What is your Super Bowl prediction??

[jimmysgirl424]

Just for fun, name the two teams that you think will ultimately make it to the Super Bowl. If you really want to go out on a limb, name the team you think will win it!

My picks:

The New Orleans Saints
v/s
The Baltimore Ravens


While I'm really not 100% sure who would win in this scenario, I will go with the fact that since Baltimore beat the Saints during regular season, that they will prevail and win their second Super Bowl championship. :)

[TerpsFan]

GO RAVENS

I'll be at M&T this Saturday....so excited!

[cari2]

I'll say Seahawks vs. Patriots with the Seahawks winning. I think they are both great coaches and it would be an interesting meeting of the minds. I am horrible with pics and watch they both lose this week...

[ash313]

Saints BABY!
I would *LOVE* to see them go all the way!

[Rosebud]

I'll say Seahawks vs. Patriots with the Seahawks winning.

Oh man, if this happens my husband and I will not be able to watch the Super Bowl together! He's a die hard Seahawks fan, I'm a rabid Pats fan. (Although even I would be tempted to root for the Seahawks after the way they were robbed last year ;) ). But I don't think there's any way the Seahawks will beat the Bears. I'd also pick the Chargers over the Patriots. Although I can't rule out the Pats-- they are good in clinch situations. But L.D. is like a one man team! I think the Ravens will beat the Colts and the Saints will beat the Eagles. Just guessing.

I'm going to say Chargers v. Ravens in the Super Bowl.
Winner... Chargers?

[IrishEyes]

I like Saints vs. Ravens too. Ravens taking it all, of course.

TerpsFan, see you at the game!

[TerpsFan]

Kellie, It's going to be crazy there on Saturday! I am so excited. We were living in Canton during the last Super Bowl run and it was so fun to see the entire city light up in purple. We were at Looney's during the game and I swore I thought the 2nd floor was coming down. Now that we are out in the burbs it's a different perspective but still exciting!!

[cari2]

But I don't think there's any way the Seahawks will beat the Bears

Sigh. It doesn't look very good, but I always like to pick one underdog to root for.

[TracieB]

COLTS vs. BEARS - with COLTS winning, of course ;).

[Cali_Katy]

I'm going to say Chargers v. Ravens in the Super Bowl.

Aren't the Chargers and Ravens both AFC teams?

[Rosebud]

Aren't the Chargers and Ravens both AFC teams?

OMG, I am an idiot. Let's try that again... Chargers v. Saints in the Super Bowl. Chargers to win it.

[RobynScott]

GO EAGLES!!!!!!!!

Oh wait - you said Super Bowl prediction - I really don't know - but the Eagles could get there ....

[Jenyfer9]

Bears v. Chargers... but with the way the Bears are self-destructing this season, I really don't think that the Bears will win.

[jimmysgirl424]

Bears v. Chargers... but with the way the Bears are self-destructing this season, I really don't think that the Bears will win.


I think the Seahawks are going to take the Bears to the cleaners this weekend. They had a good run and then started playing like crap.

For that matter, just for fun so I can look here on Monday and see how close I was:

Colts vs Ravens- Ravens win!! (of course)

Eagles vs Saints- Saints win

Patriots vs Chargers- this is one is a very tough call. Two very good teams that handle well under pressure. But...I will go with the Patriots win

Seahawks vs Bears- Seahawks win


BTW, Rosebud, I did the same thing as you early in the season. Picked the Chargers and Ravens before realizing they are both in the same division. Whoops.

[young lioness]

I'm hoping for the Bears vs. the Colts, with the Colts winning it all.

(I may live in Baltimore, but I'm originally from Cleveland, went to college in Indiana, and am married to a Steelers fan...so I want the Ravens to lose for lots of different reasons.)

[jesvet]

Chargers versus Saints.

GO CHARGERS!!!! (My husband temporarily possessed me during the typing of this post.)

[TerpsFan]

(I may live in Baltimore, but I'm originally from Cleveland, went to college in Indiana, and am married to a Steelers fan...so I want the Ravens to lose for lots of different reasons.)

Add that you are sending your first born to Duke and you would not be able to step foot in my house:p

Go Ravens!

[jimmysgirl424]

Add that you are sending your first born to Duke and you would not be able to step foot in my house:p

Go Ravens!

LOL!! Have fun at the game tomorrow..I'm so jealous you are going! My boss is a season-ticket holder and gave me two sets of tickets to games this year, and almost gave me his for tomorrow's game too, but decided he wanted to go himself. Not that I blame him! Well, if we win tomorrow and the Patriots beat the Chargers, maybe he'll give up next week's tickets! (hey..I can dream!)

Anyway, here in Baltimore, it is PURPLE FRIDAY!!!

GO RAVENS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TerpsFan]

Yeah Purple Friday!! It's my first trip to M&T all season...not bad, huh? My husband has the season tix and he put in for the playoff ticket lottery and gave me one. Aww, true love :) He just found out that he has to leave on a business trip out of country on Super Bowl Sunday so because of that the Ravens are destined to go to Miami.

[jimmysgirl424]

Yeah Purple Friday!! It's my first trip to M&T all season...not bad, huh? My husband has the season tix and he put in for the playoff ticket lottery and gave me one. Aww, true love :) He just found out that he has to leave on a business trip out of country on Super Bowl Sunday so because of that the Ravens are destined to go to Miami.

I hope you have a great time! And boy, if you had to pick a game to go to all season, this is the one! Have fun and cheer them on for me too! I'll be yelling my head off at the tv, but I doubt they'll hear me from my house! :D

[cr8zyforaf]

GO RAVENS..we are all wearing our purple here - even DD who is 16 months (daycare also declared it purple day)!!

[TracieB]

There are way, way too many Balitmore fans in here!!!

It's Colts Blue Friday in Indy today, and even though I live around the world, I'm still wearing my blue!

My prediction - Colts 19 - Ravens 16 ;)

[bookworm]

He just found out that he has to leave on a business trip out of country on Super Bowl Sunday so because of that the Ravens are destined to go to Miami.

I have one too (I'm hoping something changes this week!), and I'm a Pats fan...so maybe my bad luck will cancel out your husband's ;). This week, I'm a Ravens fan. The Colts aren't quite as bad as the Yankees, but they are up there!

I have no Superbowl predictions. It's one game at a time...we need to execute on all 3 phases...all the teams playing right now are good teams and we need to not make mistakes to have a chance. (See? I listen to "my" coach!)

ETA: Oops, I mis-read. My business trip is not out of the country! I'll have network TV at whatever Marriott. But if your husband is going to London, I can direct him to the sports bar where I watched the divisional games 2 years ago while there for a wedding :).

[imagirliegirl]

My prediction is that Tony Romo will build a time machine, go back and not fumble that hold, and the Cowboys will go all the way to win the Superbowl.

[PookiePrincess]

My prediction is that Tony Romo will build a time machine, go back and not fumble that hold, and the Cowboys will go all the way to win the Superbowl.

I wish! I felt so sorry for that man! What a crappy end to a good season!

[TracieB]

WOOOOHOOOOOOO!!!!! GO COLTS!!!!!

[PookiePrincess]

Glad I'm not the only Colts fan around these parts! I was afraid to post before with all the Ravens talk!

[sublime311]

My Super Bowl pick is...

Patriots versus Eagles. Pats win!

[christy1010]

Another Colts fan here! Hoping for the Colts vs. Bears with Colts winning!

[TracieB]

Where were all of you Colts fans earlier when I was in here alone with all of the Raven fans?? ;)

SOOOO happy about the game. I'm hoping for a Patriots win (I can't believe I just said that - we can't STAND the 'Rats' in this house) so we have home field advantage. I'm still not getting *too* excited though, because it seems like every year the Colts manage to somehow screw up. Ugh.

[PookiePrincess]

Where were all of you Colts fans earlier when I was in here alone with all of the Raven fans?? ;)

SOOOO happy about the game. I'm hoping for a Patriots win (I can't believe I just said that - we can't STAND the 'Rats' in this house) so we have home field advantage. I'm still not getting *too* excited though, because it seems like every year the Colts manage to somehow screw up. Ugh.

I wasn't in here because of the last line you typed. Usually they have a bye the first round of the playoffs and after their first playoff game, that's it. I figured there was a strong possibility they would suck today and that would be the end of the season. I was trying to be realistic. :)

[jimmysgirl424]

:( :( :( :( :( :(

My heart is broken.(and bleeding purple) That was just a crappy end to pretty great season. I seriously almost had to pull over on my way home tonight because I just wanted to cry. I know its stupid..but I really wanted to see our boys win that one. Lots of history involved, as most are aware.

To the Colts fans in here..sorry, no offense to you. Your boys played one hell of a game and I totally respected the way they handled our offense and defense today.

[TracieB]

:( :( :( :( :( :(

My heart is broken.(and bleeding purple) That was just a crappy end to pretty great season. I seriously almost had to pull over on my way home tonight because I just wanted to cry. I know its stupid..but I really wanted to see our boys win that one. Lots of history involved, as most are aware.

To the Colts fans in here..sorry, no offense to you. Your boys played one hell of a game and I totally respected the way they handled our offense and defense today.

No offense taken. Trust me, I know what it's like to want to cry hysterically after your team loses. I thought for sure the Colts were SuperBowl bound last year after starting 13-0 (IIRC...), and then for them to lose it in the playoffs was absolutely terrible. That's why I'm not getting my hopes up too much this year. It's just too heartbreaking.

As for the history part of Balimore/Indianapolis Colts, and I say this with all due respect, but I wish people would let it go and move on. The move happened so long ago, and, while I understand how much it affected the city of Baltimore, I think you all should focus on the great franchise you have now with the Ravens. It was a well-fought game, although I don't think Peyton played that well. I hope he shapes up for next week!

[young lioness]

Where were all of you Colts fans earlier when I was in here alone with all of the Raven fans??

I was here!


As for the history part of Balimore/Indianapolis Colts, and I say this with all due respect, but I wish people would let it go and move on. The move happened so long ago, and, while I understand how much it affected the city of Baltimore, I think you all should focus on the great franchise you have now with the Ravens. It was a well-fought game, although I don't think Peyton played that well. I hope he shapes up for next week!

