Bears (+7) over Colts; Over 48: Take the relevant statistics put up by the Colts and Bears this season . . . black out the names of the teams and players . . . and place the numbers before a veteran numbers man, requesting a projected Super Bowl result. With the Bears' record, their points allowed, their turnover-differential advantage, and their rushing defense, the Chicagoans must be preferred.
But the world knows that it's the Bears and Colts, the Bears emerged from the weak NFC North, and the AFC bested the NFC in interconference play. Add Peyton Manning, Rex Grossman, and the public can't get enough Indy.
Favorites have become increasingly vulnerable in the Ultimate Game. Grading off consensus lines, underdogs have gone 6-3-2 in the Supe in recent years. Parity – my, how thinly the talent is spread – has left us no bulletproof teams.
Since the Bears won their first seven league championships on the strength of George Halas' taste in players, and their introduction of the T Formation to the league with the talent to fully exploit it, Chicago has won two titles in the past 60 years. A thread runs through those two winners and this team – all collections of defensive marauders of disruptive skills extraordinary within their respective eras.
The '63 and '85 Bears defenses were similar to the current bunch, capable of wreaking maximum havoc. Being without Mike Brown and Tommie Harris hurts, but Brian Urlacher and friends do what they do.
Special teams can be overlooked, and while lip service has been paid to the Bears' return teams sparked by Devin Hester, more attention is deserved. The Bears return/Colts coverage clash is an epic mismatch. Hester, a Hurricane product, will be pumped.
What about Grossman? Lovie Smith's offensive plan should facilitate success. The 26-year-old throws the deep ball with an accuracy many bigger names would envy. Grossman doesn't have to do it all by himself. TE Desmond Clark has been overlooked, and is comparable to Indy's Dallas Clark.
Clock the status of Colt corner Nick Harper and his bum ankle. He didn't practice Friday, but participated in yesterday's final walk-through. Tony Dungy said he "feels very confident" Harper will be able to play.
Watch the officiating. Supe XL provoked this concern, with the multiple unsupportable calls favoring the Steelers – two by Pittsburgh native Bob Waggoner. The Seahawks, violated by bad calls in big spots throughout their history, had never been so abused.
Tony Corrente will head this year's "all-star" crew. Like the fact he's only been reversed twice in 14 challenges this season, but games he worked in '06 averaged more than 13 penalties, and a law-and-order approach doesn't bode well for the Bears, given Manning's golden-child status.
The Bears' defensive style produces points – for the Bears. Anticipate plenty of point-swapping.
Indianapolis remains the largest U. S. city without immediate access to a navigable waterway. Will Manning finish Super Bowl XLI up the creek, without a paddle? You saw him staring at his shoes on the Colts' bench in the final minute of the Patriot game. Are you thinking what I think he was thinking?
Manning had his problems trying to beat Florida in his college days with the Vols. Grossman starred for the Gators, years later.
Oh, no, not again . . . again.