Football - General
Super Bowl XLI Preview
By Thomas Cool
Feb 2, 2007, 13:43

SUPER BOWL XLI: Chicago Bears vs Indianapolis Colts

This shapes up to be a very interesting matchup, da Bears defense against the Colts offense. That is what everyone focuses on at first glance, but the game may be decided how efficient da Bears offense is against the Colts defense!

Chicago Bears Offense

Led by much-maligned QB Rex Grossman da Bears actually led the NFL in scoring in the regular season. They have an efficient mix of runners, wide receivers and tight ends. Grossman is the captain of this offense, unfortunately when he has a bad game he really has a bad game! So da Bears will start conservatively, running Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson against what was often a porous Colts run defense. Jones is the speed guy, whereas Benson is the inside bruiser. Both can be effective, but they rarely play at the same time. TE Desmond Clark is a favorite weapon, and should prove to be especially useful across the middle and down the seams against the Colts Cover2 defense. The WR are certainly above average- Muhsin Muhammad is a big strong, possession receiver who will sneak downfield several times each game. Bernard Berrian is the speed guy, the game breaker. Mark Bradley has some speed also, but is knicked up after the last game. The Bears offensive line is very experienced and they are very, very good.

Look for Grossman to begin the game with dinks and dunks, to gain some confidence, and then air it out later.

Chicago Bears Defense

MLB Brian Urlacher is the heart and soul of this group, but he is flanked by Lance Briggs who is nearly as good as Urlacher. The Defensive line is also excellent, led by DE’s Wally Ogunleye and Alex Smith. Rookie DE Mark Anderson relieves them and is a speed rusher who has improved throughout the season. The DT’s are good, but not as good as when Tommie Harris is there! SLB Hunter Hillenmeyer is unsung, but efficient covering the TE. The defensive backfield misses Safety Mike Brown, without him they are not as strong. The CB’s both are gamblers but can be effective tacklers (C Tillman and N Vasher). The safeties are C Harris and rookie Dan Manning. The Bears play the same Cover2 defense that the Colts do, so that may not deter the Colts a lot.

Chicago Bears Special Teams

The Bears return game is truly special with Devin Hester returning kicks. The Colts had trouble containing Ellis Hobbs in the Championship game-they better be prepared for Hester! PK Robbie Gould is one of the very best, as is Punter Brad Maynard.

Indianapolis Colts Offense

As with Chicago, the QB is the architect of the offense, but Manning is more like da Vinci in his approach and results. Peyton Manning has a multitude of weapons to choose from, most of whom are better than their Bears counterparts. The Colts also employ a two-headed monster at RB: starting with rookie J Addai, then complimenting him later with Dom Rhodes. It will be interesting to see if Addai starts this game. The WR for the Colts are household names- Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. TE Dallas Clark is really a slot receiver. The Bears defense will certainly have their hands full with these guys! But for the Colts to win their Offensive Line will have to play better than they did against pressure DL’s last year (SanDiego). Still, having faced the Ravens defense may help them in this game…

Indianapolis Colts Defense

The Colts defensive line must pressure Grossman, and also stop the run game. DE’s Freeney and Mathis have to make sure they don’t leave lanes for Jones and Benson to get to, or the Bears will control the clock. This DL has stopped the run much better in the Playoffs than they did in the regular season-that will need to continue for the Colts to win. The LB’s will be keys too- Brackett, June and Morris must stop the run and June must stay with D Clark. The defensive backfield is banged up-CB N Harper is injured and may not play. If he is unable to go it will be very interesting to see who starts in his place. The safeties have to make plays-whether that means INT’s or big hits, whatever it takes. The defense cannot stay on the field for long drives, it is not big enough to sustain that time on the field.

Indianapolis Colts Special Teams

Everyone knows they have the best kicker in the NFL- Adam Vinatieri. Punter Hunter Smith could be the most important guy in this game-he has to pin Devin Hester to the sidelines or make him fair catch punts. The Colts returner, T Wilkins, must provide field position.

What will happen?

To win the Colts must: 1. contain Devin Hester; 2. stop the Bears run game; and 3. pressure Grossman. Alternatively, the Bears must: 1. keep the ball away from P Manning-confuse him, which will be difficult. 2. be proficient when passing the ball-keep Freeney and Mathis off Grossman! And 3. pressure Manning with the DL, otherwise he will pick them apart.

This game will be an interesting chess match to watch when the Colts have the ball: P Manning vs B Urlacher! Which side can outfox the other? Manning has played against the Ravens and Pats defenses, I wonder if the Bears can show him something he has not seen before?

R Grossman could be the key to the Bears chances- if he can minimize any turnovers then they should have a chance to win.

Prediction:

This could be a FG contest, much like the Colts-Ravens game was; or, it could be a high scoring affair if both offenses get into high gear. Florida experienced some tornadoes today and there is a chance of rain for the game, so if the field is sloppy that might effect the quality of play and the final score.

Chicago Bears 20
Indianapolis Colts 30

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