11/21/24
February 04, 2007
Peyton Manning's Monkey Has Died: The Indianapolis Colts proved they were mudders, winning Super Bowl XLI over the Chicago Bears in rain-drenched Miami 29-17. Peyton Manning brings Indy its first pro sports championship since the Pacers won three ABA titles ending in 1973.
Well i am happy for the colts, especially dungy. Guy is a class-act for all i can tell. I am happy for payton too, but hopefully now we can quit talking about his plight. We can all quit feeling sorry for him now (while not giving much of a crap about the rest of the team) and move on. The guy is a great player, and i am genuinely happy for his moment in the sun. I'm just tired of only talking about him.
posted by brainofdtrain at 09:35 PM on February 04, 2007
but hopefully now we can quit talking about his plight. My same thoughts exactly. I don't know how many more of the, "Will he be the next Dan Marino?" statements I could have taken.
posted by jmd82 at 09:40 PM on February 04, 2007
jmd82-yes, that was getting real old. I don't blame payton. This is all media spin, turning sports storylines into full blown male soap operas. There are more important things in the world (yes, even in the world of pro football) than one man getting to the top. Okay, i am going to try to stop now.
posted by brainofdtrain at 09:44 PM on February 04, 2007
Well, once again, Peyton Manning has proven that he can't win the big game. Another season is wasted by him choking on the big stage. He'll forever be known as the guy who couldn't bring his A-game when it mattered most. Hmmm? What's that? He won? But everyone told me he couldn't win the big game! /sets fire to "monkey" and dances around the flames
posted by grum@work at 09:49 PM on February 04, 2007
Congrats to the Colts. I read somewhere recently that the 2006 Colts are kind of like the 2006 Cardinals -- a team with the best player in the league that stumbles (relatively speaking) into the playoffs and manages to get its defense/pitching in order at just the right time to make a strong playoff run. This one follows that storyline all the way down to the so-so championship game/series.
posted by holden at 09:56 PM on February 04, 2007
I was really surprised by the Bears defense. They couldn't get off the field. The time of possession differential was shocking.
posted by bperk at 09:57 PM on February 04, 2007
Congrats to the Colts. Wanted the Bears to win, basically for Kreutz and Tank (Huskies both) but just as satisfied with Peyton getting his ring. Now, it's baseball season!
posted by vito90 at 09:59 PM on February 04, 2007
Congrats to the Colts! And I was rooting for them, so the following question is definitely not sour grapes. If the Super Bowl continues to be played in a neutral setting, don't you want the conditions to be better than they were tonight? I'll got mixed feelings about it. Football is an all weather sport. And I wouldn't want all future Super Bowls to be played in domes which is the only way to guarantee good weather. But jeez. The Super Bowl being played in a downpour? Not what I'm rooting for. Congrats to the Colts (and to Prince) for playing through the rain.
posted by cjets at 10:30 PM on February 04, 2007
Well, once again, Peyton Manning has proven that he can't win the big game. well 9 INTs during the whole regular season and 7 in the postseason, does certainly seem to indicate something (I'm not sure what). As someone else pointed out, this was probably Indy's worst team in the past 5 years and they finally won one with it. Kindof ironic.
posted by bdaddy at 10:51 PM on February 04, 2007
If the Super Bowl continues to be played in a neutral setting, don't you want the conditions to be better than they were tonight? well the organizers can't stop rain :-) They do certainly only pick stadiums based on the probability of good conditions though, that's why Miami and New Orleans have hosted so many. It's just a matter of playing the percentages.
posted by bdaddy at 10:57 PM on February 04, 2007
That'll move the chains.
posted by igottheblues at 10:57 PM on February 04, 2007
well 9 INTs during the whole regular season and 7 in the postseason, does certainly seem to indicate something (I'm not sure what). That the teams he plays in the post-season are better (on average) than the teams he plays in the regular season?
posted by grum@work at 11:10 PM on February 04, 2007
The parallels between the Colts this year and the 06 Cardinals are pretty striking. Aside from Peyton's presence of mind, I don't think any element of their game was better this year than in years past, but of course, this is the year they did it. Good for them. What a sloppy, awful first half though. In the end, the better team won, but man was that a frustrating game to watch... both for Bears fans and for Colts fans (who, like me, were furious that they couldn't ever seem to put it away despite dominating the game after the opening kick). Way to go, Peyton, and boy was that one hell of a game by Dominic Rhodes and Charlie Johnson (one HELL of a run blocker for a rookie!).
posted by Bernreuther at 11:12 PM on February 04, 2007
Congrats to Peyton and the Colts. Glad to see them and him get over the hump. I think the whole world should start refering to Bob Sanders as 'Big Game Bob'. He just impresses the heck outta me. Seems like every time the Colts D needed a little pick me up Ol' Bob would just make a bone crushing tackle, get an interception, what ever needed to be done. That guy is amazing! I wonder how many 'experts' doubted his ability to play in the NFL due to his height? Ah well, cest'la vie. Good on the Colts!
posted by brbcca at 11:22 PM on February 04, 2007
I have to agree with brbcca... Sanders is just amazing out there. Congrats to the colts, I can now finally relax.
