2008 Woodie Awards
Playing the underdog
Jared Aeschbach
Issue date: 1/31/07 Section: Sports
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It's time for the biggest game of the season. This year it's the Brian Urlacher and the Chicago Bears versus Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. They are many questions to be answered: Can Da Bears pull off their biggest win in twenty years? Will Peyton Manning finally win a Super Bowl? The biggest storyline here is that Da Bears are the underdog in the Super Bowl, and not by a Vinatieri field goal either; the spread says the Colts will win by a touchdown. If the Bears are going to have a shot to win Super Bowl XLI in Miami, here's a list of what they will need to do.
1. Limit mistakes and turnovers on offense
The Bears made no turnovers in their last game against the Saints. Thomas Jones coughed up one fumble, but it was recovered by the offense. If Rex Grossman can keep throwing the ball away and play 'smart football' instead of making dangerous plays, the Bears can have a shot at this game.
2. Put pressure on Peyton Manning
The Bears had 40 sacks in the regular season. The Bears defense needs to pierce Indianapolis's offensive line and get to Peyton Manning. Chicago is in luck by getting Tank Johnson back for the big game, coming off a court ruling to let him return to his job. Plus, with pressure on Peyton Manning, he's bound to make mistakes. The Patriots had a decent defense in the AFC conference championship when Asante Samuel was able to intercept Manning off for a touchdown. Just imagine what the Bears can do to Manning if he if being rushed from the pocket every play. Chicago will also be able to play a full sixty minutes unlike the Pats.
3. Force turnovers on defense
This is what the Bears do best, forcing turnovers. They had 46+ turnovers this season (not including playoffs), including causing three forced fumbles and an interception of Drew Brees in the NFC conference championship. This game will come down to the turnover battle. Chicago needs to stand up Joseph Addai and the Colts receivers to give the defense time to strip the ball. They practice it every day and they've got it down to an art. Winning the turnover battle may just be the key to victory on Super Bowl Sunday.
4. Feed the Beast
Thomas Jones exploded last game and he's still got plenty of fight in him. If the Bears can utilize Cedric Benson in the first half, then bring in a fresh Jones in the seconds half, they can really wear down this Colts defense. Together the two-headed beast of Jones and Benson combined for 183 yards against the Saints defense last week, including a 12-yard touchdown run by Benson, a 2-yard and a 14-yard touchdown by Jones. If the Bears can be effective in the fourth quarter, they can win this game. They had three touchdowns in the fourth quarter against the Saints. The offense and defense has been able to finish games all year, and if they can pull one more off, then Lovie Smith and the Bears will be hoisting the Lombardi trophy for the first time since 1985.
1. Limit mistakes and turnovers on offense
The Bears made no turnovers in their last game against the Saints. Thomas Jones coughed up one fumble, but it was recovered by the offense. If Rex Grossman can keep throwing the ball away and play 'smart football' instead of making dangerous plays, the Bears can have a shot at this game.
2. Put pressure on Peyton Manning
The Bears had 40 sacks in the regular season. The Bears defense needs to pierce Indianapolis's offensive line and get to Peyton Manning. Chicago is in luck by getting Tank Johnson back for the big game, coming off a court ruling to let him return to his job. Plus, with pressure on Peyton Manning, he's bound to make mistakes. The Patriots had a decent defense in the AFC conference championship when Asante Samuel was able to intercept Manning off for a touchdown. Just imagine what the Bears can do to Manning if he if being rushed from the pocket every play. Chicago will also be able to play a full sixty minutes unlike the Pats.
3. Force turnovers on defense
This is what the Bears do best, forcing turnovers. They had 46+ turnovers this season (not including playoffs), including causing three forced fumbles and an interception of Drew Brees in the NFC conference championship. This game will come down to the turnover battle. Chicago needs to stand up Joseph Addai and the Colts receivers to give the defense time to strip the ball. They practice it every day and they've got it down to an art. Winning the turnover battle may just be the key to victory on Super Bowl Sunday.
4. Feed the Beast
Thomas Jones exploded last game and he's still got plenty of fight in him. If the Bears can utilize Cedric Benson in the first half, then bring in a fresh Jones in the seconds half, they can really wear down this Colts defense. Together the two-headed beast of Jones and Benson combined for 183 yards against the Saints defense last week, including a 12-yard touchdown run by Benson, a 2-yard and a 14-yard touchdown by Jones. If the Bears can be effective in the fourth quarter, they can win this game. They had three touchdowns in the fourth quarter against the Saints. The offense and defense has been able to finish games all year, and if they can pull one more off, then Lovie Smith and the Bears will be hoisting the Lombardi trophy for the first time since 1985.
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