Superbowl XLI Preview

PREVIEW
This year's Superbowl matchup has the potential to be one of the best in recent years. Anytime that you have the best offense in the league going up against the best defense in the league you know you are in for a treat.

The Indianapolis Colts' highpowered offense, headed by Peyton Manning, always has the ability to light up the scoreboard, no matter who they are facing. However, Peyton is looking to improve on a less than stellar playoff campaign this year. Needless to say, winning the big one will do that for you.

The Chicago Bears sport the leagues best defense, which they have relied on heavily this season. Look for them to do the same in this game. With the inconsistently bad Rex Grossman behind the center they are going to need their defense to create turnovers and generate some scoring opportunities or even some points for the offense.

This game really could go either way. When both the #1 rated offense and defense collide something has to give.

PREDICTIONS
COLTS
The Colts defense and running game have really come alive in the postseason. I think you can look for a heavy load of runs, screens, and dump-off passes to the likes of Joseph Addai and Dominique Rhodes. This will allow Peyton to sell the Play-Action fake and open up receivers down the field. This is when the likes of Dallas Clark (U. of Iowa Grad), Reggie Wayne, and Marvin Harrison will make their mark.

The Defense, led by Dwight Freeny, will have the opportunity to rip this game wide open. If Freeny and Co. can pressure Grossman excessively and wreak some havoc in the backfield this game won't even be close.

BEARS

For the Bears the burden will rest on the shoulders of the defense. It will also be interesting to see which Rex Grossman shows up to play. You can expect to see a heavy dose of inside runs by both Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson. If Grossman struggles it will be up to the defense to keep the Bears in this game. But, this is nothing unusual for the Bears.

This game could, ultimately come down to the third, less discussed, side of the ball. This is where the Bears have an edge. The Bears sport the leagues best special teams unit, while the Colts reside amongst the worst. Sensational rookie Pro Bowl returnman Devin Hester has the ability to house it every time he touches the ball. Look for him to come up big for the Bears' offense as far as field position is concerned. You can also count on the leg of Honolulu-bound Robbie Gould to be very sore come Monday morning. If the Bears can keep this one close, their special teams unit will give them a shot to win. It is also worth mentioning that the Colts have a kicker too, and I've heard he's not too bad at making clutch kicks in the playoffs.

THE LINE

I don't know if there are any gamblers reading this, actually i don't know if there is anyone reading this, but i want to talk about it. The official line on the game is Colts -7 (Bears +7). I think that the Colts resurgent defense will be able to get to Grossman enough to rattle him. Peyton Manning has had a rough go in the playoffs thus far but look for him to bounce back with a good game. In the end I think the Colts win this one by more than a touchdown.



PICKS

grittysquirrels= Colts 27 Bears 14 - The Colts cover the spread and the hardest working QB in the game gets his ring

ming01= Colts 23 Bears 17