
As I said in my Weekly Truth (out in an hour or so) the game may instead come down to the Bears offense vs. Colts defense, and can they keep Devin Hester from hitting one out of the park - anyone remember Desmond Howard's impact on a Super Bowl?
1)Peyton is sucking wind right now. he's got 3x as many INTs as TDs. he backed into the championship
2)the bears are solid in the secondary.
3)Indy has no running game. they found a lil something, but its suspect as hell
4)Thomas Jones, soft a butter, but he's gonna stomp all over Indy's puny little defensive linemen
that is
unless lovie decides to let grossman throw the ball 50 times.
Last edited by demonicume on January 26th at 8:46 AM.
burger21--I like how you put that. It's very true that the game may come down to the Bears offense vs. the Colts defense. In fact that's exactly what I think will happen.
I remember Mr. Howard all too well. I think that the Colts would be wise to kick away from Devin Hester whenever they can. He could single handedly win them the game if allowed too many chances. With the Colts poor special teams play, he is one player I'll have my eye on all game long.
Demon--If Peyton had opened up a can of whip #### on the Patriots I might think he could relax. The yardage was fine but he really hasn't played well in the playoffs at all. Can't take anything away from the Colts. It was a great comeback but not exactly a confidence inspiring display.
I always think that different teams either match-up with each other or they don't. I think the Bears match-up very well with the Colts but not necessarily vice-versa. I know people said the same thing about the Chiefs, but that team was too one dimensional and Herman Edwards is not a good coach. The Ravens then shut the Colts down for all intensive purposes, but they don't have exactly a high powered offense either.
The Colts haven't proven anything other than they don't quit. The Bears, when going well, are the most balanced team they've seen in the post-season. At worst it's a tie with the Pats and they had to pull one out of their #### to beat them.
I know who we're all rootin' for. Good luck fellas.
• Morris can’t wait — Linebacker Rob Morris can’t wait to get on the field against the Bears next week. And for good reason. His college roommate at Brigham Young, John Tait, is a starting offensive tackle for Chicago.
“We talked before our games last week. I told him good luck and that I hoped to see him playing in Miami,” Morris said earlier this week. “He just laughed and said that he thought we’d both be playing in Miami. I guess he was right.”
And now that Morris has moved from his traditional position at middle linebacker and moved over to take over at strong-side linebacker, he will be lining up almost directly opposite Tait.
“That’s going to be fun. I guess that since I’m on the outside now, I’ll be looking at him right in the eye for most of the day. I’m ready to get out there,” he said.
this is a hard game to put a finger on. the hardest SB in a long time. Yeah the Colts are favored, but someone has to be the underdog. here's why I think it's a toss-up:
1. QB play...edge..Colts...Manning came through against an albeit winded Pats D, but he came through. Grossman made some great throws in the NFC Championship game. Could he do it for say 2 consistent quarters if his team needed him to? Don't know if he can or not.
2. Special Teams...edge...Bears. It's a given with Hester and co. the Bears should end up with good field position on at least half of their possessions.
3. Defense....edge...Bears...Have the Bears seen as dinamic an offense as this one before? Not yet. They have already lost twice this year to two Hall of Fame QBs in Brady and Favre.
4. Offense....edge...Colts...Can hit you with the run to set up the pass. Peyton has 3 (maybe even 5 for the SB) plays to call at the line of scrimmage according to what he sees on defense. I don't think the Bears defense can cover everything that this offense can throw at them. The Bears will give up yards on the ground. I'm not saying 100+, but the Colts can keep you guessing. When the Bears start guessing wrong on whether the TE will block or receive, then they will be on their heals.
This game should be fun to watch. I'm not saying either team will win. I truly have no idea how either's offense or defense will handle the others. If you say you do, then you are wrong already. These two teams have nothing in common.
This was great. One of my favorite football entries I have read in the post season. Da Bears will kick down, the Colts will melt down, and Chi-town will get down.
Nice post and good picture of Manning; he looks a little nervous. It could get scary if Rex has his "ON" day. It may be all about turnovers and penalties deciding this one.
Prometheusmrt--That makes 2 of us. I'm often wrong so bet the Colts if you must (money or not). I sure don't want you blaming me! I felt the same way about the Colts and Pats. I wanted to go out on a limb and pick Indy, but I couldn't bring myself to bet against New England. You just never know.
Ed--I'd imagine it's always a great deal of fun to go head to head with a former friend and teammate. I hear that same story every time the Jets play the Bills and Willis McGahee shreds former Miami U teammate Jonathan Vilma. May the best team win. I know you're pulling for Peyton so that's the best I can do. Here's to a great game devoid of controversy.
Former88--You make a good point. This game is a total contrast in styles. I expect the league and the media to really hype this very fact next week during their traditional pre Super Bowl feeding frenzy.
You're right cause I truly don't have any idea what is going to happen. I do think the Bears will win but I've been wrong so many times I've lost count. Thankfully, the so called experts are wrong even more. If I remember correctly every analyst on NFL Live picked the Pats and Saints to win the games last week. Seems none of them truly think for themselves. Thanks for reading.
Sidd--Thanks for stopping by and glad you liked the read. I'm sure the Bears and all their fans love the vote of confidence. I think the Bears will be flying all over the field on defense.
Steelersfan--If Rex has his "ON" day I think the Bears will rout the Colts. Then again Peyton is the Man, no matter what people say. I know this. The Bears better hope he keeps to his traditional post-season form because if Peyton has HIS "ON" day, the Colts could blow them out too.
