*** OFFICIAL SUPER BOWL XLI THREAD ***

[derby378]

OK, let's try this one out. For those of you still reeling from Devin Hester's 92-yard touchdown run after the kickoff, check out this now-humorous article:

Bad news for Bears?
Soggy field could make return man Hester non-factor

Now, I guess the league thinks the drainage system on the field is fine. It had better be. I asked Cris Carter, who had a cup of coffee with the Dolphins four years ago, and whose son played on the Dolphin Stadium turf, if he thought this would be a factor. "No,'' he said in his car on the way to the game with his family. "This field has the best drainage system in the world. When my son played his playoff game on that field, it had rained all day, and there was another game before his. And the field was beautiful. I don't think it'll be a factor.''

If it is, the player a slow track will hurt the most is Chicago kick- and punt-returner Devin Hester. You saw what happened in the two Bears' playoff wins, over Seattle and New Orleans. Hester, on a slippery pitch, was a total non-factor -- and this comes after a regular season during which he returned five kicks and punts combined for touchdowns. For the HBO Inside the NFL show this week, I asked Bill Cowher about the five most important factors that would decide the outcome of Bears-Colts. One, he was sure, would be whether the Colts could neutralize Hester by directionally kicking off and punting. He said Adam Vinatieri should either pop his kickoffs up to the 15, giving the kick coverage time to get to about the 25-yard line before Hester can move, or he should kick to the pylon at either end of the goal line. The worst thing that could happen, Cowher said, is that the kick would go out of bounds and the Bears get the ball at the 40. "I'd rather take the chance on Rex Grossman driving it 60 yards on me than giving the ball to Devin Hester in an open field,'' Cowher said.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/peter_king/02/04/sunday.5things/?cnn=yes

To which I can only respond with...

:rofl:

[Wetzelbill]

1. TD Reggie Wayne

[Wetzelbill]

2. blown snap!!!

Wow!

[malta blue]

3. Bad snap on the conversion

[derby378]

4. Snap went through Snow's fingers! Extra point DENIED!

Score is now Chicago 7, Indianapolis 6. Game on.

[Awsi Dooger]

5. Two touchdowns, both by Miami Hurricanes

Devin Hester and Reggie Wayne

[Wetzelbill]

19. hey that's right

interesting.

[Scurrilous]

6. Fumble.

Colts have it.

[Scurrilous]

9. Fumble.

Bears have it.

[Wetzelbill]

7. Fumble! Colts recover

what a weird game so far.

[Wetzelbill]

now Urlacher gets one!

[Texasgal]

8. CEDRIC!! CEDRIC!!

I love my CEDRIC!!!

[derby378]

10. Colts have the ball again! Bears have the ball again!

Whomever you're rooting for... :woohoo:

[jobycom]

11. At this point, I'm changing my prediction.

Given the odd sequence of events so far, I am now predicting this game will end in a draw when a reptilean creature erupts from mid field and eats all the footballs.

[derby378]

18. Nah - Devin Hester will simply run the reptile in for another TD

:silly:

[jobycom]

24. I can't believe I'm saying this, but

that's entirely possible.

[readermostly]

12. Next play, another fumble. Bears recovered.

[malta blue]

13. stripped - bears recover

sloppy game

[RetroLounge]

14. Fumble, Bears have it!!!

RL

[Wetzelbill]

15. big run by Thomas Jones

wow, I thought this was going to be a boring game. Pretty fun so far.

[RetroLounge]

17. 52 yards!

RL

[fishwax]

16. back to back fumbles

two good defensive plays, though. Great hit on the kickoff and amazing speed on Indy's play from scrimmage.

[TheWebHead]

20. this isn't super bowl level of play

there's been enough mental errors for four quarters with of football. Too bad the Seahawks couldn't have got that one more first down they needed three weeks ago to put the bears away.

[Spirochete]

21. This is well on it's way

to being the most bizarre Super Bowl I've ever watched.

[Poiuyt]

22. Sloppy game

Let's hope the commercials are good

[derby378]

23. TOUCHDOWN, Chicago! (Muhammad, 87)

[RetroLounge]

25. Yay!

14-6!!!

RL

[malta blue]

26. Mohammed scores - Bears up by 8

[Wetzelbill]

27. Sloppy game... quick do something manly!!!!

[RetroLounge]

28. Funny Comercial!

RL

[TheWebHead]

29. no matter what happens

safe to say we're going to see a lot more Super Bowls in domes in the coming years. I'm sure the league doesn't like their marquee game to be an exercise in fumbleitis.

[RetroLounge]

30. Bull. They should be playing in the Snow and Cold!

Real football!

RL

[malta blue]

I happen to agree with you RL

I complain every superbowl since I want to see them playing in the snow dammit!