posted by Goyoucolts at 11:38 PM on February 04, 2007
Yes congratz to the colts it was a great game. As far as sanders i couldn't agree more. I even got online and voted for him as MVP.
posted by livewire at 11:54 PM on February 04, 2007
Of course it WAS the kicker won the game for 'em!!!
posted by mdavidsf at 12:10 AM on February 05, 2007
I'm glad manning won a super bowl.I'm glad the best WR in the league(Marvin Harrison for those that don't know),won a superbowl.and i am happy for tony dungy,who got the shaft in tampa bay,finally was with a tean long enough to finish what he started.now what they gonna say if they only get one?trent dilfer won one,he's as good as peyton?all the critics can eat crap.it took peyton 9 years.it took jordan 7 years.it took elway15 years.let a guy play his entire career before you say he can't,or won't win.
posted by mars1 at 12:49 AM on February 05, 2007
Yes congratz to the colts it was a great game. posted by livewire It was actually a pretty awful game. Poorly played, poor conditions, unimpressive mvp. The bears gift wrapped the game and the colts seemed barely able to accept it. They do certainly only pick stadiums based on the probability of good conditions though, that's why Miami and New Orleans have hosted so many. It's just a matter of playing the percentages. posted by bdaddy With a 100 percent chance of good conditions picking new orleans really isn't playing the percentages. And new orleans (at least pre-katrina) was picked for many other reasons than field conditions (or they'd just pick a domed stadium every year).
posted by justgary at 01:27 AM on February 05, 2007
Wonder how Edgerrin James feels about now.
posted by Newbie Walker at 01:28 AM on February 05, 2007
I love the fact that Tony Dungy won one.
posted by GoBirds at 01:50 AM on February 05, 2007
i am happy for tony dungy,who got the shaft in tampa bay,finally was with a tean long enough to finish what he started. Was that on 20/20 or 60 minutes, when did I miss that episode? Seriously though, congratulations to the Colts on winning the big one. It is about time peyton got his ring. Although it very well could have been a different game had Chicago brought an offense with them. And don't say but what about Thomas Jones, he had 112 yds. 52 of them came on one play. That was the only good thing going for their offense. Just look at the TOP.
posted by jojomfd1 at 02:08 AM on February 05, 2007
Nice job Tony D. Congrats to the Colts. Better luck next year Bears. Manning finally won one, but they didn't have to give him the MVP. Yards per pass 6.1, 239 net passing yards, 1 int (I know, rain). MVP should have been Rhodes with 113 yrds rushing on 21 carries, or Addai with 143 total yrds (77 rushing on 19 carries, 66 receiving 10 catches) or Bob Sanders even.
posted by Bishop at 02:22 AM on February 05, 2007
Manning finally won one, but they didn't have to give him the MVP. A sentimental choice I guess. Which is why I disagree with the 'poor peyton manning' angle. It goes both ways. Like the story goes, 'too much blame when the team loses, too much credit when the team wins'.
posted by justgary at 02:33 AM on February 05, 2007
MVP should have been Rhodes with 113 yrds rushing on 21 carries, or Addai with 143 total yrds (77 rushing on 19 carries, 66 receiving 10 catches) or Bob Sanders even. I was womdering why that did not happen myself Bishop. I thought it was Rhodes for sure.
posted by jojomfd1 at 03:01 AM on February 05, 2007
Someone should buy the poor man a new monkey... He must be heartbroken...
posted by Drood at 04:07 AM on February 05, 2007
I was pulling for Peyton to get his ring and make the nay-sayers shut up. Good job Colts! I was kind of shocked at the number of turn-overs, prarticularly bact-to-back turn overs that occured. I know the weather was crappy, but one would expect crisper play in the final game. Now on to warmer weather and the Boys of Summer! I hope my Pirates can continue the momentum they were building after the All Star break!
posted by FonGu at 06:07 AM on February 05, 2007
I thought that the Bears defense played well given the circumstances. They're certainly better than I gave them credit for. However, the inability of the Bears offense to do much of anything killed the Bears greatest stregnth. A tired defense is not going to play as well, especially against an offense like the Colts. I think this is a good example that defense can be a big factor in winning championships, but without some offense the team will get no where. Rex Grossman was terrible as well.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 06:19 AM on February 05, 2007
Congratulations to the Colts and their organization, I couldn't help but think, as I watched Tony Dungy being carried onto the field after the game, he being so happy in that moment, that he'd trade this for one more day with his son. Does that mean I'm actually, finally, gaining perspective?
posted by tommybiden at 06:43 AM on February 05, 2007
However, the inability of the Bears offense to do much of anything killed the Bears greatest stregnth. A tired defense is not going to play as well, especially against an offense like the Colts. Bingo. The Bears' D was game, but the offense's inability to string some drives together and give them a chance to recuperate did them in. They looked winded even at the start of the second half. Rex Grossman had been taking flack all year, and it's pretty much of a cliche to dump on him here, but any flack he takes for his performance yesterday is well earned. Althought he was at times under pressure, but he made some incredibly poor decisions, and executed terribly. Bears' fans have a long history of putting up (and even winning) with mediocre QBs, but Grossman failed even to live up to that standard yesterday. Congrats to the Colts, but why did Manning get MVP? Other than complaining to the officials after almost every single play, he was fairly invisible. I would have given it to one (or both) of the RBs.