As a former Clevelander, ITA. I don't know why Baltimore fans still obsess over the loss of the Colts when the Ravens won a Super Bowl in 2001, and the Colts haven't won one since they moved. If you still want to cry about the loss of your team from more than 20 years ago, the Browns would be happy to take the 2001 Super Bowl win. Some people need to learn to be happy with what they have.

[jimmysgirl424]

As a former Clevelander, ITA. I don't know why Baltimore fans still obsess over the loss of the Colts when the Ravens won a Super Bowl in 2001, and the Colts haven't won one since they moved. If you still want to cry about the loss of your team from more than 20 years ago, the Browns would be happy to take the 2001 Super Bowl win. Some people need to learn to be happy with what they have.

I was 12 when the Colts left Baltimore and really wasn't that aware of the angst that it caused. But I want everyone who thinks that we just "'need to get over it" to understand that the reason why 20 years later people are still harboring those feelings is because the Colts chose to take their records (and name) with them. They weren't theirs to take, they were the city of Baltimore's. Period. When the Browns came here, they did NOT lay claim to the records they made, they left them with the city of Cleveland. Thats how its done. Oh, and slinking out of town in the middle of the night...sorry, but that was pretty darn stinking low..I don't care how long ago it was.

Other than that, I personally harbor no ill feelings towards the Colts. But living in Baltimore, I can honestly say that there are plenty of people who still do have hard feelings.

[KK812]

Wow, jimmysgirl424, I just looked up the history of the Bmore Colts. I was born and raised in Maryland but never knew all that happened. How cheap!

[summerbride2005]

I'm crying right now...my Chargers lost!!!! I really wanted a Saints vs Chargers Super Bowl, but it's not going to happen. Poor L.T.!!! I would have said a Saints win against the Chargers (yes I love both teams).

I LOVE Drew Brees! I'm thinking it will be Saints vs Patriots with a Saints win.

I'm actually hoping if will be Saints vs Colts with a Saints win, but thost Patriots are great in the playoffs!

GO SAINTS!!!! BREES & BUSH all the way!

[TerpsFan]

All emotions ranging from very sad to very mad from Saturday night. You could tell everyone here in the Baltimore metro area was so depressed yesterday! Now, I guess the only thing we have to cheer for is Maryland women's basketball. Wake me up in August!

[isign]

Saints vs NE, with the Saints winning of course. Even though we're 2 hours from NOLA, our cell phones kept saying all circuts busy through out the entire game Sat night.

[maxandmolly]

Super Bowl XX, Part Deux - BEARS vs. Pats

[jesseybell]

Saints vs the Pats.

3 out of 4 years sounded great. 4 out of 6 sounds even better!!!

Hoping to see a lot of pouting Peyton next weekend.

[bookworm]

Super Bowl XX, Part Deux - BEARS vs. Pats

I'm ok with those being the teams, but I hope to heck it's a better game. Eesh, that one was ugly.

Although I haven't heard "The Superbowl Shuffle" in quite awhile...I should see if it's on iTunes ;).

[Ilovemysoldier812]

I'm hoping PATS vs SAINTS! GO PATS!!

[TracieB]

I'm sticking with my original prediction of COLTS v. BEARS, although it could be Colts v. Saints. They looked pretty good this weekend!

[jimmysgirl424]

For that matter, just for fun so I can look here on Monday and see how close I was:

Colts vs Ravens- Ravens win!! (of course)

Eagles vs Saints- Saints win

Patriots vs Chargers- this is one is a very tough call. Two very good teams that handle well under pressure. But...I will go with the Patriots win

Seahawks vs Bears- Seahawks win



Well, I got two out of four. Not too bad, but not I was hoping for!

I will have to modify my Super Bowl picks now and am going with:

Saints vs Patriots

[jimmysgirl424]

Wow, jimmysgirl424, I just looked up the history of the Bmore Colts. I was born and raised in Maryland but never knew all that happened. How cheap!

Exactly.

[polkadot]

Coming in with the big prediction...

Saints vs Colts....

Peyton Manning is gonna have to deal with the team he cheered for his entire childhood...and the Saints will win...its fate...its destiny...its all of the above ....i live in New orleans and let me tell you this place is busting at the seems with excitement...

Geaux SAINTS!!!

[Adaya]

Yay for Lovie Smith!

[TracieB]

This Colts/Patriots game is terrible. I had to turn it off for awhile. Every.single.year. This is so old.

[summerbride2005]

I couldn't even watch the end of the Saints game! I'm so bummed.

I want the Colts to win, but it doesn't look good right now.

[TracieB]

Okay, we're doing better. EEEEEEEEEEE!!!!! I'm so anxious/nervous/scared...

[nettreefrog]

Watching a game now... I would guess Bears - Patriots... Of course, my real prediction is that my DH will sulk a bit that he did not make it to the Superbowl with his fantasy football league...

[TracieB]

OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm crying right now... is that pathetic? Don't answer that ;).

[Adaya]

Yayyyyyy! Tony Dungy and the Colts are going to the Super Bowl. I'm so excited for them.

[PookiePrincess]

OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm crying right now... is that pathetic? Don't answer that ;).

Not pathetic at all! I had to wipe my tears before DH thought I was a dork! But, he knows how much I like the Colts.

[bookworm]

Well, I am the world's newest Bears fan. Go Bears!

[mrs_pell]

Well, I am the world's newest Bears fan. Go Bears!

I'm right there with ya!! As a Dolphins fan, I've always hated the Colts, and now as a Texans fan too, I hate them even more! And...I'm even FROM Indiana!!

GO BEARS! :D

eta: I guess I should've said that I was a Bears fan the moment they won their game today. I hate the Pats almost as much as I hate the Colts! ;)

[Ilovemysoldier812]

I'm so bummed. I love the pats.

[sublime311]

I'm so bummed. I love the pats.
Yeah, this sucks. :(

I'll cheer on the Bears now.

[Ilovemysoldier812]

I really don't care about the SB now. I just moved to IL from MA so I've been a pats fan my whole life. I do not want to start cheering for the bears. now when FH calls I have to listen to him rub it in my face his teams going to the SB.

[jesseybell]

Yep, I've quickly converted to cheering for the Bears.
Actually, I really don't care about the SB now.

[TracieB]

Man, you all are spoil sports. How many times in the last few years have the Patriots been in the SB? It's time for someone new. Gimme a break with all of your Colts loathing. Before you give me the 'ol, "you'd be there, too if your team had lost" bit, I'll admit that, yeah, I'd be pretty upset if we had lost, ONLY because the Patriots have been so many times and I want to see someone new in the game... even if it would have been Chargers v. Bears. The Colts haven't been to the SB since 1970 (and that was when the were in Baltimore)... this is a HUGE thing for Indianapolis and I would think that people would be happy for them. Guess I'm wrong.

eta: I would think that if you were a Pats fan, you'd want to cheer for the Colts because they are in the same division... the AFC. I know last year when we were whipped by the Steelers, we were all cheering for them to go all the way, even though we don't like them that much. Plus, it says a lot more about your team if the team who beat you on the way to the Big Game wins the whole thing. Just some food for thought.

[mindy75]

Plus, it says a lot more about your team if the team who beat you on the way to the Big Game wins the whole thing. Just some food for thought.

ITA with this. My DH is the biggest Peyton Manning fan ever, but he's also a loyal AFC fan. He always says it's better for the team that beat yours to be the team that wins it all. Last year he rooted for the Steelers and the years before that he rooted for the Patriots, despite the Colts' heart-breaking losses to them. It is finally Peyton's turn! Go Colts!

My poor DH was so stressed out during the game, he had throw up during a commercial break! My heart is broken for the Saints. I so, so wanted them to win. What an incredible season they had!

[KiewiStyles]

Just so you know, yes the Patriots have been SB champs in the last few years. But what about the years before that? They were not a good team(not like the Yankees who have won for decades). I don't think a team should be knocked against because they've won in the past. And if that's your feeling, the Bears haven't won in years. So, should they be the ones to win?



Man, you all are spoil sports. How many times in the last few years have the Patriots been in the SB? It's time for someone new. Gimme a break with all of your Colts loathing. Before you give me the 'ol, "you'd be there, too if your team had lost" bit, I'll admit that, yeah, I'd be pretty upset if we had lost, ONLY because the Patriots have been so many times and I want to see someone new in the game... even if it would have been Chargers v. Bears. The Colts haven't been to the SB since 1970 (and that was when the were in Baltimore)... this is a HUGE thing for Indianapolis and I would think that people would be happy for them. Guess I'm wrong.

eta: I would think that if you were a Pats fan, you'd want to cheer for the Colts because they are in the same division... the AFC. I know last year when we were whipped by the Steelers, we were all cheering for them to go all the way, even though we don't like them that much. Plus, it says a lot more about your team if the team who beat you on the way to the Big Game wins the whole thing. Just some food for thought.

[bookworm]

Oh, I loathed the Colts before they beat the Pats. They even bumped the J-E-T-S from my #1 loathe spot last year! I don't like how poutin' Peyton throws his teammates under the bus when they lose (he's a good QB, I'm not suggesting otherwise, just don't like his style), and for some reason it irks the heck out of me that they play in a dome in Indiana. It's football, not golf. Get outside.

But they did deserve to win the game last night.

[TracieB]

Just so you know, yes the Patriots have been SB champs in the last few years. But what about the years before that? They were not a good team(not like the Yankees who have won for decades). I don't think a team should be knocked against because they've won in the past. And if that's your feeling, the Bears haven't won in years. So, should they be the ones to win?

Well, the Pats weren't knocked out because they've won in the past... the Colts just played better (in the second half, anyway) than them. I just think that the consensus amongst football fans is that they are sick of seeing the Patriots in the Superbowl.

I think it will be a very good game come February 3. I think it's awesome that there are two teams playing for it who haven't been in the SB in many years (197? for the Colts and 199? for the Bears). Mixes it up a little!

[TracieB]

Oh, I loathed the Colts before they beat the Pats. They even bumped the J-E-T-S from my #1 loathe spot last year! I don't like how poutin' Peyton throws his teammates under the bus when they lose (he's a good QB, I'm not suggesting otherwise, just don't like his style), and for some reason it irks the heck out of me that they play in a dome in Indiana. It's football, not golf. Get outside.

But they did deserve to win the game last night.

