The Last Minute
There's nothing like waiting until the last minute to talk about the Super Bowl. But, here I am, doing just that. Here are the teams (keeping in mind I've been forced to see Bears games all season):

The Bears Offense--Grossman does suck, we've had that checked out. But, if the Bears great run game gets going (a combination of the highly under-rated Thomas Jones, and the guy everyone on the Bears can't stand Cedric Benson)... then a quarterback who can throw the ball down the field, like Grossman, is perfect. The Bears offense could actually hurt the Colts defense if they can get the running game going. If Bob Sanders has to come down into the box to help with the run, then the deep ball is going to be available to Berrian. Key to Bears Offense: Pounding the football right up the gut. X-Factor: Thomas Jones.

The Bears Defense--The loss of Tommie Harris and Mike Brown cannot be emphasized enough. Yes, the Bears defense is still good... but with those two guys still on the field, the Bears defense was dominant. Since they're both gone, the Bears defense is a little vulnerable. Both the Bears' safeties (Todd Johnson and Rookie Danny Manning) are the weakness to this defense... meaning the tight ends of the Colts could have a field day. Fortunately for the Bears, they are very deep on the Corners... going four deep with Tillman, Vasher, R. Manning, and Hester. Those guys can match up well with the Colts wide receivers. A defense is best when it can make an offense one-dimensional. If the Bears can stop the run and force Peyton to beat them (oddly enough... that's what they want), then the Bears defense will dictate this game. Key to Bears Defense: Stopping the run. X-Factor: The Middle Linebacker responsible for following the running backs... oh, it's Brian Urlacher.

The Bears Special Teams--Much has been made of the record-breaking Devin Hester. Here's the thing with Hester... he's young and he'll try anything to make a play. This could mean fielding a punt inside the ten-yard line... this could mean reversing his field on a kickoff to try to get around the defense... but it WILL mean that he will do something stupid in this game. However, much like the 'Favre rule', if he makes one mistake, he'll make one spectacular play. If you watched the Colts/Pats game, you saw the Patriots kick returner Hobbs go crazy and bring the noise and the funk, giving the Pats great field position. If the Colts cover team is that vulnerable, Hester could give the Bears huge field position. On the other hand, as good as their punter, Brad Maynard, is... kicker Robbie Gould is unproven. We don't know how good Gould (pronounced "Gold"... which is wishful thinking on the family's part) can be. Key to Bears Special Teams: Playing Smart. X-Factor: Devin Hester.

The Colts Offense--Everyone knows how good Peyton is. But I worry, with the bye week, that Peyton is studying TOO hard. He may be over-thinking this game. So long as Peyton can keep focused... he'll be the Peyton we all know and love. However, Peyton can't win this game alone. If you watched the Colts/Pats game, you saw how the Colts can physically wear down a defense. If the Colts can run the ball and control the clock (like they did against the Patriots), then it won't matter how good the Bears defense is. The combination of Addai and Rhodes have to control the clock for the Colts to win this game. Addai may be a better pure runner, but Rhodes can catch the ball out of the backfield better, and is smarter/more experienced. Key to Colts Offense: Keep running the ball. X-Factor: Dominick Rhodes.

The Colts Defense--Everyone slammed the Colts D during the season. Then the Colts came out and shut down the Chiefs and the Ravens. Did Bob Sanders make that much of a difference? In short, yes. He is the heart of the Colts D... and he can stop the run by himself. Something you may not have thought about is the fact that the Colts defense is built to pressure the quarterback. And, if ever there was a QB to pressure in the Super Bowl, it is stupid stupid Rex Grossman. Grossman will throw at least one INT in this game... and the Bears will have to overcome his one or two mistakes. If the Colts D can actually stop the run, the Bears and Grossman won't have a chance. Key to Colts Defense: Stop the run. X-Factor: Bob Sanders.

The Colts Special Teams--Vinatieri is the single reason why the Colts shouldn't worry if the game is close. Vinatieri could make a 48-yarder in his sleep. I know you couldn't name the Colts kick returner if I paid you (Terrence Wilkins). Wilkins needs only catch the ball and fall down to do his job. Hunter "the Punter" Smith may have the hardest job of all special teamers. He has to make sure to avoid punting the ball to Hester in a way that allows Hester to work his magic. So long as Hunter can keep the ball from Hester, the Colts special team should be fine. Key to Colts Special Teams: Keep the ball from Devin Hester. X-Factor: Adam Vinatieri.

Overview--Anyone who thinks this is going to be a high-scoring game is way off base. This is going to be a grind. Perhaps the best offense will be the offense that plays the most relaxed. I don't know which team that will be, as I feel like both offenses are going to be tight (Grossman might play loosest because he doesn't know better. He is a stupid man). Grossman will throw a TD and a pick or two, Manning will throw a TD and a pick... and Thomas Jones will get a touchdown as well. Also, I think the Bears defense will bend and not break, forcing the Colts to kick multiple field goals. Three field goals, actually... including the game winner with no time left. Final score: 16-14 Colts. MVP? Could we see the first kicker MVP in Vinatieri? If not, the man Peyton threw the touchdown to... either Marvin Harrison or Reggie Wayne (whoever can go crazy on the Bears defense).

Sidenote: My least favorite player of all time, Michael Irvin, was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this weekend. Which just goes to show that off-the-field issues, whether it's cocaine possession, marijuana possession, or firearm possession, does not affect your HOF eligibility. But, if you push-off on cornerbacks every play of your career... then maybe you'll make the HOF, if you're on a good team with a great running back, dominant offensive line and good defense. Irvin still sucks... and I hate listening to his annoying opinions on ESPN. Nice tie Michael... try buying one that isn't as wide as your head. (It's a very wide tie... and it's ugly) (I hate Steve Young, too... just thought you should know how disappointed I am with ESPN)