The colts are going to win 27-20.
Key plays - Colts defense will get three turnovers, two picks and one fumble.
Though, Colts themselves will turn the ball twice in interceptions, Peyton will pull it off...in the fourth quarter.
Here's why:
Offense:
1) Quarterback - Peyton has had a below than average play-off's so far this year. I can't imagine him having 4 bad games in a row and definitely not a bad Superbowl.
Advantage - Colts
2) Running backs - I love the power running of both Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes. Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson of the Bears have similar running styles also. However, I'll go with the Colts because their running backs can catch the ball better. Both Addai and Rhodes have caught 46, 30 receptions respectively during the regular season. Also, they help set up the "Play-Action" well.
Advantage - Colts
3) Receivers - How can I go against Marvin Harrison? One of the best in business.
Though, Reggie Wayne is not as solid as his peer, his clever route running capabilities will create mis-matches in the secondary.
On the other side Bernard Berrian is good, but Muhsin Muhammed is prone to drops & fumbles, but has tremendous blocking capabilities. He can throw a block or two down field that we might see on ESPN Sportscenter.
Advantage - Even
4) Tight Ends
Ben Utecht is playing his first year as a full time starter, whereas Desmond Clark is having his best year.
Advantage - Bears
5) Optional Tight End
Dallas Clark - Wow!, how many times has he come up big and bailed Peyton!!
Advantage - Colts
6) Offensive Line
With the all-pro center Jeff Saturday in the middle Colts have a better O-line than the Bears. Plus, they do not need to buy a whole lot of time for Peyton because of his quick release.
Advantage - Colts
Defense
Both the defenses play a variation of the cover-2 scheme that Tony used to run at Tampa Bay.
1) Defensive Line
The front four of the Bears are solid - Adewale Ogunleye, Tank Johnson, Ian Scott and Alex Brown. They can rush the passer, blitz, get sacks and more importantly stop the run. They play solid fundamental football and tackle well.
On the other hand, Colts have an average D-line. Dwight Freeney having a sub-par year has created problems for Robert Mathis. Both Anthony McFarland and Raheem Brock have got beaten badly against the run. Overall, the D-line of the colts has been inconsistent and bad against the run in many games.
Advantage - Bears
2) Line Backers
Brain Urlacker is good, the only problem is he over-pursues sometimes. He is fast man!!!..I have seen him cover a wide-receiver in some games..Line backer against a wide-out...Hmmm!!! Also, I like Lance Briggs and Hunter Hillenmeyer. They have speed, pursue the run well and tackle well.
On the Colts side, Rob Morris, Cato June and Gary Brackett are average. In fact, Cato June had one of the worst games of his career against the Jags this past regular season. That's the game in which the Jags ran for 375 yards...yes, in one game.
Advantage - Bears
3) Secondary
a) Corner backs
I like Nick Harper of the Colts but not sure whether the ankle that he twisted against the Pats will bother him. On the other side many teams have picked on Charles Tillman a few times so he's susceptible. However, Nathan Vasher is a strong, tough corner and with Ricky Manning, Jr. in nickel and dime situations the Bears are solid in that area. They bump and run with the receivers well, and have speed. Also, they play both man-man and zone defense pretty well. Ricky Manning, Jr. has got good hands and reads the quarterback well. Peyton will throw at least one to him.
On the other hand I'm not impressed with Jason David, Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden of the Colts. They play OK..coverage, and have a tendency to give up the big play.
Advantage - Bears
b)Safeties
Bob sanders - He is a fantastic player and a leader. He does make the entire Colts defense better,both in scheme and in attitude. I feel, if I'm around him I can play the game..!!
Also, because of Sanders, Antione Bethea is playing well.
On the Bears side though Chris Harris is OK, Danieal Manning, the rookie is still learning.
Advantage - Colts
Special Teams:
1) Kicker
Have you heard the name Adam Vinateri - Mr. Post-season..!!
I don't have to say anything here.
Advantage - Colts
2) Punter
I'll go with Hunter Smith just because I haven't seen anything negative...!!
Advantage - Colts
3) Returns
Deven Hester - I'm still thinking the missed field goal that he returned for a TD (108 yards). This is a no brainer.
Advantage - Bears
4) Coverage
Did you the watch the game against the Saints? Overall, the Bears play kick-off coverage well, hit hard and cause turn-overs. I hate to say it but the Colts are soft on this.
Advantage - Bears
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