(Bolding mine) This is a new one. I hadn't heard this before. I don't think Peyton has said anything negative about his teammates, or, "thrown them under the bus." I think the media has a lot to do with his image. If the Colts win, it's Petyon's win, and if they lose, Peyton lost. The media can be pretty ruthless when it comes to that, just ask Rex Grossman.

eta: Indiana isn't the only team that plays in a dome, and come next season, they'll be in a new stadium with a retractable roof. I know the city's really excited about that!

[cari2]

Darn, I missed the whole second half. Went to bed thinking the Pats had it in the bag. I'm not really a fan of either team but will root for the Colts b/c I would like Dungy to win.

I think the media has a lot to do with his image. If the Colts win, it's Petyon's win, and if they lose, Peyton lost.
This is true, but it is the way it should be in my mind. He has courted the media and gets paid millions of dollars to be in ads. If he gets all the credit and blame it is because he has made himself the face of the team (and of course, the quarterback is the most important player on the field...)

For the record I like him.

[TracieB]

This is true, but it is the way it should be in my mind. He has courted the media and gets paid millions of dollars to be in ads. If he gets all the credit and blame it is because he has made himself the face of the team (and of course, the quarterback is the most important player on the field...)

Agreed, however, I have to wonder how tough it has to be for the other players to hear the media say "Peyton won," or, "Peyton lost." I think he said something in a press conference a few weeks ago that he wishes the media would see it as "Colts win," or "Colts lose." I think Peyton is a very humble person who is really good at what he does and the media follows his (and his family's (Eli and Archie)) every move.

Okay, I'm going to bed (it's 12:20 a.m. here!!!). If anyone else wants to talk smack about the Colts, I'll be back in a few hours ;).

[Southlooper]

DA BEARS !

:)

[solongtogo]

I LUV THE COLTS!!

[summerbride2005]

My team lost yesterday. I couldn't even finish watching the Saints game, because I was to sad. Poor Drew!

I also like the Colts, so that did make me happy. I'm hoping that they win the SB.

[KiewiStyles]

You're right. They did play better and that's why they won. But just because a team has been in multiple SB's does not mean people do not want them to win. If they've been in so many SB's it's because they've played the best that particular year. Like I said, it's not like it's the Yankees. The Pats have won 3 times- only twice more than the Colts- really not that much.

Well, the Pats weren't knocked out because they've won in the past... the Colts just played better (in the second half, anyway) than them. I just think that the consensus amongst football fans is that they are sick of seeing the Patriots in the Superbowl.

I think it will be a very good game come February 3. I think it's awesome that there are two teams playing for it who haven't been in the SB in many years (197? for the Colts and 199? for the Bears). Mixes it up a little!

[bookworm]

(Bolding mine) This is a new one. I hadn't heard this before. I don't think Peyton has said anything negative about his teammates, or, "thrown them under the bus."

Really? He's made comments about the lack of O-line protection (particularly after the Steelers game last year) and the defense not playing well (after the Texans game this season), and a quick google of "Peyton Manning, under a bus" comes up with a bunch of hits, including ESPN.

I'm not trying to convince you, just pointing out that it's a pretty well documented thing (and I'm not making it up :) ).

And I know they aren't the only team playing in a Dome :). They are just the only ones I could think of in a mostly normal climate (then I looked it up, and the Rams also play inside, but we don't play them often so I never thought about it). If Buffalo and Chicago can play outside, so can Indy. I didn't say it was rational, just that it's not a new item on the "why I hate the Colts" list.

And let me repeat, they did deserve the win this week.

[mrs_pell]

Man, you all are spoil sports. How many times in the last few years have the Patriots been in the SB? It's time for someone new. Gimme a break with all of your Colts loathing.
... this is a HUGE thing for Indianapolis and I would think that people would be happy for them. Guess I'm wrong.

Give me a break...it's SPORTS! People are allowed to love teams and hate teams! Great for you that your team made it to the SB, but don't expect people who don't like them to all of a sudden start rooting for them now! I grew up in Indiana as a Dolphins fan, and since they were in the same division, I hated the Colts. Now I'm also a big Texans fan...same division again. I'm not going to change how I feel now. Sorry.

eta: I would think that if you were a Pats fan, you'd want to cheer for the Colts because they are in the same division... the AFC.
The Pats and Colts aren't in the same division anymore...they're in the same conference. And a lot of people aren't loyal only to their conference. Some people are, and that's cool, too. Personally, the teams that are in the same division as my teams are the ones I want to lose the most. I know my DH feels the same way.

Oh, I loathed the Colts before they beat the Pats. They even bumped the J-E-T-S from my #1 loathe spot last year! I don't like how poutin' Peyton throws his teammates under the bus when they lose (he's a good QB, I'm not suggesting otherwise, just don't like his style).

But they did deserve to win the game last night.
ITA about "poutin' Peyton" as well as the Colts deserving to win last night.

I just think that the consensus amongst football fans is that they are sick of seeing the Patriots in the Superbowl.

I agree with that, and I'm glad they're not in the SB this year. Before that game started last night I knew I'd be pulling for the Bears no matter what. I am glad, though, that it's the Colts playing them and not the Pats.

I don't think Peyton has said anything negative about his teammates, or, "thrown them under the bus." I think the media has a lot to do with his image.
"I'm trying to be a good teammate here … let's just say we had some problems with protection." -- last year after AFC championship loss to Steelers.
"Here we are," Manning said. "I'm out at my third Pro Bowl, I'm about to go in and throw a touchdown to Jerry Rice, we're honoring the Hall of Fame, and we're talking about our idiot kicker who got liquored up and ran his mouth off.
The sad thing is, he's a good kicker. He's a good kicker. But he's an idiot."
-- about Mike Vanderjagt
"This isn't basketball -- I can't play offense and defense." -- in his frustration after losing to the Texans on Christmas Eve this year.

THESE are the things that TO ME make him unprofessional. Yes, I know everyone makes mistakes, but you just never hear someone like Brett Favre say things like that!! You just don't talk trash about your teammates...even if what you're saying may be true. Oh, and I do totally respect the hell out of Peyton's talent as a QB...he's amazing. He probably deserves a SB, but so did my man Dan Marino! :(

Ok...sorry for all the rambling. Like I used to tell my dad when I was little and he'd get pissed about a play, "It's just a game, dad!" :D It is just a game, and a game I get a little to passionate about at times! :o

eta: I missed this the first time around:
(and of course, the quarterback is the most important player on the field...)
I wasn't sure if this was a serious of a sarcastic comment. I'm hoping it wasn't serious, because I know that people really do think this and I hate it. Look at Chicago...Rex Grossman is definitely NOT the reason the Bears have made it to the SB...their defense is. Yeah, a QB is really, really important, but not the *most* important!

[Cali_Katy]

I think it's awesome that there are two teams playing for it who haven't been in the SB in many years (197? for the Colts and 199? for the Bears). Mixes it up a little!

The last time the Bears were in the Super Bowl was 1986. :)

[TracieB]

Give me a break...it's SPORTS! People are allowed to love teams and hate teams! Great for you that your team made it to the SB, but don't expect people who don't like them to all of a sudden start rooting for them now! I grew up in Indiana as a Dolphins fan, and since they were in the same division, I hated the Colts. Now I'm also a big Texans fan...same division again. I'm not going to change how I feel now. Sorry.

If it's just a SPORT to you, why are you getting so fired up about it? All I know is, if there was a team who beat a dang good team (such as the Patriots) and who hadn't been in the Super Bowl for decades, I'd be pretty happy with it, regardless of if I liked the team or not. Please note that I didn't say I expected people to start cheering for them, I said that I would think people would be happy for them. Big difference.

The Pats and Colts aren't in the same division anymore...they're in the same conference. And a lot of people aren't loyal only to their conference. Some people are, and that's cool, too. Personally, the teams that are in the same division as my teams are the ones I want to lose the most. I know my DH feels the same way.

Please forgive me. Same conference, not division, although I don't see how that matters.

"Here we are," Manning said. "I'm out at my third Pro Bowl, I'm about to go in and throw a touchdown to Jerry Rice, we're honoring the Hall of Fame, and we're talking about our idiot kicker who got liquored up and ran his mouth off.
The sad thing is, he's a good kicker. He's a good kicker. But he's an idiot."
-- about Mike Vanderjagt


Ahh... but you failed to mention what Vanderjagt said about Peyton before he made that comment:

“I cannot tell you how disappointed I am with Peyton right now,” said a despondent Vanderjagt after the game. “He had a great season but none of that really matters now. All that matters is that we lost. It just hurts because I’ve been trying to get through to the guy all season, you know? We both knew that we’d be facing the Patriots in the playoffs and that we’d have to bring our ‘A’ game. Well, Peyton didn’t do that and we got beat by a weaker team. I just hope he uses this as a learning experience, because I am at the end of my rope with the guy.”

“I can only do so much. I need help, you know. I’m only one man,” Vanderjagt said. “I went out there in the second quarter and kicked that field goal even though it was cold as hell and I had a nice cup of hot chocolate on the sidelines. I put my team first. But you know what? I don’t know if I have any more left to give. I’m exhausted. If I don’t get some help from my supporting cast we’re never going to win. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Great quarterbacks thrive in pressure situations. Obviously we do not have a great quarterback. We have Peyton Manning, pathetic loser.”

And what Peyton said in a press conference following that same game:
“It was a tough loss, man. But what’s worse is that I let down my friend, my mentor, my place-kicker,” said Manning, trying to contain his emotions. “He’s believed in me since Day 1. He’s given me better advice than any quarterback coach I ever had. It hurts that I wasn’t able to make him proud, to come through for him, especially after he expressed so much confidence in me in the media all week. I just hope he finds it in his heart to return next year and play with my sorry ass.”

I'm positive he changed his tune when he saw what Vanderjagt really had to say about him.

And for what it's worth, that's probably why good 'ol Mike is unemployed right now. Sucks to be him!

eta: I missed this the first time around:

(and of course, the quarterback is the most important player on the field...)

I wasn't sure if this was a serious of a sarcastic comment. I'm hoping it wasn't serious, because I know that people really do think this and I hate it. Look at Chicago...Rex Grossman is definitely NOT the reason the Bears have made it to the SB...their defense is. Yeah, a QB is really, really important, but not the *most* important!

Not my quote.

