Just as the Bears compensate for a frequently defective quarterback with stellar defensive and special teams units, the Colts have in past years relied on Manning's exploits to negate and overcome defensive deficiencies and a less-than-satisfactory running attack. But all of a sudden, there is no need for the Colts to cover up any weaknesses, which seem to have disappeared in the last four weeks. Len Pasquarelli notes as much in a great espn.com column this week. In this year's playoff run, the Colts have allowed 96 fewer opponent rushing yards per game than they did in the regular season. On the other side of the ball, they have averaged 27 more rushing yards per game than they did in the regular season. When the running game flows, the passing game opens up. And there is no quarterback deadlier in the pocket with time to throw than Manning.
Even Rex Grossman's most rabid fans can't deny his remarkable inconsistency. He manages one game well, then the next week he can't avoid tripping over his own feet. His bad games aren't just bad; they are shockingly bad, the kinds of games where a merely below-average quarterback performance would give the Bears a chance to win, but Grossman throws four interceptions and fumbles once, turning over both the ball and any chance for his team to win.
Take an already shaky quarterback in Grossman, prone to disastrous errors and who must be aware of the sports world's unique readiness to pounce on and dissect all his meltdowns-take that quarterback, and drop him onto the most visible, most pressure-packed stage in all sports. Such is not a recipe for a fortuitous performance.
Finally, doesn't it just feel like the Colts' time? Manning and Dungy deserve to win after finally vanquishing the Patriots' tyrannical AFC reign. The biggest surprise of the playoffs has been the Colts' ability to win games with field goals and defense. The real question to ask, in light of this development, is: If you give Peyton Manning a satisfactory defense and a consistently decent running game, is there any way he could lose?
-Judd Olanoff
Most people do not believe in the 2006-2007 Chicago Bears like they did in '85 team, and no matter what they do, they will be compared to that team. However, despite the seven-point underdogs they have been deemed, the Bears have have the right ingredients to pull off the upset and bring Chicago its second Super Bowl title.
Undoubtedly the Bears are going to have to play well to win, and cannot produce another lackluster performance like the one seen during the end of the season and at times against the Seahawks. However, the football seen in the NFC championship game can bring the franchise its second Bowl. If they demonstrate the same combination of forcing turnovers, establishing a balanced running game, strong special teams performances and timely passing plays, they should see victory.
The Colts do indeed have the advantage at the quarterback position, but it is not like Manning has been playing that well. People have seemed to forget that he has thrown six interceptions and just two touchdown passes thus far in the postseason. As much as people have been knocking Grossman, Manning's passer rating is just nine points higher than Grossman's in the playoffs. Rex has done just enough to win, and has not tried to do too much and has been clutch when necessary, including a six-for-six drive capped by a Berrian touchdown in the NFC Championship.
When Peyton Manning has time in the pocket and has no pressure in his face, there is no better quarterback. However, he runs into trouble and makes mistakes when he is constantly pressured, like in the Baltimore game. The Bears are one of the best teams at getting to the quarterback with veteran defensive ends Adewale Ogunleye and Alex Brown constantly applying pressure. Not to mention, defensive end Mark Anderson, who doesnt even start, had 12 sacks and four forced fumbles in the regular season.
The Bears' running game is superior to the Colts. The duo of Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson has been a success. Look for Benson to soften the defense early and Jones to run for big gains in the second half.
The Bears defense is like no other in the league. They forced almost three turnovers a game during the regular season. Peyton has proven to be turnover prone, so look for the Bears to capitalize.
The real factor in the game will be the Bears' special teams. Returnman Devin Hester is capable of winning the game by himself and kicker Robbie Gould is lights out and punter Brad Maynard continually pinned the Saints deep in their territory.
-Peter Stein