AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > February > 01 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USVinatieri gives Colts a leg up
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
I could see the Bears getting ahead.
I could see the defense making an early big play — akin to Ty Law’s interception that put the Patriots ahead of the vastly favored Rams in 2002 — and giving the massive underdogs reason to believe.
I could see that defense and the Bears’ ground game controlling the clock and keeping Peyton Manning off the field.
I could see Rex Grossman, who fits nobody’s image of a championship quarterback, making just enough key throws to move the chains — the way he did in the NFC title game, the way Trent Dilfer did for the Ravens against the Giants in 2001.
I could see the Colts’ statistically lousy run defense, which hasn’t hurt them yet in the postseason, hurting them big-time against a power-running team like the Bears.
I could see the Colts thinking they’d already won their Super Bowl by beating the Patriots and then, too late, finding out they hadn’t.
I could see Peyton getting antsy again.
I could see all of the above happening, but you know what I simply can’t see? Adam Vinatieri, the greatest kicker ever, missing the winning field goal in a game that will be decided by a field goal.
Colts 20, Bears 17.
Permalink | Comments (17) | Post your comment | Categories: Mark Bradley, Quick Hit
Comments
By jt
February 1, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
anybody know what the line on the game is? i’m sure the colts are favored, but by how much? thanks.
By becky
February 1, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this
GO COLTS!!!
By hillbilly
February 1, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
Da Colts!!!!
By Einstein
February 1, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this
jt, does the word “google” mean anything to you?
BTW, the Bears are favored by 4,756.395763658458394529102764894 points.
By Jangs78
February 1, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
Bear Down!!!
By Marcus
February 1, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
The line is Colts by 7, but the Bears are going to win!!
Go Bears!!
By Jeff
February 1, 2007 01:15 PM | Link to this
Mark, I think you’re right. There is something different about this Colts team from years past. There is a quiet confidence with this team that hasn’t been there. I’m sure there are a lot of reasons for this, but I think a big part of it is that Viniateri replaced Vanderjagt. Vanderjagt was a loud-mouth jerk off the field, and he was inconsistent on the field. His teammates couldn’t stand him. Viniateri, on the other hand, is a humble winner, and the guys around him love him.
By Georgian in CA
February 1, 2007 01:35 PM | Link to this
It’s really a shame that someone has to lose this game. There’s so much to like about both teams.
By Jim
February 1, 2007 02:08 PM | Link to this
Here’s the difference between the two teams… Indy mostly scores on offense. Chicago can score with any of its teams on the field, offense, defense and special teams. If the Bears keep the scoring machine off the field, that stops the scoring. Colts can’t say that!
By What are we, chopped liver?
February 1, 2007 02:32 PM | Link to this
We the undersigned wish to hear how it is you think Adam Vinateri is the best kicker of all time. It’s a bit premature to make that comment. Sincerely, Morten Andersen and Gary Anderson
By Dr.Doom
February 1, 2007 03:37 PM | Link to this
I’m looking forward with much anticipation to Pig feet Bowl XLI.
By DA BEARS
February 1, 2007 03:45 PM | Link to this
GO BEARS after this Bears win everyone who has ever said anything bad about grossman needs to shut up
By Najeh Davenpoop
February 1, 2007 04:39 PM | Link to this
Vinatieri is great, but somehow I’m getting the feeling that the Colts already feel like they have accomplished their goal by beating the Patriots. Something tells me the Bears will surprise. I’m still sticking with my out of left field prediction: Bears 28, Colts 24, Devin Hester MVP.
By UGA Red necks and @$$ holes $ux
February 1, 2007 05:37 PM | Link to this
The bears will win!
By The Old Ball Coach
February 2, 2007 08:39 AM | Link to this
Colts by an easy five.
By SigmundFreud
February 2, 2007 03:18 PM | Link to this
Its amazing to me that Brett Farve is attempting to play another season. I dont blame him at all since the Green Bay Packers will still pay his contract. Farve will continue to play until he is either too old, senile or has too much arthritis to continue on. Farve must continue because he is paid millions of dollars to play football. Farve realizes that he wont make that kind of money bagging groceries at Kroger. Farve, despite the fact that he is no more than an “old fart” at this juncture in time, will continue to play football until he either ends up in his coffin, is on crutches, or ends up in a wheelchair. Farve throws more picks than any other quarterback in football. Farve stinks and he knows it. Farve is a first ballot, sure fire hall of famer. But he is just too mule-headed to retire with dignity.
By Connie Lingous
February 2, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
the Bears are “massive” underdogs Mark? -7 is the line …
By the way, you always looked better with poofy hair - any chance you’ll try that look again?