Super Bowl XLI Preview

Every Super Bowl is big, but Super Bowl XLI figures to be the biggest yet.

The showdown in Miami is loaded with storylines – Lovie Smith became the first black head coach to take his team to the Super Bowl, and hours later Tony Dungy became the second.

Peyton Manning is trying to do what his two-time Pro Bowl Dad, Archie Manning, couldn’t — namely, win a Super Bowl ring.

On top of that, Rex Grossman is the starting quarterback on a team in the Super Bowl with a 73.9 quarterback rating compared to Manning’s 101.0 rating.
Here’s a breakdown of the teams:

Chicago Offense

The aforementioned Grossman leads a Bears offense that is merely average in both rushing and passing. He completed only 54.6 percent of his passes this season. The ground game will try to do some damage against the Colts’ middling rush defense, however.
Thomas Jones, Chicago’s running back who has increased his rush yardage every year since he broke into the league in 2001, needs to have a big game for a Bears victory.

Chicago Defense

‘Da Bears are in the Super Bowl despite their offense. This defensive unit allowed the fifth-fewest yards and third-fewest points in the NFL this season. Defensive end Mark Anderson had 12 sacks this season and he will lead a front line that needs to apply pressure to Peyton Manning and force him to throw the ball quickly.

Indianapolis Offense

Peyton Manning needs no introduction, but he’ll get one anyway. He completed 65 percent of his passes for 4397 yards with 31 touchdowns and only 9 interceptions. Manning has two sure-handed receivers to pass to: Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. Joseph Addai will lead the ground attack with Dominic Rhodes carrying the short-yardage rushes.

Indianapolis Defense

While the Colts’ rush defense deficiencies have been well documented, Indianapolis has not allowed a 100-yard rusher in the playoffs and has given up only 77 yards rushing yards per game. Throw in the NFL’s second-best pass defense and the Colts look like a defensively sound team. Also, big-hitting safety Bob Sanders will play again for the first time since Week 13.

Last Word-
Tony Dungy is no stranger to winning. With over 100 wins and Peyton at the helm, the Colts are poised for their first Super Bowl win since moving to Indianapolis.