posted by psmealey at 06:55 AM on February 05, 2007
Let me preface this with a great big I-never-got-on-Manning-for-not-winning-a-Super-Bowl (mainly because I think it's silly to hold one player in football responsible on such a general basis.) That said, I really didn't think he was MVP last night. I've thought for years that he's one of the best to ever play QB, for many reasons. But I really don't see why a totally average performance like last night should catapult him to god-status. He threw 7 interceptions and three touchdowns in the playoffs, but that what it takes for the doubters to realize he's good, well then so be it.
posted by SummersEve at 07:05 AM on February 05, 2007
Bad weather, bad game, bad commercials, bad MVP. I guess I can back off a bit on the "bad" MVP, because quarterbacking in that crap can't be easy. Dominic Rhodes, or someone on that Colts defense everyone was raving about so much, would have been better choices. Rhodes had some really big runs when they needed them. It was probably a foregone conclusion that if the Colts win the game, Manning would get the award. One other thing I couldn't help thinking about was how crappy it would have been to plunk down all that money on a Super Bowl ticket, in Miami of all places, only to sit through a pouring rain the entire day. That would have been about my luck. Bring the game up to Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park if you want some REAL fun! Yesterday up this way was -15 wind chills and several feet of snow. Now THAT'S football weather; on second thought, no it's not.
posted by dyams at 07:17 AM on February 05, 2007
I don't think they look at the entire playoff run when choosing the Super Bowl MVP (7 INTs). If they do, though, he deserved it for the second half of the Patriots game alone. As for the Bears defense, yes they were on the field entirely too long, but why were the safeties practically playing prevent the entire game. They gave the Colts the middle of the field, as evidenced by the performance of the RBs. If it was out of respect of Manning's arm, then he deserves the MVP for that reason as well.
posted by carolinared at 07:26 AM on February 05, 2007
Congratualtions to my beloved ex-Baltimore Colts. I use to have season tickets and watched Unitas play. It was nice to see the franchise win. Congratulations to Payton for finally getting everyone (the monkey) off his back. Now that he's won one, I see him winning another very soon.
posted by dbt302 at 07:38 AM on February 05, 2007
I would've chosen Rhodes as MVP, because the ground game was a bigger difference than Peyton Manning. Though Manning's numbers weren't pretty this off-season, the ring's all that matters, and he got one by playing a game that I'd describe as Bradyesque. Instead of pressing to make game-changing throws, he took what the defense gave him and was huge in crunch time. For a guy who's one of the best to ever play the game, it seems like he (or his coaches) reined in his impulse to put the team on his shoulders and that made the difference this year. It was actually a pretty awful game. Poorly played, poor conditions, unimpressive mvp. The bears gift wrapped the game and the colts seemed barely able to accept it. You're underestimating the play of the Colts defense and the ability of the Colts offense to keep the ball in tough conditions. Aside from the turnovers, the Colts played a dominant game that would've been over early if they scored touchdowns instead of field goals. How long did the Bears go without an offensive snap?
posted by rcade at 07:47 AM on February 05, 2007
As an aside, I'm disappointed that we're not talking about the Artist Briefly Not Known as Prince. Mixing all those covers in with his own work -- including an unexpected "Best of You" Foo Fighters and the Florida A&M marching band -- and singing "Purple Rain" in a torrential downpour was one of the best halftime performances ever. I know that's not a big compliment, since U2's the last decent one and that was in 2001, but still. With James Brown's death, I believe we have a new godfather of soul.
posted by rcade at 07:50 AM on February 05, 2007
singing "Purple Rain" in a torrential downpour was one of the best halftime performances ever.... since U2's the last decent one and that was in 200 I agree that it's been about 200 years since U2 was good. I also agree that Prince rocked that house in the best SB half-time show ever. It has finally enabled me to burn from my memory the atrocity of a clean and sober Aerosmith doing a medley of the tunes from their toxic twin days with Britney Spears and NSync.
posted by psmealey at 08:07 AM on February 05, 2007
As an aside, I'm disappointed that we're not talking about the Artist Briefly Not Known as Prince. Mixing all those covers in with his own work -- including an unexpected "Best of You" Foo Fighters and the Florida A&M marching band -- and singing "Purple Rain" in a torrential downpour was one of the best halftime performances ever. I loved the Halftime Show. It took a second to recognize the Foo Fighters lyrics. It was well done. Hey, Foo Fighters covered Darling Nikki a few years ago, so it's full circle.
posted by jerseygirl at 08:15 AM on February 05, 2007
We watched a lot of Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet, but saw quite a lot of Prince -- a good halftime show for a change. For the first time in a while, I wasn't rooting against either team. The first half was one of the more entertaining Super Bowl halves I've ever seen -- and I won the 4th quarter box, so all good. Kudos to the Colts. Who has the biggest monkey now? McNabb? Owens? Moss?
