Here’s a look into how the teams will look on Super Bowl Sunday.
Bears Running Attack
The team had solid contributions from their running backs, led by Thomas Jones and Cedric Jones. The duo combined for 12 touchdowns.
Colts Run Defense
The Colts got pushed around, shoved around, manhandled and whatever other term you want to use for outright dominated. They allowed 173 yards per game, which ranked them last in the league.
EDGE: Bears
The Colts have been impressive stopping the run this postseason. But three games of production don’t negate a horrendous regular season.
Bears Passing Attack
It begins and ends with Grossman. At times he has been fantastic. But the times he’s been bad, he’s been pitiful, recording passer ratings of 0.0 and 1.3 this season.
The numbers don’t lie. He had seven games of two or more interceptions. He often relies on dropping back and throwing it up to underrated wide out Mushin Mohammed.
Colts Passing Defense
The team plays a relatively simple defense, concentrating on the popular Tampa two coverage. This postseason they have improved their tackling and haven’t allowed receivers to gain yards after the catch.
Safety Bob Sanders is an intimidating presence on the field.
EDGE: Colts
Indy’s secondary isn’t too complex. But when Grossman is the opposing quarterback, it doesn’t matter. It could become a situation where the Colts wait for him to make a mistake, rather than creating one.
Colts Rushing Attack
Rookie tailback Joseph Addai had a solid season. The backs were also very reliable in ball protection, coughing up the ball only 10 times, best in football.
Bears Rush Defense
The Bears have shut down their opponents running game. They were sixth best against the run, allowing only seven TD runs.
EDGE: Colts
It’ll be tough for the Colts to generate any ground game with Tank Johnson at nose tackle. Brian Urlacher has tremendous instincts and plays the run better than any other linebacker in the league.
Colts Passing Attack
Peyton Manning had his typical impressive season with 31 TDs, tied for best in the league.
Wide receiver Reggie Wayne slowly became his favorite target, while tight end Dallas Clark always seems to come up with the big catch.
Bears Pass Defense
It’s fair to say that the defense hasn’t been as dominating recently than it was earlier in the year. Season-ending injuries to safety Mike Brown have hurt them. As a result, they’re allowing a lot more points and creating fewer turnovers.
EDGE: Colts
Manning has more options than any other quarterback in the universe. He has shown time and time again that he can pick apart any defense, no matter how impressive they are.
Bears Special Teams
The star player was rookie return man Devin Hester, a true playmaker. He set a rookie record with six return touchdowns. Kicker Robbie Gould had a solid year.
Colts Special Teams
Kicker Adam Vinatieri has maintained his clutch kicking with key kicks against New England and provide all the scoring for the win in Baltimore. The team lacked a true return threat on kickoffs.
EDGE: Colts
The Colts can prevent Hester from impacting the game by not kicking it to him. It’s not nearly as easy to prevent Vinatieri from being a game changer.
Intangibles
Super Bowl atmosphere- It’s not uncommon for players to be too energized and suddenly find themselves completely exhausted by the third quarter. Whatever team is more mentally tough will have a huge advantage.
First-time Super Bowl coaches- Will they try new schemes they haven’t used all year? Will they try to be conservative in their play calling? It’s the chess match of all chess matches.
Prediction: Colts 31, Bears 24
The Colts should get out to an early lead, forcing Grossman to win the game with his arm. I just don’t think he can handle that pressure in the biggest game of the year.