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Six Big Questions for the Big Game....

By alexferguson60, Section NFL
Posted on Sun Jan 28 2007 at 7:55 PM EST
More on: (all tags)

You know the drill. Bears. Colts. Miami. Sunday 4th February. 6pm. Here are the Six Big Questions for the Big Game.

However well Peyton Manning did against the Patriots last week, his history in `big' games hasn't been exactly pretty. Despite his greatness against the Patriots, he wasn't great against the Baltimore Ravens, who were only two blown interception chances from the AFC Championship Game themselves.
And if the expectancy wasn't enough, he sustained an injury to his right thumb against New England. Although the Colts staff have proclaimed him fit, don't be too surprised if the Bears D guns straight for it - even if it means giving up the 15 yard penalty. They'd rather face Jim Sorgi anytime.

2.    Which Bears defence will show up?

In the five games preceding the NFC Championship game, the Bears' defense was woeful, giving up at least 21 points per game. However, it got back to its old self by only giving up 14 against a high-powered Saints offence.  They managed to stifle  Reggie Bush, Deuce McAllister and Saints running game, while also getting after Drew Brees. And because of their speed, they can come from anywhere, led by Brian Urlacher, who's already seen by Chicago fans as the guy to get Peyton Manning down Loser Lane. But don't forget cornerback Charles Tillman and linebacker Lance Briggs, who - with Urlacher--led  the team in tackles. They are forces to be reckoned with, too
Look for Joseph Addai getting limited to under 60 yards and Peyton to get picked at least a couple of times.

3.    Indianapolis Colts receivers or Bears cornerbacks?

As we've written before, the Indianapolis Colts receivers are frighteningly good. Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark are nothing short of sensational, but Charles Tillman, the Bears cornerback, will be man-to-man on Harrison for most of the game in Miami. If Wayne makes mistakes - and he made some against New England, then Tillman, who leads the Bears in tackles, will be quick to create the turnover. Safety Daniel Manning isn't bad either. If Manning the quarterback makes a mistake, then don't be surprised if Manning the safety runs past him on the way to Touchdown Central. I'll take Indiapolis' receivers, by the way - although the Bears D will add to its reputation with a couple of INTs.

4.    How good is Rex Grossman?

After being a Grossman-hater for most of the year (I always thought that Kyle Orton was a better talent coming out of college), Rex certainly shut me up in the playoffs. Sure, some of his throws nailed the old ladies sitting in the front row - and rumour has it that a Bears fan had to be carried out of the top tier of Soldier Field after a misguided Grossman laser - but he was great under pressure against the Saints and for the most part, against the Eagles. The great thing for Grossman is that he's got nothing to lose - everyone's expecting him to get eaten up by a stingy Indianapolis defence- and in particular, Dwight Freeney.

5.    Who's got the X-Factor?

Well, it's a toss-up. One of Indianapolis' biggest weapons is the brilliant Adam Vinatieri, who can cope in the pressure cooker of any big game. He scored all the points for an anaemic Colts offense in Baltimore, and don't be too surprised if he tags on 12 more against the Bears- particularly if the Bears are successful in breaking Manning out of the pocket.
For the Bears, their special teams is one of their biggest weapons. If they are as fast when I see them in the flesh as they are when I saw them on TV, I'll have my hair blown back. They reduced Reggie Bush to nothing at Soldier Field, and I anticipate the same will happen to the Colts. Oh, and when they are receiving the kicks, then Deivon Hester, who was pretty anonymous against the Saints, is simply electrics, and will exploit Indianapolis' defenders, who struggled to stop the Patriots when they returned kicks.
I'd give it to Chicago.

6.    Most importantly, who'll win?

34-32 Indianapolis. Adam Vinatieri wins on a game-ending field goal, and King Peyton is crowned, and stamps his ticket to the Hall of Fame.