[TracieB]

You're right. They did play better and that's why they won. But just because a team has been in multiple SB's does not mean people do not want them to win. If they've been in so many SB's it's because they've played the best that particular year. Like I said, it's not like it's the Yankees. The Pats have won 3 times- only twice more than the Colts- really not that much.

I feel like I'm going around in a circle. I'm just saying I'm glad there are two teams in the Super Bowl who haven't been in a long time. That's it.

Oh, and the Colts haven't been in the Super Bowl since coming to Indianapolis from Baltimore back in the 70's, so Indianapolis has NEVER had a Super Bowl title.

[TracieB]

Really? He's made comments about the lack of O-line protection (particularly after the Steelers game last year) and the defense not playing well (after the Texans game this season), and a quick google of "Peyton Manning, under a bus" comes up with a bunch of hits, including ESPN.

I'm not trying to convince you, just pointing out that it's a pretty well documented thing (and I'm not making it up :) ).



You're right! That's pretty crazy, actually. I guess I have taken his comments differently because I'm a fan of his? I've always seen it as him telling it like it is, no sugar-coating, "it is what it is" type of thing.

[TracieB]

Alright, I'm done arguing this stuff. I just don't understand why so many people hate on the Colts so much and give them absolutely ZERO credit when they've done so well in the past few years (at least they've MADE it to the playoffs, ya know??). It's pretty tough when all the sportscasters talk crap about the team you've cheered for for many years. I'm sure that influences a lot of people and their opinion of the team.

FWIW, although I'll be thrilled if the Colts win the game on the 4th, I'll be happy either way because each city has wanted this for so long.

[KiewiStyles]

No sense in trying to point something out when others are being contradicting. All I have to say now is GO BEARS!

[TracieB]

Not sure how I've been contradicting myself, but whatever. :rolleyes:

[cari2]

(and of course, the quarterback is the most important player on the field...)

My quote and it is serious. When the defense becomes a player (singular) let me know. Until then, I believe the quarterback is the most important player in determining the outcome of the game. If you change out that single position it has the most impact on the performance of the team. That's why what the Eagles did this year was amazing. It is just very rare to have a team excel with a bad or even average QB. Also, if you look at superbowl history almost half (19 I think) of mvp's have been quarterbacks.

By the way, I'm sort of an outside observer as I don't really have a football team I love. But, I am glad the Pats aren't in the game because I'm just kind of sick of watching them. (just like people do get sick of the Yankees in the world series). Not the best reason, but it's the way I feel...

[maxandmolly]

Well, I am thrilled that I was wrong on my AFC Champ prediction. The Colts are a great team, I am happy to see them make it to the SuperBowl. More than that, as a Bucs fan, I am THRILLED to see Tony Dungy-and one of his former assistants in Lovie Smith-finally get to the SuperBowl.

[akacharlotte]

I'm rooting for the Colts to win the SB. As a former Marylander I hold no grudge against the Colts. I remember the uproar when the Colts snuck out of Baltimore in the dead of night. I remember my step-dad, uncle, and our neighbors b!tchy about it for years.

Anyway, I was hoping the Colts would make it last year. I'm a bleeding heart and I wanted them to win for Tony Dungy and his son.

All I ask is that it is a good, exciting game as I hate when the SB is boring and you look forward to watching the commercials rather than the game! :)

[solongtogo]

and I wanted them to win for Tony Dungy and his son.




Amen sister....I'll bet his son is looking down on him with a huge smile on his face now.

[mindy75]

My quote and it is serious. When the defense becomes a player (singular) let me know. Until then, I believe the quarterback is the most important player in determining the outcome of the game. If you change out that single position it has the most impact on the performance of the team. That's why what the Eagles did this year was amazing. It is just very rare to have a team excel with a bad or even average QB. Also, if you look at superbowl history almost half (19 I think) of mvp's have been quarterbacks.


To me it's a team effort. QB's are important. It's very important to have a QB who can read defenses and know when to change a play, know how to find a receiver when it looks like everyone is covered or run it himself when everyone really is covered. And IMO, there's not much in this world that is more beautiful than a soaring touchdown pass from mid-field. Buutt....That good QB needs the offensive line to hold long enough for him to get a pass off. He needs receivers to run their routes and be where they are supposed to be when that "bullet" is headed for the endzone. He needs a defense that can hold the other teams offensive so that he doesn't have to get into a shoot out just to win the game. He also needs a clutch kicker that can hit that 50 yard field goal when the other teams defense just won't allow a TD. He needs strong running backs who can muscle their way up the field for those hard fought yards. The QB is important, but he's only as good as the rest of the team. IMO, QBs get too much credit when things go well and too much blame when things go wrong.

[cari2]

To me it's a team effort.
Of course it is and I wasn't suggesting otherwise. And, I agree that on teams everybody has a role and is important. My only point was that the single most important player on a team - in the vast majority of cases - is the quarterback. Anyway, this whole discussion seems somewhat off topic...

[mindy75]

I agree that a QB is important, but I wouldn't go so far as to call him the "most important." And I agree that this is off-topic and I normally hate tangents. But my favorite current example is Steve McNair. The last few seasons he played in TN, he appeared to suck. The fans ragged on him, called him a loser and begged the Titans to find a replacement. So, they did. And low and behold, the Baltimore Ravens make it to the playoffs with our "loser" McNair. He only needed a stronger offensive line and a dependable receiver (or his favorite at least--Mason).

[cari2]

The McNair example is only proving that you need more than just a qb to make a team, which I agree with. A good qb isn't going to make an awful team a winner. Never said it would. It sounds as if in team sports you don't believe any position can be most important. I disagree, i think one single person can be more important than others and that most of the time in football this position is the qb. Can we just agree to disagree??

[mrs_pell]

First of all, apologies for last night's post. I was in a bit of a crappy mood, and automatically got defensive, partly because my Indiana friends had already been telling me (seriously) how horrible it was that I wasn't rooting for the Colts.

If it's just a SPORT to you, why are you getting so fired up about it? All I know is, if there was a team who beat a dang good team (such as the Patriots) and who hadn't been in the Super Bowl for decades, I'd be pretty happy with it, regardless of if I liked the team or not. Please note that I didn't say I expected people to start cheering for them, I said that I would think people would be happy for them. Big difference.
I guess my point was about it being sports is that there's no "right" or "wrong" about who people like and don't like. And, from your original post about everyone being spoil sports, I really took it that you were upset that some people don't want the Colts to win. I *am* happy that the Pats aren't in the SB. I'm not mad that the Colts beat them *at all*. They deserve to be in the SB...they have had a spectacular year and played well this weekend. I just don't like the colts and have never liked them. That's all. :)

Please forgive me. Same conference, not division, although I don't see how that matters.
It doesn't matter, and it was just me being snarky. Again, apologies for that.

Ahh... but you failed to mention what Vanderjagt said about Peyton before he made that comment:
You're right. I thought about it when I was posting it, because I did know what the context was, but for me, it was just another example of why I don't find him *as* classy as someone like Brett Favre. It was pretty stupid of Vanderjagt, and I don't blame Peyton at all for thinking it. I just think that as a leader of a team, he should be the bigger guy. But, the other two comments that I posted are really the ones that bugged me. Those were said about teammates who had just busted their asses during the game. In my mind, what he said is somewhat similar to what Vanderjagt said about him when he got upset.


Not my quote.
Sorry...I quoted her when editing so I couldn't just hit the "quote" button. I knew it wasn't from you, but I was just trying to address all the points in one post.

Alright, I'm done arguing this stuff. I just don't understand why so many people hate on the Colts so much and give them absolutely ZERO credit when they've done so well in the past few years (at least they've MADE it to the playoffs, ya know??). It's pretty tough when all the sportscasters talk crap about the team you've cheered for for many years. I'm sure that influences a lot of people and their opinion of the team.

Like I said, I don't like them *solely* because of my rivalry issues. They don't deserve the flack they have been given by the press. They *are* a good team...perhaps that is why I don't like them?? :p

My quote and it is serious. When the defense becomes a player (singular) let me know. Until then, I believe the quarterback is the most important player in determining the outcome of the game.

I know this has been discussed already, but I still want to address it. I do agree that a LOT of the time, the QB is the most important (or valuable) player on the team. My point was that it's definitely not always the case. A QB is as good as his O-line is. Also, if a QB has a RB like LT, he's going to look like a star...put him in front of an O-line like say, the Texans, and no RB, and he's going to look like crap. I would definitely say that I think LT was by FAR more valuable and important to the Chargers than Phillip Rivers was this year. I also think that Brian Urlacher is more valuable to the Bears than Rex Grossman is. If Grossman were the one determining the outcome of the game...I'd be a bit concerned if I were a big Bears fan! :)

Ok...I think that's all. Again, apologies for the snarky and defensive post last night. Maybe I can blame it on my brain injury patient who tried to pull a huge chunk of my hair out or the one who told me "f*** you, you f***ing b**ch" over and over and over again??? :rolleyes: :p

[christy1010]

I am a Colt's fan and I am not ashamed to say it!

Peyton Mannying has not called out his teamates in the past! He has told the media the truth about the job of his teamates!

The Colts' have one very liked and well respected coach! The coach does not even swear and football does not come first in his life!

As for the city of Indianapolis, the police were prepared for incidents such as fires being set in streets as has been known to happen in other cities when football teams win. The police did not have to curtail any behavior. The city was cleaned up and ready for a normal week at 6am Monday morning!

The Colt's organization, the coach, the players, and the city are a class act!

The Bears have a fantastic coach, but I feel they do not have the all around talent to compet with the Colts. I feel the Colts will win big.

Colts 35 Bears 10

[TracieB]

Ok...I think that's all. Again, apologies for the snarky and defensive post last night. Maybe I can blame it on my brain injury patient who tried to pull a huge chunk of my hair out or the one who told me "f*** you, you f***ing b**ch" over and over and over again???

OMG!! :eek: That's crazy!

I get a little fired up (maybe a bit *too* much at times) about it, too. I guess there's a whole realm of sports fans, all with different thoughts and opinions. I try to stay on the side of respecting teams I don't like, rather that flat out hating them. I realize not all people are like that and it's cool. I just wish people would look at both sides. My apologies for the snark as well. I hope work gets better for you. I don't know if I could hack that kind of abuse!!!

[mrs_pell]

I am a Colt's fan and I am not ashamed to say it!
Why should you be?

