And the Lombardi Trophy Goes To...

The extra week between the conference championship games and the Super Bowl provides the media with plenty of time to hype up basically everything except the game itself. I’ve read all about the city of Miami, South Beach, Super Bowl rings, Peyton Manning and the gorilla on his back, Rex Grossman and his 20 interceptions, oh, and the fact that Chicago’s Lovie Smith and Indianapolis’ Tony Dungy and the first two black coaches in Super Bowl history. I’m not saying these things are insignificant, but in truth they have no impact on the game.

Now that we’re T-minus 52 hours to kickoff, the game is becoming more and more in focus. So far, the overwhelming majority seems to be on board with the Colts. In fact, I haven’t heard anyone pick the Bears to win this game. I could actually make an argument for either team. But I can only pick one winner, and I’ll do so shortly.

There have been some NFL developments that have nothing to do with the Bears and Colts. For starters, Brett Favre announced today that he will return to Green Bay for his 17th NFL season. Looking at the Packers situation, I think this is a good thing. They improved from 4-12 in 2005 to 8-8 in 2006 and ended the year on a four-game winning streak. Favre showed he still has plenty of gas in the tank, and the Packers don’t have another NFL-caliber quarterback on the roster. I don’t have a problem with him returning.

The coaching scene has finally taken shape, except in Dallas where Jerry Jones is still deciding between 49ers Offensive Coordinator Norv Turner, San Francisco Assistant Head Coach Mike Singletary, and Bears Defensive Coordinator Ron Rivera. There’s also still a chance that Jones will come down from the front office and coach the team himself (as he did in 1995 and 1996 during the Barry Switzer administration). I, personally, hope it’s Turner, whose track record as a head coach is not exactly stellar, and because he’s already hinted that he thinks TOFU’s money could be better spent. I agree with that sentiment, by the way, and wouldn’t mind seeing TOFU on the government cheese line.

Donovan McNabb spoke to the press for the first time since his injury and quickly dispelled the rumors that he’s upset and wants out of Philly. If you know me at all, you know where I stand on McNabb. I love the guy and want him running my team. I appreciate what Jeff Garcia did for the Eagles this season, but let’s be honest – the Eagles resurgence had more to do with Brian Westbrook getting the ball 25-30 times a game. The offense will be even better with a healthy McNabb if they continue to feed Westbrook. I also think Jeff Garcia will cash in with a free agent contract somewhere other than Philadelphia, so there should be no controversy there. Now if only there were some blue-chip linebackers available in the draft…

Speaking of the NFL’s Annual Selection Meeting, the talent pool is deeper thanks in large part to the college juniors that have declared themselves eligible. And, I had fun doing my mock draft last year, so look for that coming in the spring.

Before we get to spring, there’s one more game to pick.

Sunday, February 4th, 2007

The Match-up: Chicago Bears (+7.0) vs. Indianapolis Colts
The Skinny: If I’m a Colts fan, I’m actually encouraged by Peyton Manning’s two touchdowns and six interceptions. The fact that the Colts are in this game is a testament to the quality of the team around Manning. They can run the ball with Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes. Their leading receiver in the playoffs isn’t Marvin Harrison or Reggie Wayne. It’s Dallas Clark. Their defense has been much better in January than they were in November and December, thanks largely to the return of safety Bob Sanders. I don’t remember Adam Vinatieri ever missing a kick that mattered in the post-season. With all that being said, the recipe for beating the Colts includes taking the ball away from Manning when he’s got it, and keeping it away from him when he doesn’t. And those are two of the things the Bears do best. Chicago’s offensive line is sensational and can take over a game, especially one where they face an undersized defensive front. The Bears defense is outstanding, and they led the league in turnover margin this season. I completely disagree with the popular notion that Rex Grossman needs to have the game of his life if the Bears are going to have a shot. The bottom line is, all Grossman has to do in manage the game, something along the lines of 13-21 for 165 yards, a TD and a pick. Chicago is better in two of the three phases of the game - defense and special teams. I like the Bears to win Super Bowl XLI.
Straight Up: Chicago
Against the Spread: Chicago
The Score: Bears 26, Colts 23