posted by ajaffe at 08:17 AM on February 05, 2007
As an aside, I'm disappointed that we're not talking about the Artist Briefly Not Known as Prince. Mixing all those covers in with his own work -- including an unexpected "Best of You" Foo Fighters and the Florida A&M marching band -- and singing "Purple Rain" in a torrential downpour was one of the best halftime performances ever. I was online chatting with some friends during the SB, and during half time, all we talked about was how badly he was botching those covers. Guess I have a different sense of musical taste, but I found Prince horrendous. Then again, I've never been terribly impressed by the SB half-time show. Well, once again, Peyton Manning has proven that he can't win the big game. In fairness, up until this playoff run, he never could win the big game so the nay-sayers were correct. Now, every other sportscenter and monday night countdown gets to talk about if he's the BEST EVAR with the ring.
posted by jmd82 at 08:19 AM on February 05, 2007
I would've chosen Rhodes as MVP, because the ground game was a bigger difference than Peyton Manning. Mike Franseca made an interesting point on Imus, that Manning was his MVP because the simple threat of Peyton's arm opened up holes on the ground. Weird that both the college and pro championships opened with kick return touchdowns by teams that were then soundly thrashed. Not that it means anything, other than making the pain of loss all that more exquisite as it boosted hopes even higher before they crashed.
posted by yerfatma at 08:22 AM on February 05, 2007
that Manning was his MVP because the simple threat of Peyton's arm opened up holes on the ground. That's bullshit though, don't you think? Though Franseca may be technically correct, the award should be given for execution and performance, not because of some latent threat that the recipient represents. You still actually have to deliver.
posted by psmealey at 08:32 AM on February 05, 2007
Yeah, the way the pregame hype panned out, it was going to be a feel-good story regardless of who won. Who has the biggest monkey now? McNabb? Owens? Moss? Yeah, I'd say Peyton's monkey packed his things last night and moved into Donovan McNabb's guest room.
posted by chicobangs at 08:36 AM on February 05, 2007
... all we talked about was how badly he was botching those covers. I'm a huge Foo fan, but I think Prince turned one of their lesser songs into something with soul. I was mocking the decision to have him do a medley, since they're generally cheesy, but it ended up sounding like an online mashup. And it was funny to see his Purpleness playing his barbed-penis guitar in silhoette to the delight of paid female revelers in the on-field audience.
posted by rcade at 08:43 AM on February 05, 2007
Who has the biggest monkey now? Marty Schottenheimer. Biggest case of can't-win-the-big-one-itis in pro sports, and the Chargers are early favorites for XLII. Among players, I don't think expectations for McNabb and the Eagles are high enough for primate problems. I'd put the monkey on Eli Manning to avoid being a draft bust.
posted by rcade at 08:48 AM on February 05, 2007
Does Prince have a bigger monkey than McNabb?
posted by SummersEve at 08:51 AM on February 05, 2007
I think Prince might actually be a monkey.
posted by hawkguy at 09:00 AM on February 05, 2007
I'm wondering if anyone was as dismayed as I was by the final two minutes of the game (and that almost nothng to do with it screwing my pick). Why didn't Dungy kick the field goal to ice the game? It was only about a 40-yard attempt, something Vinatieri does in his sleep normally. Yes, I know it was rainy, but when you have the chance to move the margin from less than TDs and extra points to a pair of scores AND at least one two-pt conversion, why wouldn't you? And for the Bears to just roll over and make no attempt to score after the incredibly stupid playcalling off the previous drive? Weak. But Prince rocked, as usual.
posted by wfrazerjr at 09:09 AM on February 05, 2007
well 9 INTs during the whole regular season and 7 in the postseason, does certainly seem to indicate something (I'm not sure what). That the teams he plays in the post-season are better (on average) than the teams he plays in the regular season? He played 6 playoff teams during the season (including the Pats). But maybe your right in that 4 of his 7 regular season INTs came against those "better" teams.. So in 6 games in threw 4 INTs against playoff teams (less than 1/game), but in the postseason he threw 7 INTs against only 4 teams(just under 2/game). That still seems to me as someone who doesn't play his best during the postseason (but apparantly good enough to win the SB, so that's all that matters I guess).
posted by bdaddy at 09:10 AM on February 05, 2007
Whether or not you like him, you have to give Prince some musical respect. I liked the halftime performance, actually. It's a live performance played in the pouring rain, not a studio recording. You shouldn't expect him to do a cover of any song that will sound at all like the original. Prince has always been one of the most inovative artists, and he continues to push the envelope instead of falling into all the trends other performers do in order to enjoy mainstream success. I did expect to see his dancers, in their boots, wipe out on that slick stage though. As far as the player with something to prove, it all falls to McNabb now, more than ever. The Eagles had decent success with Jeff Garcia, which proves McNabb isn't as vital as some would like to think. As far as others mentioned above (Moss, Owens), I've pretty much given up on Moss. He's a malcontent who always assumes the grass is greener somewhere else, but when reality smacks him square in the face, he wants to give up and insist on going elsewhere. He needs to be on a really good team with really strong leadership (coaching and players), because he's not a difference-maker. He used to be near that level, but now his health over an entire year is suspect at best. Put him on the Patriots and see if he can reach his potential. If Brady can make Reche Caldwell look good, Moss shouldn't be too much of a challenge.