Peyton Mannying has not called out his teamates in the past! He has told the media the truth about the job of his teamates!
He absolutely has called out his teammates. Even if it was telling the truth, it was calling them out. Some people are okay with that. I personally don't respect it, but that's just me. If you're okay with it, then that's fine!

The Colts' have one very liked and well respected coach! The coach does not even swear and football does not come first in his life!

As for the city of Indianapolis, the police were prepared for incidents such as fires being set in streets as has been known to happen in other cities when football teams win. The police did not have to curtail any behavior. The city was cleaned up and ready for a normal week at 6am Monday morning!
I do really, really like Tony Dungy. If he weren't the head coach of the Colts, I'd want him to win a SB! :D And I did love living in Indianapolis. It's a beautiful city. It's just too damn cold!

The Bears have a fantastic coach, but I feel they do not have the all around talent to compet with the Colts. I feel the Colts will win big.

It will definitely be interesting to see one of the best offenses go up against one of the best defenses. If Chicago can get a running game going, the Colts could be in trouble. But, I do think it'll be a good game. I hope it is, anyway...I hate SBs that are a blow-out. I wanna see a nail-biter! :)

I try to stay on the side of respecting teams I don't like, rather that flat out hating them. I realize not all people are like that and it's cool. I just wish people would look at both sides. My apologies for the snark as well. I hope work gets better for you. I don't know if I could hack that kind of abuse!!!
See, the thing is, I really do respect the Colts and the talent they have. I respect most of their players (Peyton, included), and I respect the hell out of their coach. Maybe I use the term "hate" too loosely. Because of the rivalry that they've had w/the Dolphins for years, and now the Texans (though I'm sure that's mostly just a rivalry of the Texans...not so much the other way around), I just can't ever pull for them to win. Does that make sense? And...work isn't *really* that bad. It was definitely the most "interesting" mornings I've had in my 2 years there, though, and kinda set the tone for the rest of the day! Most days are usually interesting, but no where near that bad! And I can only deal with it because I know that they have NO idea what they're saying or doing. If they did...then it would be on! :D

[mindy75]

It sounds as if in team sports you don't believe any position can be most important. I disagree, i think one single person can be more important than others and that most of the time in football this position is the qb. Can we just agree to disagree??

I guess we'll have to :D . Because, no I do not believe any other player should be/is more important than the others. It takes a team to win a game.

[pocahontas]

I don't like how poutin' Peyton throws his teammates under the bus when they lose (he's a good QB, I'm not suggesting otherwise, just don't like his style)I agree totally with both parts. I had him on my fantasy team...so obviously he's got respected stats and numbers but my friends and I (one CC'er in particular that I spoke to during the game comes to mind) talk about his comments all the time and how he doesn't seem to like his teammates much unless times are good. I remember one of the things my "non-Patriot" loving football fan friends told me they loved about the Patriots when they won that first Superbowl against St. Louis was that they knew what "TEAM" was about. They showed that they believed there is no "I" in team when they refused to be introduced individually but came out together to show unity and solidarity. And these were people who aren't even Pats lovers. They just thought it made an awesome statement.

I really don't care about the SB now. I just moved to IL from MA so I've been a pats fan my whole life. I do not want to start cheering for the bears. Ditto...born and raised MA now living in another M state. :rolleyes: My husband is a born and raised Baltimorian...hence Raven fan. I refuse to cheer for an NFC team though (as much as I'd like to not cheer for the Colts). AFC all the way (especially after what Chicago did to NE in the Superbowl mentioned below...until we get a rematch I will NEVER cheer for them.)

Super Bowl XX, Part Deux - BEARS vs. PatsAhhhhh, alas I wish I'd seen this when you first posted it I'd have agreed with you wholeheartedly. :p This is a REMATCH that NEEDS to happen! (Youngin's probably don't even remember that game but I watched it as a kid with my big brother!)

I just think that the consensus amongst football fans is that they are sick of seeing the Patriots in the Superbowl.
I suppose that would be true of "NON-Patriots" football fans anyway...since I can sincerely say (and many other people I know) that after only 3 we are certainly NOT sick of seeing them. Now when they get to be an EYEsore like the Cowboys did with all their rings...then maybe I'll think better of it.

[mindy75]

This is a REMATCH that NEEDS to happen! (Youngin's probably don't even remember that game but I watched it as a kid with my big brother!)


I remember that game. Although, I was hardly a young'un. I was 10. How cheesy was the Superbowl Shuffle???

[TracieB]

See, the thing is, I really do respect the Colts and the talent they have. I respect most of their players (Peyton, included), and I respect the hell out of their coach. Maybe I use the term "hate" too loosely. Because of the rivalry that they've had w/the Dolphins for years, and now the Texans (though I'm sure that's mostly just a rivalry of the Texans...not so much the other way around), I just can't ever pull for them to win. Does that make sense? :D

I don't get a feel for any sort of rivalry between the Colts and the Dolphins and this is the first I've heard of one between them and the Texans! The Colts' main rivalries are with the Patriots, Steelers, and Jaguars. Interesting how it's different based on where you are in the country!

[mrs_pell]

I don't get a feel for any sort of rivalry between the Colts and the Dolphins and this is the first I've heard of one between them and the Texans! The Colts' main rivalries are with the Patriots, Steelers, and Jaguars. Interesting how it's different based on where you are in the country!

Before the Colts moved into the AFC South they were in the same division as the Dolphins, so that's where that "rivalry" is from. It's really probably not much of one anymore since they're not in the same division (and maybe it's more of a rivalry between me and practically every one of my friends and family members in Indiana). And, like I said in the other post, I think the "rivalry" with the Texans is more on the Texans side rather than the Colts' side. The Texans had never beaten them until Christmas Eve this year (what a fantastic present for us Texans fans!!), so there was/is always that "we HAVE to beat the Colts" feeling down here! So, *my* rivalries are probably more personal than an actual organizational rivalry, but hopefully that explains the reason I feel the way I do a little more. :)

[cari2]

Before the Colts moved into the AFC South they were in the same division as the Dolphins, so that's where that "rivalry" is from.
Also Don Shula - then the coach of the Colt's - left the team to coach Miami. I wasn't around then, but I'm sure people were not happy about it...

[KiewiStyles]

With 4:12 left in the third quarter of the AFC Championship, New England led Indianapolis 21-13. Peyton Manning threw an incomplete pass to Reggie Wayne in the end zone, and Patriots cornerback Ellis Hobbs was called for pass interference on the play. That gave the Colts first-and-goal from the 1-yard line.

The Colts scored and made the two-point conversion, tying a game they would ultimately win. It's impossible to say whether they would have won without that pass interference call, but it certainly helped. And some are saying that was a blown call....



Vic Ketchman writes a great column on the Jacksonville Jaguars' official site, and he says he talked to a league official who told him it was a bad call:

Ellis Hobbs should not have been flagged for pass-interference. He didn't make contact with the receiver and in no way did Hobbs impede Reggie Wayne's ability to catch the pass.

Phil Simms said on the CBS broadcast that Hobbs was called for face-guarding, but former NFL referee Jerry Markbreit says in his own great column on the Chicago Tribune's web site that face-guarding isn't illegal:

A defensive player who makes no contact with an intended receiver, even though he is not looking at the ball, commits no foul ... the interference must have been caused by the defender bumping into the intended receiver, without looking at the football.

[TracieB]

Geez... aren't we done with this yet? You lost. Get over it.

[petdoc08]

just dropping this off.... Super Bowl Shuffle (http://www.seekvids.com/The_Super_Bowl_Shuffle)

dabears!dabears!dabears!dabears!

[mrs_pell]

Geez... aren't we done with this yet? You lost. Get over it.

Agreed...a team that gives up a 21-6 lead with 4 min left in the 3rd quarter can't blame it on one play.

[msnicolea]

Should we talk about how the Patriots backed their way into the Super Bowl with a BS non-fumble call in the NFC championship game a few years back (the year they won their first of the "streak?")

[mgrace]

One can only hope that the BEARS will win! :D

[jellybeany]

I think this is going to be a great game! I'm rooting for the Colts to win - I'm a Giants fan so I'd like to see one of the Mannings win the SB this year!! :D

[MrsBeckyLP]

I am by no means a Bears fan (I lived in the Green Bay area until I went to college - I'll give you one guess who I cheer for!), but I had to drop this off.

A fierce storm is taking shape in the Gulf of Mexico and is heading for the state of Florida

Please click on the link to see satellite pictures of the storm:

http://imageigloo.com/images/4800BigStormHeadingtoFlorida1.jpg



A college friend who was born and raised in Chicago sent this to me tonight. I thought some of you would get a kick out of it. It still made me laugh!

[bookworm]

Should we talk about how the Patriots backed their way into the Super Bowl with a BS non-fumble call in the NFC championship game a few years back (the year they won their first of the "streak?")

Hey, that was the correct call (one based on an absolutely bizarre rule)!

[MLA]

My prediction: I won't watch the Super Bowl and will take advantage of the day to go get some shopping done in the practically deserted shops. :D

[pocahontas]

Hey, that was the correct call (one based on an absolutely bizarre rule)!

:D LOL...true.

[KiewiStyles]

I have no problem we lost. I'm totally over it.

But GEEZ I thought this was a sports discussion?

Geez... aren't we done with this yet? You lost. Get over it.

[TracieB]

I have no problem we lost. I'm totally over it.

But GEEZ I thought this was a sports discussion?

You keep dragging this out for no reason and your comments weren't made for a discussion. They were made to attempt to show how your team *should have* won (according to you), based on a call by the refs. I really don't think you're over it as you keep coming back in here posting silly little biased articles.

[KiewiStyles]

I have no problem with who won. I'm a firm believer in what is meant to be will be. I don't think you should assume what my conversation was meant to do or not do. If they *should have* won, they *would have.* But they didn't. This thread is about the Super Bowl, so I posted an article related to the Super Bowl. If you don't like it, don't read it and don't respond to it. Just ignore it. I wanted to see what others thought. That's it. Can we move on now?

[jimmysgirl424]

Go Bears!!

Sorry, but after years of rooting against the Colts, I just can't bring myself to root for them, even if they are AFC. This makes two years in a row that I've rooted for an NFC team in the Super Bowl. No way could I have rooted for the Steelers being a Baltimore fan. This is much to my DH's dismay, who firmly believes that you root for team from your division/conference, even if you rooted against them all season long. I just can't throw my loyalties around like that, sorry.