[Wetzelbill]

34. hell yeah, and the losers should have to cut a finger off!!!

Hardcore baby!

[RetroLounge]

38. hardcore!

:rofl:

RL

[Wetzelbill]

48. see that's my wrestling background, this old school Greek wrestler

used to cut a finger off every time he lost. I think he only lost a handful of times though... poor word choice...

[Bjornsdotter]

49. Exactly n/t

[Awsi Dooger]

32. You think the league doesn't love this so far?

That's nuts. An opening kickoff for a TD and plenty of action.

BTW, both the BCS title game and the Super Bowl had opening kickoffs returned for TDs, two of the best returners ever in Ted Ginn and Devin Hester.

[Wetzelbill]

41. honestly it's better than having some massive boring blowout

the game is so hyped it's almost always a letdown. Right now I'm watching this wondering what is going to happen next. It's sloppy but riveting.

[Awsi Dooger]

44. I used to love the NFC blowouts

Financially. The Super Bowl was simple to wager on for more than a decade. Now I'm hit and miss.

[Wetzelbill]

46. ahhh now for betting purposes sure

gotta make some cash, no doubt. :)

[ikojo]

31. Go BEARS!!!

They play in a real football stadium so a little rain wont bother them...


BEARS!

[Wetzelbill]

37. One of my friends plays for the Bears, so I gotta go for them

well, he's a rookie so he's on the practice squad right now, but, yeah, go Bears!!! (Copeland Bryan, played at the U of Arizona)

[jobycom]

42. I'm still pissed at that Katrina sign...

Might not have been the team's fault, but I want those fans to cry, anyway. :)

[Bjornsdotter]

47. We're tougher that that

....after all, many of us are Cubs fans.

Cheers

[jobycom]

50. .

True! :rofl:

[Bjornsdotter]

33. Bear down Chicago Bears! n/t

[deucemagnet]

35. Fumble! Colts recover!

Really!

[RetroLounge]

36. Damn, that was a hard hit!

RL

[Abe2]

39. This is going to be known as the turnover bowl! N/T

[derby378]

40. Chi-town MAD TV fans: "MAN UP! MAN UP!"

You know what I mean, don't you?

Hope Benson's gonna be okay, though. Damn, I always hate to see this.

[jobycom]

52. Bear down! Man up!

Good Texan, there. Hope he's good.

[Wetzelbill]

43. even Phil Simms says it's fun

Rock n' Roll!

[FVZA_Colonel]

45. The rain is making this game... awesome!

Battle of the fucking turnovers.

[jobycom]

54. It's taking away the game plan, forcing both teams to show what they can do

when they have to improvise. So far I like it. Just hoping it doesn't cause a rash of blown hamstrings or achille's tendons.

[FVZA_Colonel]

60. Well, there was that one injury so far on the Bears, if I heard the TV correctly.

Let's just hope it's the only one.

[jobycom]

62. Cedric Bensen. Did they give his condition yet? I missed it if they did. nt

[FVZA_Colonel]

63. If they did, I missed it as well.

They're bound to make mention of it during the half-time analysis.

[Wetzelbill]

66. looks like he is not coming back

I think that's what they said.

[fishwax]

70. they said he's not coming back n/t

[jobycom]

71. Just heard that confirmed. Knee injury, no return. Must be frustrating. nt

[RetroLounge]

72. Shit, that sucks...

Feel sorry for him...

RL

[Wetzelbill]

51. hell, I want to work in marketing now...

Let the second quarter begin!!!!!

[bullwinkle428]

53. An hour to play the first quarter?

Wow, holy TV timeouts, Batman!!

[Awsi Dooger]

73. The second quarter is just the opposite

Rapid paced, a half hour

[Abe2]

55. Still 14 to 6

LOVE IT!

[FVZA_Colonel]

57. 14 to 9 now.

Colts are closin'.

[Abe2]

59. Not quite yet...

Oops, yes it is.

[RetroLounge]

58. Welcome to DU!

:hi:

RL

[RetroLounge]

56. 14-9 Bears

Field goal Colts

RL

[sasquatch]

61. So far the rain seems to give the Bears the advantage

[FVZA_Colonel]

64. Do you think this rain is going to effect future choices for Superbowl sites?

A few people I'm watching with are saying they think it won't be held at open air stadiums after this.

[derby378]

67. I thought the only requirement was that the stadium have a retractable roof

That's why the Super Bowl has never been held at Texas Stadium - no retractable roof. But the stadium hosting the Super Bowl has traditionally kept the roof open for blimp shots and such. Still, this is getting ridiculous.

[jobycom]

76. I hope not! This is way too fun! They should hold it in Miami every year.

[Poiuyt]

89. They should hold it at Lambeau Field

Time for another Ice Bowl

[jobycom]

97. As a Cowboys fan

that does NOT bring back good memories. Not that I was watching football then. I was two.