posted by dyams at 09:14 AM on February 05, 2007
And for the Bears to just roll over and make no attempt to score after the incredibly stupid playcalling off the previous drive? Weak. I agree. The Bears had terrible play calling on their final drive. Two touchdowns with under two minutes left is extremely unlikely, but it seemed to me that the Bears just gave up. They had no deep passes, and the only pass they threw to the sideline the reciever cut inside instead of running out of bounds. That whole drive just put the finishing touches on a bad performance by the Bears.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 09:20 AM on February 05, 2007
I think Prince might actually be a monkey. Joe Biden in the house! I don't know what you meant by that, but it's a pretty loaded racial insult.
posted by rcade at 09:34 AM on February 05, 2007
Prince was phenomenal, but I think people who haven't seen him live in the last twenty years or so didn't realize, or maybe forgot, how good he really was, especially live. Aside from maybe Peyton Manning (you thought he was ubiquitous in commercials before? Just you wait), no one benefited from participating in SBXLI more than The Purple One.
posted by chicobangs at 09:42 AM on February 05, 2007
I think the Bears defense played badly. Part of the reason they were on the field so much is because they couldn't stop Indy's run game. They definitely didn't look like the same aggressive defense that faced the Saints. When they needed a stop, they couldn't get one. The only time they looked dominant was in the red zone where Indianapolis had to kick field goals instead of touchdowns. As far as Dungy's decision to not kick the field goal, I think it was the right choice. Vinatieri had already missed one from that length. Further, if he made it they would have to kick off to Hester and why would they want to give it to a playmaker when they could just rely on the defense to stop Grossman, which has worked well so far. I enjoyed Prince as well. The FAMU band was a nice surprise.
posted by bperk at 09:53 AM on February 05, 2007
Rex Grossman? Yikes! Prince's version of All Along the Watchtower? Cool.
posted by NoMich at 10:01 AM on February 05, 2007
Oh, c'mon, Rcade. The way he bends and moves and dances around, he is monkeyish. It might not have been a particularly enlightened thing to say, but make the same remark about Chris Kataan and no one bats an eye despite its truth. For further clarification, please see Howard Cosell and the Alvin Garrett incident.
posted by wfrazerjr at 10:02 AM on February 05, 2007
Why didn't Dungy kick the field goal to ice the game? Because at that point, you want to minimize the chances for the Bears to make a big play going back the other way. The Colts were deep in the Bears' zone, but not so deep that Vinatieri had an extra point length kick. And remember, he may have made three of four, but two of those were really iffy kicks. Running another play into the line at that point does three things: it burns another thirty seconds off the clock, it guarantees that there will be no turnover or big runback (which is a longshot on a FG attempt, but crazier things have happened), and it gives the Bears nothing whatsoever to get worked up about. Field goals are potential flashpoints, and when you're up by twelve that late in the game in a driving rainstorm, you just burn the clock and let your defense go and finish the job they've done so well all game already. Which they did.
posted by chicobangs at 10:06 AM on February 05, 2007
Just one thing to say to justgary. Just try to smile today. It'll really improve your day. Just try it. The glass is half full. I'm very happy for the Colts and the city of Indy. Everybody needs role models such as Dungy.
posted by jennbwest at 10:09 AM on February 05, 2007
Prince's version of All Along the Watchtower? Cool. Yeah, wish he'd done a full-length version instead of just 30 or so seconds of it. That would have rocked. (Anyone who has such a performance bootlegged should find it pretty easy to get my email address ;) Also, loved the dolphins colored outfit. Screw purple- orange and teal all the way, baby.
posted by tieguy at 10:14 AM on February 05, 2007
Oh, c'mon, Rcade. The way he bends and moves and dances around, he is monkeyish. And some black people love watermelon, some Indian-Americans own convenience stores and I'm extremely white and walk with my buttocks extremely tight. I'm not trying to call anybody a racist, but truth is no defense to flamebait racial stereotypes. In this case, I don't see any truth at all. Do monkeys strut and swagger in an exaggerated manner that demonstrates well-choreographed coordination?
posted by rcade at 10:25 AM on February 05, 2007
Everybody's got something to hide, 'cept for me and my monkey!
posted by tommybiden at 10:39 AM on February 05, 2007
Should have been Dungy's 2nd superbowl win, he deserved to stay in Tampa Bay and get the win. Gruden owes Dungy, in my opinion.
posted by Bill Lumbergh at 10:52 AM on February 05, 2007
Dungy, the monkey, Peyton, ....everyone seems to miss the point of SBXLI. The MVP of that game was undoubtably Rex Grossman, ...MVP for the Colts that is. What a pathetic choking display that was. He seems to have the leadership ability of George Bush. Do your three snaps (if you can hold on to the snap at all) and run to the sidelines to study pictures. He gave the Colts an emotional lift every time he walked on the field. When he wasn't throwing interceptions he was fumbling the snap and playing soccer with himself. Why Lovie didn't put in a backup QB in the middle of the 3rd quarter is a mystery, obviously Grossman (gross, . . .man) didn't have it at all. 10 men can't beat 12, especially if one of the opponents is taking the snap (on occasion, that is).