It is going to be a great game and both teams totally deserve to be there.

[Toonces]

This (http://www.metacafe.com/watch/69344/super_bowl_shuffle/) should bring back memories for da Bears fans. That Super Bowl was the first and last fball game I watched in its entirety. :o :)

oops... sorry. i didn't see petdoc's post w/ this vid. it is worth watching twice though. :)

[TracieB]

I have no problem with who won. I'm a firm believer in what is meant to be will be. I don't think you should assume what my conversation was meant to do or not do. If they *should have* won, they *would have.* But they didn't. This thread is about the Super Bowl, so I posted an article related to the Super Bowl. If you don't like it, don't read it and don't respond to it. Just ignore it. I wanted to see what others thought. That's it. Can we move on now?

Nevermind, not worth my time. But, the bolded part goes for you as well.

[TracieB]

It is going to be a great game and both teams totally deserve to be there.

Totally agree with this statement! It'll be a great game!

[KiewiStyles]

I've never taken the time to undermind your postings. I only respond to the comments you've made towards me. The End.

edited to say: I just discovered the ignore button. Wish I had found that a long time ago.

[TracieB]

Ugh. :rolleyes: :confused:

ANYWAY, what's everybody's plans for the game??

[cari2]

We are getting together with family - - my sister, parents, lots of cousins, etc. I just hope it is a competitive game when we hit the 4th quarter. If my life depended on it I'd guess the Colts to win, but who knows. I am really interested in the ads too...hope they are good. Enjoy the game!

[TracieB]

Thanks! My husband actually had to go to the States for a conference, so I'm stuck here by myself for the game. I live in Guam, so the game actually comes on on Monday morning. The kick-off is at 9:25 a.m. Pretty crazy! I plan on making myself a nice breakfast and hopefully my nerves will let me eat it!

[mrs_pell]

Oh wow! I can't imagine watching the game on Monday morning!! That would be so weird!

We're keeping it pretty mild this year. Usually, we have a big party -- my hubby cooks his kick ass ribs and we have a lot of people over. This year, it's been pretty hectic lately, so we decided to just have his brother, my brother, and the girl my brother's dating (who's also my co-worker) over and we're gonna make phillies and bratwursts. I also can't wait for the ads. I've heard they're supposed to be pretty good this year.

[TracieB]

Oh wow! I can't imagine watching the game on Monday morning!! That would be so weird!

We're keeping it pretty mild this year. Usually, we have a big party -- my hubby cooks his kick ass ribs and we have a lot of people over. This year, it's been pretty hectic lately, so we decided to just have his brother, my brother, and the girl my brother's dating (who's also my co-worker) over and we're gonna make phillies and bratwursts. I also can't wait for the ads. I've heard they're supposed to be pretty good this year.

That sounds like it'll be a good time! I love Super Bowl food!! Oh, and one more thing that sucks about living here is that they don't show the ads!!!! Can you believe that?! No companies here want to pony up the money to show them. I'll have to find them on YouTube after the game.

[mrs_pell]

Oh, and one more thing that sucks about living here is that they don't show the ads!!!! Can you believe that?! No companies here want to pony up the money to show them. I'll have to find them on YouTube after the game.

ACK! No ads? That's HORRIBLE! My mom was so funny a few years ago (she's so NOT into football). She says, "Someone tried to tell me that people actually watch the superbowl just for the commercials!! Can you believe she thought that?" I said, "uhhh, mom...they do!" She could not get over the fact that some people actually wait to go to the bathroom until the game comes back on so they don't miss the commercials when people are usually wishing they could fastforward them. :D Personally, I'm always conflicted when I have to go to the bathroom...do I miss some of the game or do I miss possibly THE commercial of the year! :o :p Thankfully, this year we have Tivo so I don't have to worry about it! :)

[KiewiStyles]

Nevermind, not worth my time. But, the bolded part goes for you as well.

I love how you play all cool and coy in this thread. I'm not worth the time, but then you send me this long PM.

My final respone to all of this is that you need to be aware of how you respond to others. And it's not just me. Go back in the thread and you'll see that there are at least 3 others, if not more, who you respond to in this negative fashion.

We all have a right to our opinions, including you. I have no problem with what you have to say. It's the way in which you say things ("all you are spoiled sports") and come back at others that bothers people.

[KiewiStyles]

Does anyone think the weather will be a factor for the game?

Rain, winds in forecast for Super Bowl
NFL.com wire reports
MIAMI (Feb. 3, 2007) -- The Super Bowl may be wetter -- and windier -- than players and fans might like.

Brisk winds of 10 mph to 20 mph and a temperatures in the mid- to upper-60s are forecast for the game Feb. 4 (6:25 p.m. ET, CBS) along with scattered showers throughout the day.

"It's going to make it feel cooler than it will actually turn out to be," Dan Dixon, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service, said.

The weather will certainly be a lot more accommodating than in Indianapolis or Chicago, where hometown fans of the Colts and Bears are bracing for subzero wind chills.

[PookiePrincess]

I love how you play all cool and coy in this thread. I'm not worth the time, but then you send me this long PM.

My final respone to all of this is that you need to be aware of how you respond to others. And it's not just me. Go back in the thread and you'll see that there are at least 3 others, if not more, who you respond to in this negative fashion.

We all have a right to our opinions, including you. I have no problem with what you have to say. It's the way in which you say things ("all you are spoiled sports") and come back at others that bothers people.

What happened to the ignore button? :rolleyes:

[KiewiStyles]

It doesn't work for PMs apparently because as soon as I posted ignore, I got a PM.

[KiewiStyles]

Is this the first Super Bowl where rain is going to be a factor?

[PookiePrincess]

I think the last several years the Super Bowl has been in indoor stadiums. I don't know the last time that weather was a factor. Might have to look that one up.

[KiewiStyles]

I can't seem to find anything. Let me know if you do.

[KiewiStyles]

Dos and don'ts for Super Bowl XLI
By Pat Kirwan
NFL.com Senior Analyst
(Feb. 2, 2007) -- The Super Bowl gets ever closer, and after watching hours of game tapes, cut-up tapes of third downs, blitz reels and special teams plays, along with talking to many players and coaches about the Bears and Colts, it is time for a list of things the teams should consider doing and a list of things to avoid.

DON'T KICK OR PUNT TO DEVIN HESTER

The only times Devin Hester didn't score was when the Bears were on offense.
Special teams coaches around the league have all disagreed with me, but the overwhelming majority of head coaches agree. In fact, I arrived at my final decision when Hall of Fame coach Don Shula said he would not kick to young Devin Hester. I asked Jeff Fisher what he would say to his team about a decision not to kick to Hester. Could it be misconstrued as cowardly by his players? Fisher simply said he would stand in front of the team and ask this question of his players: "Do you want to win?" If so, then they would not kick to Hester. He was also quick to point out teams still kick to Pacman Jones, and he can beat anyone.

DON'T SIT IN ONE OR TWO LOOKS AGAINST PEYTON MANNING
I know the Bears do what they do, and they should play the simple defense that got them to the Super Bowl. But this is Peyton Manning. Dan Marino said if he sees the same coverage over and over again he will complete a lot of passes. Fisher said, "We play him twice a year and we change up totally from game to game." Broncos CB Domonique Foxworth said, "You have to disguise everything before the snap. And if you don't, it's going to be a long day."

DON'T BE SURPRISED TO SEE A BEAR DEEP PASSING ATTACK EARLY
NFLShop.com

Pre-Order your championship merchandise now at NFLshop.com
The Bears are right to protect Rex Grossman with a great running game and a turnover-crazy defense. But the deep passing attack is a safe bet, and the Bears will take advantage of it. As one quarterback coach said, "Remember when Chris Simms took over at QB for the Bucs? Gruden employed a deep passing attack for the young QB instead of the shallow crossing plays that are more difficult to read and throw. Ron Turner will do the same thing against the Colts."

DON'T COUNT ON EITHER FOUR-MAN RUSH TO GET TO THE QB
Both teams love to rush the front four and limit pressure. It will not be enough pressure for either team to sack the QB. Expect some pressure calls early, especially from the Bears. As for the Colts, they may hold out a bit longer. But if Chicago goes to a three-receiver package on passing downs, keep your eye on the nickel slot DB. He's blitzing after watching the game tapes of the playoff games.

DON'T EXPECT ANY PLUS-50-YARD FIELD GOALS

Adam Vinatieri is 8 of 18 all time over 50 yards in the regular season, but 2 of 2 this postseason.
Neither Robbie Gould nor Adam Vinatieri made a field goal over 50 yards in the regular season. Gould never even attempted one, and Vinatieri only tried once. Both are great from 40-49 yards out, combining for 21 of 24, but the long attempt in the closing seconds of the half or game present too many problems. If they miss, the opposition has a short field, which looks more like an interception/turnover return than a missed kick. And as one special teams coach said, "Never forget that Hester has already returned a missed field goal for a score."

DON'T EXPECT EITHER COACH TO HIT ANY PANIC BUTTONS
Lovie Smith and Tony Dungy are more in control of their emotions than any pair of Super Bowl coaches I can remember. One of these coaches is going to be losing at some point in this game, and it will probably be early in the contest. Neither coach is going to hit the panic button and start throwing the ball to catch up. Some coaches will abandon the run as soon as they are down seven points. The Colts would continue to let Manning read the defense and take what they give. The Bears will keep the run/pass ratio tilted to the run side. As one Panthers coach said to me, "Last year in the playoffs we got up 14 points early and Grossman threw 40 passes. They will not do that again."

DO EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED HERO
As Franco Harris said to me, "A game like this will bring out an unexpected hero. Someone no one is talking about who is more ready to play great than others." Could it be Bears fullback Jason McKie, who has to make two dozen great blocks to power the running game? Is it Raheem Brock, who was a Colts defensive end now playing tackle and who beats the guard to get a sack or fumble recovery? Is it Terrence Wilkins, who as the Colts returner had to endure two weeks of everyone talking about Hester?

[KiewiStyles]

Here's one more for everyone...