Thanks for noticing the picture of Peyton. It did rather match the image of him I was trying to portray.
rivjo .... I don't know which side of the coin I'd pick on this one. On the one hand yo've got the recent experiences of the Colts having been close, but yet so far away from the ultimate prize. On the other hand you've got the upstart Bears that've basically bludgeoned their way to pinnacle of what one would've termed almost impossible at the start of the season. We know that Grossman has had his ups and downs but once he gets his confidence going he's quite a capable quarterback. Despite arguments to the contrary as he proved it against the Saints. And they weren't meant to be pushovers. What'll really take place on Sunday is almost certainly be a battle of wits between the two coaches.
Both Dungy and Smith have exceptional coaching minds and that above all else will probably be the deciding factor. Defenses do win championships and it's said the Colts' defense isn't that great. But on two occasions during the playoffs they've managed to prove the naysayers wrong. Who's to say that they're not up to the task once again ? Should they prove to be Chicago's equal on that score , then they could end up winning the whole thing ! Because we know that on the offensive side of thingS they've got no equal in the NFL.
As they can ratchet up the score on an opponent almost at will !
rivjo ..... Check out my new piece written under the guise of rampantfanatic. It's entitled 'Gone But Not Forgotten !'
As it's about Jesus Chavez and his impending return to the ring after the long layoff after the death of his last opponent Leavander Johnson.
It's what one might call a bit of a tearjerker if you happen to have a compassionate side. But I think the story lends itself about what's good in the world after one suffers a personal tragedy !
You're just flat out a good writer aren't you? I really really REALLY don't like you guys who completly dash my self esteem every time I see a blog like this and realize that I can't write sports like you guys do. LOL. Good job.
Yeah, I'm picking the Bears to win this one. The Defense is just too much. Everybody talks about Peyton's smarts but what about the guy watching him from across the line (Brian Urlacher)?
I think it'll be a close one though as nerves get to Rex and the defense and special teams must absolutely excel.
I guess in the end though it's those pesky intangibles that win championships.
Riv, as usual great writing and I really like the prediction (you may see something very similar in my Condimentally Correct pick this week!)
If the guy from New England can torch Indy's special teams they way he did, Hester's mouth must be watering watching the film! In short, I think the Bears win if they get a ground game going.
rampant--Thanks for stopping by. I've been very busy of late. Burger 21 said it very well about this game. People talk about the Bears defense against the Colts offense. The true deciding factor just may be the Bears offense against the Colts defense. Overall this is one Super Bowl matchup where the strengths of the teams are in such direct contrast. Hopefully it's a good one.
I'll be sure to check out that boxing post. Sounds interesting and you know I love the fight game. Damn sad when somebody gets seriously hurt or loses their life.
Dusty--I try my best, that's for sure. I appreciate the positive words. Ultimately I do this cause I enjoy writing, but if someone likes what I create it makes it that much more worthwhile.
As for yourself, you are a damn good writer. Some may find you controversial but without your knowledge and ability it would never get to that point.
Haven't been around in a few days for more than a few minutes at a time. I'll be over to see if you've been stirring things up again.
rusirious--I think the game has a very good chance at being sloppy. Whoever capitalizes the most off of mistakes and makes the "big" unpredictable type plays will win. Then again watch it be a flawless classic, shot for shot. You just never now.
Mustard man--I am in full agreement with you. If Indy has a brain they will kick the ball as far away from Hester as possible. Watching New England's special teams dominate them does not bode well for them here. Can't wait to find out.
I'm a special ed teacher by trade. Funny, I spend my day wanting to say shut-up to people and then do the same here. Just can't seem to. That would be rude and most uncivilized.
I like to write and never met a thought I couldn't continue. My blogs, like this bio, tend to be far too long. I can admit it. If you make it to the end of one of my "essays" there's usually a message that could have been written in half the time by a better writer than me.
Did I mention I was a finalist in NGS II? No really I was, further proving that theyll let anyone in this place. I came in 10th, which is better than 16th I guess. Other than winning the 4th grade graduation writing award it was the biggest literary accomplishmen t of my life. I still haven't gotten used to being famous.
rs defense went through or what improvement the Colts have shown; Chicago’s defense is better. Don’t buy into the media’s accusations of vulnerability. They have All-Pro playmakers in the trenches, among their linebackers and in the secondary. This is a championship caliber defense and such groups win Super Bowls. Now they’re the underdog and feel disrespected. It doesn’t matter if it’s true or not. That counts for a ton and they are going to absolutely bring IT on game day.
know that Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith are the FIRST African-American head coaches to ever make it to the Super Bowl?!?! Oh…you’ve already heard? Seriously, let’s think about Dungy for a minute. If you ask me, more comparisons should be made between him and Marty Schottenheimer, than with Lovie Smith. Even though Tony has now made it to the big dance, and Marty still hasn’t, both coaches are notorious for having their teams fail when it matters most. This goes back to when he was leading Tampa Bay into contention, and Lovie was one of his assistants (Watch as the apprentice bests his mentor this year). Tony couldn’t pull it off back then and he’s not about to with the Colts. Oh, and need I remind you that Jon Gruden won it all with the Bucs, the very same season he replaced Dungy? I don’t think it was a coincidence. For the record I think Tony Dungy is a fine coach and an even better man. It’s just his karma.