posted by sageman at 11:15 AM on February 05, 2007
Bad weather, bad game, bad commercials, bad MVP. The weather added a bit of spice to the game because - it proved Manning can play outside the dome in bad weather - it made every snap an adventure - I could snicker at the people who paid $400/ticket The game wasn't a blowout, so that made it better than many that have come before it. The commercials weren't terrible. The Snickers "Accidental Kiss" commercial made me laugh, Federline poking fun at himself was good, the Bud Light hitchhiker spot was funny, the Coke commercial with the "World Inside the Vending Machine" was a fantastic bit of animation, and the Letterman/Oprah promo was good for a chuckle. Sure, there wasn't a "Terry Tate" or "1984" in the bunch, but those are the elite SuperBowl commercials and it's hard to repeat that sort of success. I don't think it was a "bad" selection for MVP, as Manning did complete a good percentage of his passes (25 for 38? something like that?) and only threw one interception in what was TERRIBLE passing weather. It would have been a better MVP selection if Rhodes and Addai had shared the award, but it's possible that the "running back" vote got split between them and Mannings "quarterback" vote slipped into the top spot.
posted by grum@work at 11:41 AM on February 05, 2007
Rex Grossman...What a pathetic choking display that was. He seems to have the leadership ability of George Bush. Lay off the hyperbole. Sexy Rexy lost a game. He didn't send 3000 US soldiers to their deaths. Off topic I know. But I didn't open that particular door. I just walked through it.
posted by cjets at 11:45 AM on February 05, 2007
Yeah the game was boring and we're all tired of hearing about Manning's lack of a ring, it reminds me of the crusade for Steve Young, same deal, like the NFL owes Young a ring back then, and Manning now. Glad he got it so we don't have to endure anymore of that talk. No one ever whines that they should get "Two Rings" so enough of that. Otherwise could the Bears be any worse, granted the Def was on the field all night, because Grossman was impersonating an NFL QB, was he out partying on Sat night or is he just worthless? I don't know. As for Manning getting MVP, coulda gone either way, but since the NFL and press, and Coke made such a big deal about 2 black head coaches, Manning was the likely choice, kind of like a lifetime achievement award when all true football observers know the running game won it for Indy. Glad it's over, batter up soon!
posted by crimsonblood at 11:57 AM on February 05, 2007
Last nights game was everything it was hyped up to be. There may be some that disagree with me and that's all well an good but I loved every minute of Super Bowl XLI. With the Colts coming back after being down on the scoreboard, both teams turning the ball over, Adam Vinitieri finally missing a field goal in the playoffs after going 12-12 in his playoff career and Peyton Manning fighting thru all the adversity (and the weather) and putting together one of his typical performances.....and winning. What more can someone ask for? In today's society, everyone is expecting some kind of dramatic situation to unfold and that's pretty much what transpired from the very beginning with Devin Hester returning a kickoff for 96 yard to score the on the opening play. Peyton Manning deservingly won the SB MVP award and I wouldn't have it any other way. This was the exclamation point of Peyton's career but he didn't need a ring to solidify his place as one of the greatest QB's to ever play the game but I'm sure that his ring will look just fine on his finger. Now that proverbial "monkey" that Peyton had can rest on the shoulders of his kid brother Eli. I'm sure that the monkey has found a new home on the shoulder of the GiaNTS QB. I just hope it likes New York in the winter.
posted by BornIcon at 12:04 PM on February 05, 2007
I think that this game was just further confirmation that the afc is a much better conference than the nfc. The bears were the cream of the crop in the nfc, and the colts weren't head shoulders above teh ravens, patriots, or teh chargers. Yes i know they beat those guys, but i don't think they dominated them like they did the bears.
posted by brainofdtrain at 12:12 PM on February 05, 2007
my hats off to the colts on a good game played... i was rooting 4 da bears since they r a nfc team (like my vikings) however i guess inside i knew the colt would win... Tony Dungy was a good coach when he was with the Vikings so i knew it was only a matter of time until he went to the big dance and won it all...
posted by singlen8tivedude at 12:23 PM on February 05, 2007
Peyton deserved the MVP (I voted for him) his stats were - comp/attempts 25/38, yards passing-247, 1 TD passing, 1 INT. The running backs, 191 total yard rushing. In 2002 the great Tom Brady won the Super Bowl MVP with these stats comp/attempts 16 /27, yards passing-145, 1 TD passing, 1 INT. The running backs, 133 total yards rushing. Did Brady deserve this MVP more than Manning’s? Ok Peyton vs all the Super Bowl MVP quarterbacks averages. ATT Manning 38 - Avg 29 Comp Manning 25 - Avg 18 Yards Manning 247 – Avg 266 TD Manning 1 – Avg 2.3 INT Manning 1 – Avg .58 The Chicago kick return game was busted after the 1st kick return they averaged 26.4 Yards including the 92 yard return. They averaged 10 yards per without the 92 yard return, on 6 attempts. Indy averaged 22 yards on 4 attempts. The Colt’s defense held the Bears to 165 yards passing with 2 INT, one for a touchdown, and 111 yards rushing, with 0 rushing TDs. That’s 56 less than their season average. Not bad for the lowest rated defense ever to play in the Super Bowl. The Bears defense gave up 247 yards passing and 191 yards rushing with 1 INT. That’s 144 more than their season average. Not good for the 2nd rated defense. My one complaint was the quality of the HDTV picture. They did a horrible job keeping the rain off the camera lenses. And there was a slight fog on 1 of the camera lens during the entire game. Well and the commercials sucked overall.
