Indianapolis' defenese has played much better in the playoffs, Peyton Manning hasn't put to bed his playoff demons, but he has played better. Of course, that storyline has been blown out of proportion for years. Watch how quickly the media will turn based on the game. Monday's stories can be written now, and the editors can simply choose late Sunday night. Manning will have cemented his place in history with a win or moved one step closer to joining Dan Marino among the quarterbacks who couldn't win a Super Bowl with a loss.
How could the Colts lose? By playing defense like they did most of the season. Indianapolis' defense would be one of the worst ever to win the Super Bowl, and Chicago's offense can succeed if they try to run the ball down the Colts' throats. No matter who wins, expect a lenghy hug between coaches at midfield at game's end. If the two weeks of hype have taught us anything, it's that Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith are great guys. And that the Bears have no shot. People should back off the second one a little.
It was 21 years ago that the Bears used a stifling defense to "shuffle" to a victory in the Super Bowl. They will need a huge defensive effort if they are going to capture their second title.
The Bears' offense is not going to be able to match Indianapolis'. Rex Grossman has been great sometimes and putrid sometimes, which version shows up Sunday will go
a long way to determining the victor. If the Bears' offense can avoid making big mistakes, they will give their defense and special teams a chance to win the game.
And that may be the key to it all. Devin Hester has returned six kicks for touchdowns and can change the game in an instant, just ask the Giants. If the Bears defense can play field position, Hester can get the offense close enough to put points on the board.
So, if the Bears can play a near-perfect game, they just might win. Unfortunately, for our friends in Chicago, Gothamist doesn't see it happening, Colts win big.
