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| Authored by Andrew Perna - 3rd February, 2007 - 6:01 pm
 The Super Bowl is less than twenty-four hours away, and I?ve just begun to type my Super Bowl predictions in my keyboard. It?s not that I?ve been deliberating over who I think will prevail on Sunday, but I was unsure of how to display my feelings on America?s greatest sports spectacle. I decided to compare the two teams in different facets of the game, using quick snapshots.
Peyton Manning vs. Rex Grossman
It?s really not fair to Grossman to compare the two quarterbacks. Peyton is far superior, but Grossman obviously plays well enough to help the Bears win ? otherwise they wouldn?t be playing anymore. Peyton carries a majority of the load for Indianapolis, despite the Colts? above average running game. The outcome this Sunday will depend on who does exactly what their team needs.
With Chicago?s dominant running game, and smash-mouth defensive style, all the Bears will need is for Rex to try a few downfield bombs, and they?ll have a chance to win. The Colts will need Peyton to connect on a few lengthy passes in order to settle the rest of the offense. Manning has finally reached the Promised Land and with that comes more pressure, a lot more than has been placed upon Grossman. You have got to believe that Manning would take the fall if Indianapolis loses, while Grossman may dodge a few bullets should Chicago lose ? solely because not as much is expected of him.
Addai/Rhodes vs. Jones/Benson
The Bears? running game is more dangerous, but that may only be because Chicago focuses more attention on their running backs. Grossman will be handing the ball off to Jones and Benson a lot in order to help Lovie Smith?s Bears control the pace of the biggest football game of the year. If Chicago establishes the run they?ll be able to keep Peyton Manning right where they want him, on the sidelines.
If Peyton Manning leads the Colts to an early lead, Tony Dungy would be smart to ride the backs of Rhodes and Addai. As they have shown thus far in the postseason, the combo can more than handle the load. Peyton knows that he?ll have to rely on the young Joseph Addai in he wants to get his Super Bowl ring. The Bears have the advantage in this battle, but the Colts have enough talent to outplay them on this grand stage.
Colts Receivers vs. Bears Receivers
While Chicago has receivers that fit well into their system, like Berrian, the Colts have the obvious advantage in this department. Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne form one of the league?s most talented receiver duos, and Brandon Stokley fits well into their game plan as well. Manning has a better relationship with his wide outs, Harrison especially, and you have to believe they?ll be well-prepared for Chicago?s intimidating defense.
The Bears receivers aren?t going to scare the daylights out of any the Indianapolis secondary, but they are more than capable of making an impact in Sunday?s game. Of course, if Chicago?s defense plays up to their potential, the Bears may not need much of anything out of their inconsistent offense.
The Defensive Battle
On paper these two defenses look like polar opposites. The Bears rode their defense all the way to Miami, while the Colts? defense only did enough to squeak out wins during the regular season. What really separates the impact of these two defenses is that the Chicago?s defense will have to perform if they want to win. On the other hand, the Colts would be perfectly content with a high-scoring shoot-out.
The Bears have playmakers spread across their entire defense, including studs like Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs. Those two alone can anchor an entire unit by themselves, but they are merely pieces of Lovie Smith?s intimidating defensive unit.
Indianapolis? defense has come alive as of late with impressive postseason performances against the Chiefs and Ravens. In the AFC Championship game the Colts? defense decided to take the first half off, but roared back in the second half to help Peyton Manning lead a historic comeback.
The return of Bob Sanders has been the key to change in performance as of late, but if his injury limits him against the Bears Sunday, the Colts could be in for a long night. The edge has to go to Chicago, with Indianapolis needing some guys to step up in order to take pressure off of Peyton and the offense.
My Prediction
I have done pretty well with my picks this postseason, riding an 8-2 record into the Super Bowl. The only teams to make a lair out of me have been the Patriots (against the Chargers) and the Bears (against the Saints). I don?t think lightning can strike the same sports columnist twice, so I?m going to take Indianapolis over Chicago.
The Colts beat their nemesis two weeks ago, and have gotten a Massachusetts-sized monkey off of their back(s). For the Colts to lose in the Super Bowl after getting through Tom Brady and the Patriots would be a tragedy. Indianapolis fans wouldn?t be surprised, after watching their Pacers finally advance past the Knicks, only to lose to the Lakers in the Finals. But there is a key difference here, the Colts are favorites.
Peyton Manning will be as prepared as ever, and the Colts should win comfortably. I?m going to give them a ten-point win, let?s say 30-20. I think the Bears will score more than they thought they?d need to win the game, but the Colts? offense will find holes in the Chicago defense. Peyton gets a ring, and Dungy beats Smith to history?
Super Bowl Thoughts? Send them my way?Andrew.Perna@RealGM.com |