[jobycom]

65. Okay, that Doritos commercial was funny. nt

[derby378]

68. Game ON!

Colts are now leading, 16-14!

[FVZA_Colonel]

69. 16-14 Colts.

First lead of the game.

[RetroLounge]

74. Another Fumble!

Bears Ball!!!

RL

[RockaFowler]

77. Another Fumble - Colts Ball

Boy this is one messy game

[RetroLounge]

75. And another fumble!

Colts Ball!

Fuck

RL

[jobycom]

78. Your fuck is my Wahoo!

I mean... Never mind.

[qanda]

79. Seems like the rain is making it really tough to hang onto the ball

[RetroLounge]

81. Yeah, but damn, it's fun to watch...

You never know what's going to happen...

RL

[FVZA_Colonel]

86. Last years was just damned boring, and I'm saying this as an avowed Seahawks fan.

I've never been this entertained by a Superbowl game.

[bullwinkle428]

80. Wow, if the Bears go on to lose this game, I think there will

be a sizeable contingent of Bear fans wanting to run Grossman out of town on a rail based on this first-half performance!

[RetroLounge]

85. Nah, I don't think so...

RL

[jobycom]

87. Bears fans are goofy.

Disgusting signs, complaining about not getting to the Super Bowl for 21 years, whining about quarterbacks who get them to the Super Bowl but have a rough time throwing a ball in a rain storm...

Y'all make me laugh! :rofl: (Except that sign).

[Awsi Dooger]

82. This FG attempt decides the first half bet for me

I have Indy -3.5 in the first half. That would suck if Vinatieri blew it.

[jobycom]

84. Then it sucks, eh!

:rofl:

We may literally see everything in this Super Bowl. Vinatieri missing a field goal...

[Awsi Dooger]

88. I had a feeling he would miss it

That's why I wrote that before the kick. Vinatieri has been barely sneaking everything inside the uprights for weeks, even in perfect conditions indoors.

[RetroLounge]

83. Field Goal MISSED!

:rofl:

Bring on Prince!

RL

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

91. All I have to say is the Bears defense better step it up a bit

in the second half. Benson is gonna be a huge loss for us as well, but the Colts only have a 2 point lead and there's still 30 minutes left to go.

Bear Down, Chicago Bears!!!

[Scooter24]

92. The defense is doing a good job...

can't say much for the offense though. :(

[Scooter24]

90. Bears are getting lucky on the big plays

which are keeping them alive.

Firstdowns: Colts- 14, Bears- 3
Total Net Yards: Colts- 257, Bears- 95

They need to start making these 3rd down plays!
Grossman either needs to either step up and make the plays or he needs to be benched.

[TheWebHead]

93. I think Prince's dancers are really having to simplify their moves

that surface looks like an accident waiting to happen.

[Poiuyt]

94. They are hot!

Good half time

[Wetzelbill]

102. omg, yes they were

wow!

[derby378]

95. Best. Super Bowl. Half-time event. EVER.

Prince Rodgers Nelson was absolutely smokin' tonight at Dolphins Stadium. I am still in awe.

[jobycom]

98. Bummer. I took a shower instead of watching.

I hate half time shows. Guess I finally missed a good one?

Oh well, I've been on a roadie since Friday. Just got home. I needed a shower more than a half time show. Not that anyone needed to know that...

[kentuck]

100. Agreed !

He rocked the place! It was great!

[Wetzelbill]

103. I didn't think it was going to be that awesome

I agree, best one ever.

[Frank Cannon]

131. Certainly the best half-time show I've ever seen by far

Prince simply kicked ass, and in the pouring rain. He was terrific.

[derby378]

96. 3rd quarter started - Colts are in possession

Let's just see where this takes us!

[Roxy66]

99. I'm sorry, but CBS sucks. Bad audio, bad video, T.V. show commercials the entire halftime

I want to hear the crowd....not just the announcers. Usually I look forward to the half-time commercials..and all we get are "CSI" and "Survivor" promos. They are terrible. Oh, yeah....GO BEARS!!

[Catherine Vincent]

101. Damn!

Look at all that rain!

[Wetzelbill]

104. you can't win by torturing your defense like that

Bears D is playing pretty well, but they are being hung out to dry right now.

[Scooter24]

105. well with an non-existant offense,

I don't think they have a choice :(
Ugh, only 4 freakin' first downs this whole game? :mad:


Oh well, it was still a great season :)

[Wetzelbill]

108. I understand Lovie wanting to show faith in his QB

but at what point do you just jerk Grossman for Griese? I mean he could hardly be worse. You gotta give your team a chance to win.

