Super Bowl XLI

Chicago Bears 17
Indianapolis Colts 29

Miami, Florida

• Perhaps the best storyline of the entire NFL season by far: “More than anything – and I’ve said it before --Lovie Smith and I not only the first two African-Americans, but Christian coaches, showing that you can win doing it the Lord’s way, and we’re more proud of that.” - Tony Dungy, head coach of the Super Bowl XLI Champion Indianapolis Colts.


• Check that, the best thing to come out of sports. Ever.


• Peyton Manning won the MVP by default, but Dominoc Rhodes and Joseph Addai deserve credit for their combined 40 carries, 190 rushing yards (4.75yards/carry) and 11 catches for 74 yards. With the Bears playing conservative and dropping back into coverage, Manning checkout down and was able to dink and dunk his way down the field. I love to say I told you so.


• When the Bears blitzed, Manning was able to make big plays under pressure, most notably the 53 yard touchdown to Reggie Wayne while being pulled down.


• Rookie phenom Devin Hester ran back the opening kickoff for a touchdown and Chris Harris picked off Peyton Manning on his first drive. Throw in the rain and a couple of fumbles and the Bears had the Colts right where they wanted them early on.

• SI's Peter King: I think that was the strangest five-play sequence I've seen in a game in a long time. Maybe ever. Weird touchdown pass by Peyton Manning to a wide-open Reggie Wayne. Flubbed extra point on a Romo-type miss by Colts holder Hunter Smith. Lost fumble on the ensuing kickoff by Bears tight end/returner Gabe Reid. Lost fumble on the next play by Joseph Addai. Thomas Jones off left guard for 52 yards. Yow. What action.


• Colts' backup safety Kelvin Hayden (who?) made a name for himself picking off Rex Grossman and returning it for a 56 yard score to seal the win. I am interested to see what happens to this fellow...


• Adam Vinitieri missed half of his kicks in the Super Bowl. Yes, you read that right. One field goal and one extra point. Can you imagine the sad ironic story if those 4 points mattered?


• Tony Dungy is returning next season for the final year of his contract, and I would be in shock if the Colts organization does not break the bank in trying to extend it. With Manning, Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, and that tight coaching staff that has been together for so many years, the Colts are the favorites to win it all again next year.


• Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher: 23 total tackles. Yikes.


• Alright Rex Grossman, here we go. After all the attention and overhype: 20/28 for 165 yards and a short touchdown. However, two costly interceptions and two drive killing fumbled snaps is what everyone is going to remember. The Bears rarely took their signature shots downfield, and even when they did, Rex's passes were off target. Nevertheless, look for Rex to remain Chicago's starter for 2007.


• The Bears defense is still so good, great when fully healthy, that they should be in the mix for the NFC again next year. They will have to contend with the dreaded Super Bowl Loser Curse though...