This is always a bittersweet time of year for me. On the one hand, it's Super Bowl week, and we've got all the hoopla that surrounds the biggest game of the year: the parties, the commercials, the crowning of a champion, etc. But at the same time, I can't help but lament the fact that there's only one game left before football season is over. And no, the Pro Bowl doesn't count.
This year's game has some interesting matchups that should make for an entertaining. It's got the league's best offense against one if the best defenses. We've got a Jekyll and Hyde quarterback (Rex Grossman) against a Jekyll and Hyde defense (the Colts).
I really have no idea what to expect when the 2-week pre-game show ends Sunday night. We could get a nip and tuck defensive battle where both teams struggle on offense and force mistakes with their defense. This type of game would seem to favor the Bears, who could easily get Peyton Manning rattle and pick him off two or three times. Controlling the ball and momentum is key , and the Bears have the weapons to do it.
If the game turns into a shootout, the Colts have the advantage. They've shown all season long that they can put points on the board. And they showed last week against the Patriots that they can do so in the most pressure-packed situations. Of course they haven't had to do it against a defense like the Bears. Even if the Bears are successful in bottling up the Colts running game, can they contain Peyton Manning and his stable of talented receivers?
All that said, it's time to go on the record with my prediction. I think the Bears can win, but I just don't see it happening. After the big win against the Patriots, the Colts are riding a wave of confidence. For some teams, that might be a dangerous thing. But something tells me Peyton and the gang are not going to have a let down. Instead I think they are going to get off to a fast start and put immense pressure on Grossman and the Bear's offense. Then look for Dwight Freeney and the Colt's secondary to disrupt the passing game and really turn this into a lopsided game. Truthfully, the halftime show with Prince will conclude the entertainment portion of the evening. Final score: Colts 39, Bears 16.