posted by vipers-pit at 12:24 PM on February 05, 2007
Let me be the first to apologize for the monkey comment, since it was my comment. It was in no way meant as a racial slur, and I am sorry if I offended anyone. What I meant was that he is small, bounces around, and whoops and hollers during his songs. Had I thought (I'm sure it was insensitive of me not to) that it would be inferred as racially motivated, I never would have made the comment.
posted by hawkguy at 12:26 PM on February 05, 2007
I don't think this could of happened to a better group of deserving guys and coaches. I think everybody had to of been rooting these guys on a little bit.
posted by Warrior50 at 12:33 PM on February 05, 2007
I find it refreshing that all the debate is over MVP, commercials, and half time show. I thought the officials did a pretty good job myself.
posted by MrFrisby at 12:36 PM on February 05, 2007
Fire Millen
posted by Bill Lumbergh at 12:50 PM on February 05, 2007
- I could snicker at the people who paid $400/ticket How about snickering at the people who paid, 1k, 2k, 3k, 4k.............? Miami is great if the weather cooperates but I imagine some are rethinking paying that kind of money to sit in the rain. Maybe it is time to consider a permanent home for the Super Bowl. A stadium like the new one being built in Arizona with a retractable field and roof would be nice.
posted by danjel at 12:54 PM on February 05, 2007
Yes, the game was somewhat close, and Nantz kept trying to keep the interest up by saying things like, "The Bears are still only down 12." What made the game kind of boring, though, was the overwhelming feeling I had knowing Grossman had no chance in hell of generating a comeback. Yes, it was a terrible day for passing, but the way he was just chucking the ball up for grabs reminded me of sandlot football. Pretty pathetic for the Super Bowl. And while the rain made things difficult, I still don't think professional football players should be coughing up the ball all over the field the entire game. Whatever happened to talented runners, etc., who protect the ball? Is that a lost art form? It shouldn't be that much to expect. On another, barely-related note: If I have to hear any more garbage about how great Shaq's party was, I'll vomit. Why doesn't the guy focus more on keeping his fat ass in shape and being able to stay on the court rather than throwing a major Super Bowl bash. Either that or retire and go into party-planning full time. And I did actually like the Letterman-Oprah commercial. That was good. Federline's bit was kinda funny, but he's such a joke as it is, it wound up being kind of sad and embarrassing. Fire Millen C'mon. Favre has to have someone to accumulate stats against from here on out!
posted by dyams at 12:54 PM on February 05, 2007
Rex Grossman...What a pathetic choking display that was. He seems to have the leadership ability of George Bush. I was thinking Jeff George, but ok.
posted by psmealey at 01:01 PM on February 05, 2007
Maybe it is time to consider a permanent home for the Super Bowl. A stadium like the new one being built in Arizona with a retractable field and roof would be nice. Plus there are no worries about conflicts with the home team that way.
posted by yerfatma at 01:17 PM on February 05, 2007
The dome in Arizona is done. It was used for 3 of the 4 BCS games, and all the Cardinal home games.
posted by vipers-pit at 02:25 PM on February 05, 2007
I heard something on the radio today that bolsters Manning's claim to be MVP. The Colts' offensive coordinator told Pete Prisco of SportsLine that Manning called every play in the game.
posted by rcade at 02:40 PM on February 05, 2007
Are you saying rcade that the running back's success was in part Peyton's responsibility? I guess that does seem to give manning more credit. ALL Manning did to earn the mvp was throw all the passes, read the defenses, call the running plays and direct traiffic. I guess a player-coach could deserve be the MVP of the game.
posted by brainofdtrain at 03:28 PM on February 05, 2007
Seems that this was a battle of the monkeys. Peyton's died...Rex's is getting bigger! And Prince may not be a monkey, and his music maybe OK, but he is getting uglier by the day!
posted by nflhou02 at 03:31 PM on February 05, 2007
As always Chicago puts their mony on an inmature Q.B. Wea haven't had one since, well, a long time. I personally would have like to have seen Griese get a shot. Prince sucked, nothing more than a long guitar solo. I hear Eddie van Halen is up for next year>
posted by volfire at 04:17 PM on February 05, 2007
Wow! what a year....lifetime Cardinals fan...Colts fan for 25 years...and both Won the Big One.....Guess I won't be buying any lottery tickets anytime soon! ( or monkeys either )
posted by shudacudawuda at 05:17 PM on February 05, 2007
If Manning really called the plays, that's such a rarity in today's more complicated scheme-driven NFL that you have to give him more credit than his numbers suggest. So yeah, the running backs could attribute some of their success to his calls.
posted by rcade at 05:40 PM on February 05, 2007
I hear Eddie van Halen is up for next year Don't you mean the Van Halen family?
posted by MrFrisby at 05:56 PM on February 05, 2007
I hear Eddie van Halen is up for next year Don't you mean the Van Halen family?
posted by MrFrisby at 05:56 PM on February 05, 2007
In Miami, I expected the halftime show to feature Vanilla Ice. I can't tell you how disappointed I am.