Here's what Bears, Colts must do to win

By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
Archive


Here's a look at the keys to victory for the two Super Bowl XLI teams:

The Bears will win if …

1. Chicago can run the ball early against a suddenly resurgent Indianapolis front seven. The last thing the Bears want to do is put quarterback Rex Grossman in untenable third-down situations in which the Colts will come hard at him off the edge. The Colts have held three playoff opponents to an average of 73.3 yards rushing and 3.6 yards per carry. The Bears seem to have found a nice combination, with Cedric Benson now starting and carrying most of the load, then Thomas Jones coming off the bench to give them a little different, and quicker, dimension in the running game.


X Games
X's and O's: There figures to be an intriguing chess match between Chicago coach Lovie Smith and Indianapolis counterpart Tony Dungy, two longtime friends and the first two African-American men to lead their teams to a Super Bowl berth. The two have worked together in the past, and each knows how the other prepares. There will be plenty of words devoted to the coaches' race. The more compelling element of the contest, though, is how familiarity affects the coaches.

X factor: Some observers have suggested that the Peyton Manning-Rex Grossman pairing might be the most lopsided quarterback matchup in Super Bowl history. And there could be something to that. Manning will be appearing in his 13th playoff game, and Grossman in only his third. In 144 regular-season starts, Manning has recorded a passer rating of 40.0 or less only twice. Grossman registered a passer rating of 40.0 or below five times this season alone. What Grossman has to understand is that he is playing the Colts, not Manning. Oh, yeah, during his brilliant college career, Manning never beat the University of Florida. Now he gets the chance to beat a former Gators quarterback for the biggest prize of all.

Rx factor: For the Bears, WR Mark Bradley is nursing a sprained ankle. For the Colts, starting CB Nick Harper aggravated an ankle injury early in Sunday's game and did not return. WR Ricky Proehl has a strained hamstring and TE Ben Utecht a sprained knee.
-- Len Pasquarelli

2. They win the defensive battle in the middle of the field. Chicago is not a big blitz-quota team, but when coordinator Ron Rivera brings extra bodies on the pass rush, it is often from the inside. Getting early pressure in Peyton Manning's face from the inside and forcing him to retreat is the best way to get him out of rhythm. The Bears also need to control the area between the hashes, and the deep seams, where Indianapolis tight end Dallas Clark has been so effective. The ability of middle linebacker Brian Urlacher to get into the deep coverage zones should be an advantage.
3. Return specialist Devin Hester can exploit the Indianapolis special-teams units, especially the kickoff coverage group, which has been just as shaky in the playoffs as it was at times in the regular season. In three playoff games, Indianapolis allowed an average kickoff return of 24.3 yards. As he demonstrated in the regular season, Hester is an explosive player who can dramatically affect field position and score from anywhere, even eight yards deep in the end zone. It will take some of the pressure off Grossman if Hester is able to provide him a short field on occasion.

The Colts will win if …

1. They get wide receivers Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne the football early and often. Against New England in the AFC Championship Game, neither wide receiver won his individual battles in the first half of the game and Harrison, as he occasionally does, disappeared for long stretches, his body language suggesting he was sulking. Chicago cornerbacks Nathan Vasher and Charles Tillman are aggressive on balls thrown in front of them and will cheat moving forward, but also are susceptible to the kind of double-move routes at which the Colts' wide receivers excel.

2. Defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis win the battle on the perimeter. The pair's speed and relentlessness should provide an edge against Chicago offensive tackles John Tait (left) and Fred Miller (right), especially if Indianapolis can force third-and-long situations. Freeney tends to play big in big games and loves the spotlight, but he had just two tackles and no sacks Sunday. The Colts need him to show up more. Miller is a solid veteran tackle, but he doesn't play against pure, upfield speed-rushers very often, and he could have his hands full against Mathis.

3. Complementary players on offense continue to make big plays. The Indianapolis offense still revolves around Manning, Harrison and Wayne, but there are a lot of role players who have stepped up, particularly in the passing game, to help overcome injuries. Clark has been huge in the playoffs, with a team-best 17 receptions and a gaudy 16.5-yard average. And Manning continues to be effective checking down to tailbacks Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes. Even a guy like No. 3 tight end Bryan Fletcher, who had a 32-yard catch on the winning drive Sunday, has contributed.

[TracieB]

I'm done responding to the drama.

Does anyone else think Billy Joel didn't sound all that great? I don't know what I was expecting, but he didn't sound like he usually does.

I have my coffee cake in the oven and a hot cup of coffee in my hand. Here's hoping for a good game!!

[TracieB]

Oh my gosh :(

What a way to start. This better not be a sign of things to come.

[Toonces]

I thought Billy Joel sounded okay. He was getting rained on though so that could have thrown him off.

[TracieB]

I thought Billy Joel sounded okay. He was getting rained on though so that could have thrown him off.

Very true. The Billy Joel I'm used to is "Piano Man" Billy Joel :p .

[TracieB]

Well, I think I need to turn it off for awhile. I keep telling myself that I'd be happy if the Bears won because neither team has had it for awhile, but I don't want them to completely smash the Colts... which they are clearly doing now.

[TracieB]

Dang... this rain is really messing things up for both teams, isn't it?

BTW - sorry if I'm being annoyingly talkative in this thread.... I'm home alone watching the game and don't want to keep calling my parents or my husband to cheer/vent ;).

[Adaya]

So far the commercials are pretty funny. That Doritos commercial has me cracking up.

[Toonces]

You're not being annoying. I'm usually online the most on the weekends so I'm glad someone else is around. :) Yeah, the rain is a mess!!

I'm liking the commercials, too. The one with the white dog turned Dalmation was cute.

Has anyone heard the status of Jennifer Gordon, the woman who offered free advertising on her pregnant belly? I went to HS with her DH. :o :p

[TracieB]

They don't show the commercials where I live. It sucks! I'll have to find out from you all which are good and find them on YouTube later.

How cool that you know that woman! I'll keep an eye out, although I'll probably miss it because of the whole commercial thing.

I can't believe Adam V. missed the field goal!!! WOW!

[Toonces]

That's right - I forgot you don't get the commercials. That does suck! Sportsline (http://www.sportsline.com/) has a link to them (not sure if they're airing them now or all after the game).

[TracieB]

Awesome! Thanks so much for the link. I'll definitely check it out after the game.

I wonder how well Prince will perform?

[Adaya]

Rain, high heels, and all, Prince is gettin' his jam on! :D I'm diggin' the marching band.

[TracieB]

Man, I was expecting Prince to perform some of his classics (Little Red Corvette, specifically ;) ). He's doing a lot of covers... "Rollin' on the River" and "The Best of You"? Not what I expected. I still love him though.

eta: He must be a Colts fan in that blue suit! Ha!

eta2: okay, here we go. "Purple Rain, Purple Rain"

[tgray99]

Prince is hot, despite the rainy mess.

Sorry if anyone has asked this already...why are they playing commercials that we've already seen? Seems like if you were paying that much money for a spot you'd air something new. JMO. Also? Has the K-Fed commercial been on yet? I've pretty much been FFing through the game and just watching the commercials.

[Toonces]

I want to know what kind of moisturizer he uses. I think he's gotten younger looking.

[TracieB]

I want to know what kind of moisturizer he uses. I think he's gotten younger looking.

I think it's called Botox :p. Ha!

[Toonces]

LOL! True. I think I'll stick with Oil of Olay. :)

[tgray99]

Careerbuilder.com wins the best commercials for me so far.

The FedEx commercial pissed me off. Is it so FREAKIN' hard to do some research about the moon? You wouldn't float off if you got hit, there's 1/3 the gravity found on earth. Also, the Earth would not be HUGE in the sky, it would be a little larger than the moon in our sky. Also, if the light side of the earth were showing in the sky it would be lunar day and you wouldn't see stars. Geez, a simple Google search would've fixed everything wrong with that commercial.

This is what happens when you have a Masters in Space studies and haven't done anything with it in 3 years.

[Adaya]

Yeah, Careerbuilder.com takes the prize! I can't wait to watch them again online.

[mrs_pell]

Tracie ~ How are yiur nerves right now?? 3:15 left and looking like the Colts are gonna take it!

I'm so intoxicatesd right now! Work is gonna suck tomorrow!! :rolleyes:

And...I've been really, really, really disappointed in the commercials this year. I think they have SUCKED!

[TracieB]

2 minutes to go!!!!!! AHHHH!!

[TracieB]

Tracie ~ How are yiur nerves right now?? 3:15 left and looking like the Colts are gonna take it!

I'm so intoxicatesd right now! Work is gonna suck tomorrow!! :rolleyes:

And...I've been really, really, really disappointed in the commercials this year. I think they have SUCKED!

HAHA! I'm glad you're having a good time! I was really nervous and disappointed at the beginning of the game, but the Colts finally started playing the awesome... thank goodness!

Drink some water and take a Tylenol ;) :D.

[TracieB]

WE WON!!!! That was awesome. I'm so happy for Tony Dungy and the whole team. Super Bowl Champs!!!!!!

[Adaya]

Yayyyy for Tony Dungy! I really wanted this for him. :) Go Colts!

eta: Just heard Dungy speak and that is why I love him. What stand-up guy! He's awesome.

[mrs_pell]

Congrats Colts! The whole 2 weeks I've been wanting the bears to win, but tongiht I think I realized I just wanted a good game. Watching Tony Dungy right now makes me realize I am happy for the Colts. So...congrats to Indy!

And yeah...I'm thinking water and tylenol are a good thing right now! ;)

[BridalLace]

woot!!! where's my Colts avatar when i need it.... :D

[PookiePrincess]

I am so excited the Colts won. I was worried that the rain was going to be a factor, but once they got into the groove, they played well.

I didn't think there were that many great commercials. And I agree with what Tgray said earlier, if these companies paid all this money for a Super Bowl advertisement, the least they could have done was get their marketing company to come up with a new commercial. Most of them were the same old commercials we've been seeing everyday. Bor-ing.

[polkadot]

Yay Colts!! Peyton is our home town boy ( i live in N.O.) We couldnt have the Saints in the Superbowl but Peyton was the closest we could get and thats ok...Joseph addai and Reggie Wayne are also from my area so that is great...I agree with the previous posts about Dungy being a stand up guy and just believing in his team and God...makes me like him ever more...

GEAUX COLTS!!!!

