The Indianapolis Colts came into Miami wanting their first Super Bowl Title since 1970 and their first title since moving to Baltimore in 1985. The Chicago Bears last Super Bowl Appearance was 1985, when the Bears beat down the New England Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX. This was the first Super Bowl played in the rain. There was fireworks from the opening kickoff, as sensational Chicago Bears Rookie return man Devin Hester returned the opening kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown, marking the first time a kickoff was returned for a touchdown to start a Super Bowl. The Colts came firing right back, as Peyton Manning found Reggie Wayne for a long touchdown, making the score 7-6. Punter Hunter Smith could not handle the wet ball for the point after attempt, so the score remained 7-6. The Bears get the ball right back and Bears runner Thomas Jones rips off a 46 yard run down to the Indianapolis four yard line. The Bears take advantage in the red zone, as Bears Quarterback Rex Grossman finds Wide Recieiver Mushin Muhhamad (a member of the Carolina Panthers when they lost Super Bowl XXXVIII to the New England Patriots.) making the score 14-6. After that score, Indy's defense clamped down, and the Colts offense had 5 consecutive possesions and scored on the last one, making the score 22-14. Let's skip ahead to the fourth quarter, the Colts lead 22-17, and and the Bears need to score to have a chance to win the Super Bowl. However, Rex Grossman, the most inconsistent starter in the history of the Super Bowl, was intercepted by Kelvin Hayden and Hayden returned the interception 56 yards for a touchdown, sealing the deal as the Colts win 29-17.
Why did the Colts win this game? Peyton Manning. Manning simply wore out the Bears defense. How? By handing the ball off to the two headed monster of running backs Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes. Also, Manning threw short screen passes to Rhodes and Addai and the rest of their recieving corps.
How did the Bears lose this game? Rex Grossman. Grossman was 20-28 for 165 yards and a touchdown. However, Grossman threw two interceptions, one of which was returned for "The Clincher", the one that sealed the deal for the Colts. However, one thing that won't be reflected on the stat sheet were the fumbled snaps by Rex Grossman, one he recovered, one he did not. Apparently the "Center-Quarterback Exchange problem" that reared it's ugly head during the New England Game (which they lost) reared it's ugly head again in the most important game of the year.
How mad are Bears fans at Rex Grossman? Some Bears fans are calling for the Bears to sign 36 year old veteran quarterback Jeff Garcia and make him the starting Quarterback for the Bears next year (which won't happen. Rex Grossman is the Quarterback of the Chicago Bears, for better or for worse, whether the Bears fans like it or not.)
The Colts are going to have a lot of question marks coming into next season. Let's begin with the fact that Colts Quarterbacks coach Jim Caldwell is in the running for the Dallas Cowboys Head Coaching Job. Add to that the fact that Nick Harper, Rob Morris, Gilbert Gardner, Rob Morris, and Dan Klecko, all defensive playmakers, could be Free Agents after this season.
The Bears have a little bit of an easier road, Lovie Smith and Rex Grossman will be resigned, but the Bears are about to take a big hit as defensive coordinator Ron Rivera is more than likely headed to the Dallas Cowboys, either as the defensive coordinator or the head coach. However, the Bears don't have any major players headed to free agency, so the Bears should be okay for next season.
The Countdown is on. Six Months until the start of the 2007-2008 Football Season. I can't wait. MLB Baseball season and the NBA Playoffs will keep me occupied until then.
awesome..i didn't watch the superbowl..did u have fun watching it?
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