[Scooter24]

118. I'm afraid Lovie will get some criticism for that...

but not as bad as what will be printed about Grossman.

[Wetzelbill]

122. yeah, I'm sure you are dead on

Rex can't get the job done. Bottom line. It's valid to criticize the guy.

[jobycom]

106. I hate commercials

I think next commercial I'm going to Taco Bell. Wish Taco Bell carried Coke. And Doritos.

[RetroLounge]

107. Bear Field Goal...

We NEED a touchdown, Dammit!

RL

[jobycom]

109. Boogie Shoes.

During the replay to see if the receiver got both feet down. :rofl:

Was that original, or did I just miss it before?

[tularetom]

110. Peyton Manning is a whiny p***y

Every time something gets fucked up, particularly if he fucked it up, you can see him complaining on camera. Blame the coaches, blame your blockers, blame your receivers, it's everybody's fault but yours ain' it, you Forest Gump lookalike. Plus, he doesn't even have the cojones to dive into the pile after a fumble BUT the much maligned Rex Grossman did.

[jobycom]

113. Yeah, and he can't win the big one, either!

:rofl:

[salin]

127. until ... he did

:-)

Not a huge pro football fan - but i do spend most of my life in Indy...

and have known folks who grew up with grossman in my home town (kid with a big sense of entitlement -from the time he was young) and while I don't know anyone personally who knows Manning - he seems to have a little more sense of humility than Grossman (this goes back to his folks concern in college that he wouldn't study - just play ball and game station with no studying and KNOWING that was a-okay)

[Texasgal]

111. AGAIN:

CEDRIC!!! CEDRIC!!! CEDRIC!!!


:love:

[jobycom]

112. Poor guy. Might be a different game if he were still in it.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

114. Well that interception/TD is pretty much gonna be your ball game I think.

Grossman's had nothing tonight aside from the short TD. Nice underneath throw to Muhammad, and follows it up with an AWFUL INT throw.

Some of their runs weren't looking bad, I don't know why they didn't stick to that more.

[RetroLounge]

115. I think you are correct

Game over. Rex can't come from behind...

RL

[Scooter24]

119. I would have benched Grossman shortly into the 3rd Q.

[jobycom]

121. In favor of Griese?

Face it, Grossman is all you've got.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

123. The sad thing, the weather should have favored the Bears, against the pampered dome team.

But Manning and the Colts handled the situation better.

If they win, it is richly deserved, because they would have done so under adverse conditions, and from behind. A fitting test.

[jobycom]

116. I'm starting to like this Rex Grossman. Why didn't Chicago start him

against the Saints? :rofl:

[Wetzelbill]

117. Bob Sanders is amazing

that guy always makes big plays. As much as I don't like Indy, he is fun to watch.

[Awsi Dooger]

120. They should put Hester in on offense

Just throw him the ball on dump off passes. He did that at Miami especially his first year. What the hell do you have to lose? I'd give him the ball in the open field and take my chances. Even if you put Hester in as a decoy it would draw at least two men.

[Awsi Dooger]

124. Bears defense wasn't good enough to hide a QB like Grossman

The only two QBs to win a Super Bowl with stats like Grossman's were Trent Dilfer in 2000 and Brad Johnson in 2002. The Bears defense is good but not the caliber of those Ravens or Buccs defenses, especially playing without Tommie Harris and Mike Brown.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

125. Ya and the Tampa Bay D actually scored a bunch o' points against OAK too, if I remember.

Seemed like every time you turned around Ronde Barber or someone was running back an INT for a TD.

I thought the Chicago D definitely did their job. You can't expect or count on them to score points for you.

I think after the one series where after 2nd and 1 with excellent field position, Grossman fell down twice in a row for 10-11 yard losses, I pretty much wrote off the Bears.

[Penndems]

126. Congratulations to the Indianapolis Colts on playing and winning a great Super Bowl

Congratulations to the Chicago Bears, NFC championship winners and Super Bowl contenders. Well done!

[Burma Jones]

128. Not the best played Super Bowl.......Colts Offensive Line deserves MVP

But it is good to see Tony Dungy get the Lombardi Trophy, he deserved it with the Buccaneers, he made their SB winning team. But sloppy play.

[Awsi Dooger]

129. I agree, Colts offensive line deserved the MVP

They never threaten to think in that regard but it's been true in many Super Bowls. Bob Griese only to had to throw the ball 11 times and 7 times in his two Super Bowl wins, due to the dominance of the offensive line.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

130. It's GOING to be sloppy with all that rain, the key is who manages it better.

Who is able to make ENOUGH plays in the rain, and not make the most costly turnovers.

Based on the fact that it's the BEARS who play in the cold and outdoors, it should have been them. But Indy was the team that stepped up and dealt with it better.