[TracieB]

If anybody wants to see the commercials, they have all of them here:

http://www.myspace.com/superspots

[KiewiStyles]

Congrats to the Colts. Although I didn't like some of Peyton's responses during the game, he and his team deserved to win. Congrats to them all.

[TracieB]

Good article...


Colts 29, Bears 17
Shedding labels
Wet weather, soggy field, bears are no match for Colts

By Phil Richards
phil.richards@indystar.com

MIAMI -- No more suggestions of "soft." No more snide "dome" team references. No more finesse label. No more playoff questions.

The Indianapolis Colts smashed every stereotype Sunday evening while they were smashing the big, bad, bruising Chicago Bears 29-17 to win Super Bowl XLI at rainy, soggy Dolphin Stadium.

The Colts pounded the Bears with their running game. They battered them with a swarming, attacking defense. They punished. The Colts' fat 430-265 advantage in total yards was more indicative of their dominance than was the scoreboard.

The Colts ran 81 plays to Chicago's 48 and outrushed them 191 yards -- a Colts' postseason record -- to 111.

"Now it's time to party. Now we can just let loose and enjoy it," said safety Bob Sanders, who intercepted one pass, broke up another and forced a fumble.

Peyton Manning, long derided as a quarterback who put up big numbers but didn't win big games, won the biggest one Sunday. Manning completed 25-of-38 passes for 247 yards and one touchdown with one interception.

With the dank postgame air still full of smoke, streamers, confetti and fireworks, the announcement was made: Manning had won the Pete Rozelle Trophy as the game's Most Valuable Player. He got his ring and more. He deferred to the team. "That's been our theme all year; we have won as a team," Manning said. "Everybody did their part. There was no panic, nobody gave up. We stayed calm the entire game. We truly won this championship as a team and I'm proud to be part of it."

The world title was the Colts' fourth in 54 years as NFL members, but their first in 23 seasons in Indianapolis, their first since the Baltimore Colts won Super Bowl V after the 1970 season.

The Colts celebrated by dumping not one but two buckets of Gatorade on their coach, Tony Dungy.

"This may not be one of our most talented teams but it sure was the one that felt the most love for one another, the most connection," said Dungy, the first black coach to win the Super Bowl. "I love these guys. I know what they went through to win this."

Dungy became only the third man to win a Super Bowl ring as a player and a coach. He was a backup safety and special teams player with Pittsburgh when the Steelers won Super Bowl XIII after the 1978 season. Mike Ditka and Tom Flores also have accomplished the double.

The Bears had scored 66 points in two playoff games while allowing only 38. They hadn't met a team like the Colts, whose defense and running game were rejuvenated during their four-game playoff run. Bears fans dominated the crowd of 74,512. On the field, it was another story.

Running backs Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai were the 1-2 punch that knocked out the Bears' fifth-ranked defense. Rhodes rushed 21 times for 113 yards and a touchdown. Addai ran 19 times for 77 yards and caught 10 passes for 66 yards. The rookie's reception total was one shy of the Super Bowl record shared by Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice and two others.
With the offensive line asserting its will, the Colts had the prescription for success: The team that has rushed for more yards has won 34 of the 41 Super Bowls.

"Dom gave us a great lift," Dungy said. "He and Joseph did a great job going up against a great defense, but really, it was just our whole team fighting and I'm very proud of them."

Chicago quarterback Rex Grossman had a forgettable night. He completed 20-of-28 passes for 165 yards and a touchdown. He also twice fumbled snaps -- losing 11 yards on one, possession on the other -- and threw a pair of interceptions, one of which was returned 56 yards by backup cornerback Kelvin Hayden for the clinching touchdown.

It was a bizarre first half that featured steady rain, slippery footballs and six turnovers. Twice the teams traded fumbles on consecutive snaps.
The game began with a bolt of lightning where there was no thunder. The Colts had the temerity to direct the opening kickoff to Pro Bowl return man Devin Hester. He returned it 92 yards for a touchdown.

That and a 52-yard run by Thomas Jones that set up the Bears' second touchdown were the only big plays made by Chicago.

The Colts had numerous opportunities but got little traction. They scored on a 53-yard Manning pass to wide receiver Reggie Wayne on which Chicago blew coverage. A mishandled snap cost them the point-after attempt but the AFC champions moved ahead on the first of Adam Vinatieri's three field goals and Rhodes' 1-yard touchdown run.

The victory validated the Colts' era of excellence. Since the start of the 1999 season, their 89-39 regular-season record is the league's best. They are the only team that has made the playoffs seven times over those eight years. The Colts and the Dallas Cowboys (1992-95) are the only teams in NFL history to win 12 or more games in four successive seasons.

No longer will those achievements be dismissed because of the Colts' playoff failures. No longer will they be referred to as a dome team, as a finesse team. They are champions, for life.

[akacharlotte]

Congrats to the Colts. Although I didn't like some of Peyton's responses during the game, he and his team deserved to win. Congrats to them all.

What responses? Did I miss something?

[shania0474]

Anyone know where I can find the Oprah/David Letterman video clip? Apparently it was one of the funniest "ads" of the evening and I was putting DS to bed at that time.

Thanks!

[KiewiStyles]

What responses? Did I miss something?

His language. When the camera was on him, I saw more than one instance where he was swearing like a truck driver. Granted, I understand he's frustrated and he's wanted this for a long time, but there are kids watching that look up to him.

He played a good game though.

[bookworm]

What responses? Did I miss something?

Eh, a bunch of screaming at receivers/tight ends for not catching really bad passes. If you liked him, you might call it passion; if you don't...

I give Tony Dungy a lot of credit for not running up the score at the end. Much as I hate the Colts as an organization, I can be happy he won. I'm shocked the score was so close for so long; the Colts really dominated the game, except for the opening kickoff.

So how many weeks until preseason? :)

[TracieB]

Eh, a bunch of screaming at receivers/tight ends for not catching really bad passes. If you liked him, you might call it passion; if you don't...

I thought he was yelling at the refs for not making a call? That's what the guys broadcasting the game said :confused: .

[bookworm]

There were a few (yes, we were looking for it :) ), so one of them may have been yelling at the refs. At least 2 were yelling at receivers (or tight ends... whomever was in the general direction of the ball).

[TracieB]

Gotcha!

[KiewiStyles]

I saw both instances. All I'm saying is he knows he is a role model to others, he should probably watch what he says.

[akacharlotte]

Ahh. I noticed, I think it was sometime in the 2nd half, that the camera was full on his face and it appeared(my lip reading skills are not all that) that he said son of a you know what. I did not catch anything else.

Thanks for clarifying! :)

[nylons73]

The Mannings are portrayed as 'class acts' when really what they are is pompus. Just look at what Archie did with Eli. He basically told San Diego that he would rather have Eli sit out a year than to have him go to a 'questionable' franchise. Just who does he think he is? I love it that San Diego had twice the year that the Giants did as Eli continues to struggle in New York. It doesn't surprise me at all that Peyton was yelling at his receivers. Sounds about par for the course.

[KiewiStyles]

What surprised me most was when he yelled at him for catching the ball. Granted he was out of bounds, but he caught it. It was where the ball was thrown. It just shocked me through the whole game.

[BrownEyedGirl]

I am a huge Colts fan (Indy born and bred) and I have always stuck up for Peyton. This time I was getting a little grumpy with him yelling at the guys...but what if it comes across worse on tv than it actually is? I mean it's a really big space and it is incredibly loud. Maybe he is yelling, but maybe he's not yelling at his guys. Maybe he's yelling at himself.

I'm sure he is so competitive and tough on himself that he would be upset over every mistake, his or someone else. I couldn't imagine being in that family growing up and not getting screwed up (competition wise). I mean three sons who are great at one sport...and not just great even. And to think that Peyton wasn't even the best.

[TracieB]

I'm sure he is so competitive and tough on himself that he would be upset over every mistake, his or someone else. I couldn't imagine being in that family growing up and not getting screwed up (competition wise). I mean three sons who are great at one sport...and not just great even. And to think that Peyton wasn't even the best.

Totally agree (except the part about Peyton being the best... I think he most definitely is the most talented in the family). We weren't there... we don't know what happened or who he was yelling at or how he was yelling at him.

I did see him say the "F" word, but, honestly, how young were you when you really sat down and watched the entire game? I know that for me, it wasn't until probably high school or college. I'm sure there were youngsters watching, but how closely they were watching? I'm not sure. Not to justify his actions, but football players are people, too, and I imagine the pressure during the game was enormous.

[mrs_pell]

Honestly, as much as I appreciate someone who is the *perfect* rolemodel, who is? [I can't believe I'm defending Peyton! ;) ]. It bugs me when a QB yells at their receivers, but my favorite player of all times, Dan Marino, did it too. They all do. *Especially* when emotions are so high. Now, if they were to lose, and then he would have come out to the press and blamed it on his receivers, my opinion would be TOTALLY different. And, as far as the swearing...anyone who doesn't want to see that should not watch a sporting event on tv...period. Bill Cowher? Bill Parcels? Bobby Knight (I love him, so don't bash him!!!! ;) ? Anyway, I just can't see bashing Peyton for saying "son of a *****" when that's the LEAST of what gets said on a football field!

[TracieB]

Anyone know where I can find the Oprah/David Letterman video clip? Apparently it was one of the funniest "ads" of the evening and I was putting DS to bed at that time.

Thanks!

I found it on YouTube. Just search for "Oprah and David Letterman Super Bowl Commercial" and you should find it. It's :10 long (and cute!).

[TracieB]

[I can't believe I'm defending Peyton! ;) ].

Bobby Knight (I love him, so don't bash him!!!! ;) ?

I can't either! What's gotten into you? ;)

Do you follow Hoosier basketball? Or are you now a Texas Tech fan? Just curious!

[mrs_pell]

Do you follow Hoosier basketball? Or are you now a Texas Tech fan? Just curious!

See my posts in the "College Basketball" thread from the IU/Wisconsin game the other night!!! :D I graduated from IU, so I'll always be a Hoosier fan, through and through. But, I do love Bobby! I was very sad with the way that IU handled it (or didn't rather...) when Bobby broke the record for most wins at TT. Oh well...

[TracieB]

See my posts in the "College Basketball" thread from the IU/Wisconsin game the other night!!! :D I graduated from IU, so I'll always be a Hoosier fan,