posted by owlhouse at 06:12 PM on February 05, 2007
If Manning really called the plays See, I'm not so sure that he did call them all, even if he did call many of them. After the interception run back for a TD, you could tell Peyton wanted to go for two (it was clear, even on my tiny B&W set, that he was throwing 2 fingers in the air), but they kicked the field goal instead. I think Peyton's got a lot of discretion as to how he runs the offense, but there's clearly somebody on the sidelines watching the choices he makes and overruling them, if necessary. But even if he only called half the plays, that's impressive.
posted by rocketman at 06:19 PM on February 05, 2007
After the interception run back for a TD, you could tell Peyton wanted to go for two (it was clear, even on my tiny B&W set, that he was throwing 2 fingers in the air), but they kicked the field goal instead. Actually, if you watched on a bigger TV, you'd see he was flicking his finger between one and two digits. My guess is he was asking the coaches to go for one or two.
posted by jmd82 at 06:25 PM on February 05, 2007
When did the Super Bowl become a battle between which ever team sucks less wins instead of whom ever plays better? If you didn't watch any games the last two years except the Super Bowls, you would wonder how any of them made it that far. This year we saw the real Seattle and Pittsburgh (average teams)and next year we'll see the real Bears(average) At least Indy will still be a little above average, but their best years are behind them.
posted by GOD at 07:04 PM on February 05, 2007
Now we have to say that's it too bad Peyton can't win two big games. Or else, aside from the Super Bowl, what has he won?
posted by Bonkers at 07:23 PM on February 05, 2007
Yo, igottheblues...that is the best comment on this entire thread.
posted by lex2000 at 07:43 PM on February 05, 2007
How do you spell Colts? C.O.W.A.R.D.S! For not kicking to Hester after the run back. Some might say it's smart football, I say it's the losers way out. If you are suppose to be the best the AFC has to offer, you can't stop one measly player? I would have loved to have seen him take another one back, so we could be talking about a Bears championship and Hester as the MVP! Rex is a hex, and they aren't going anywhere till they get rid of him! It was like the Bears were playing with 10 on offense, and the Colts 12 on D. Good year, but '07 will be better for Chicago!
posted by chisox29 at 09:56 PM on February 05, 2007
How do you spell Colts? C.O.W.A.R.D.S! For not kicking to Hester after the run back. Some might say it's smart football, I say it's the losers way out. If you are suppose to be the best the AFC has to offer, you can't stop one measly player? To even things out, maybe the colts shouldn't have pressured Rex, too. I mean, after all, it sure is a loser way out to force a QB into bad decisions! Or cowardly to double or triple coverage their best receiver.
posted by jmd82 at 10:40 PM on February 05, 2007
me: It was actually a pretty awful game. Poorly played, poor conditions, unimpressive mvp. The bears gift wrapped the game and the colts seemed barely able to accept it. rcade: Aside from the turnovers, the Colts played a dominant game that would've been over early if they scored touchdowns instead of field goals. How long did the Bears go without an offensive snap? posted by rcade IF we ignore the turnovers, and IF they would have scored touchdowns instead of field goals? Those are big ifs. What if the colt interception return would have been called back because the defenders foot was one inch further out of bounds. What if the bears hadn't blown the coverage on Manning's one touchdown pass? And the inability to score touchdowns instead of fieldgoals backs up my original statement. Mike Franseca made an interesting point on Imus, that Manning was his MVP because the simple threat of Peyton's arm opened up holes on the ground. posted by yerfatma That's just a bizarre statement. Choosing an MVP just based on who the player is and what they represent. No wonder mvp voting is so screwed up. If Manning really called the plays, that's such a rarity in today's more complicated scheme-driven NFL that you have to give him more credit than his numbers suggest. So yeah, the running backs could attribute some of their success to his calls. posted by rcade So we can blame Manning for the play calling when the colts were settling for fieldgoals instead of touchdowns? Did the voters really even think at the time of the vote than Manning was calling his own plays? I don't think Manning was a terrible pick, but he wasn't the best. He easily could have been picked off again. His one touchdown was on a blown coverage that any quarterback should have completed. His offensive line kept pressure on him to almost nothing. His statistics are unimpressive enough (and could have been worse) that if the colts had lost the media could have easily pointed at the same line that won him the mvp and said he didn't get the job done. I never bought that he couldn't win the big one. It's a team game. He's a hall of fame quarterback. But wow are we reaching to make his case for mvp better than it is. Just the presence of his arm, the fact that he might have been calling his own plays. I'm not sure why we're having a problem with the simple fact that Manning was going to win the mvp or be the goat depending on the final score. They won, he played decent, he's gotta be the mvp. Just one thing to say to justgary. Just try to smile today. It'll really improve your day. Just try it. The glass is half full. I'm very happy for the Colts and the city of Indy. Everybody needs role models such as Dungy. posted by jennbwest You're mistaking me for someone that had a rooting interest. There is no glass for me. I was just hoping to see a good game. I also forgot to add that the commercials sucked also. It just wasn't a good game, especially the first half. If you prefer football along the lines of the bad news bears, it was exciting. Good football it wasn't, and of course the weather had a lot to do with it. In ten years when we're doing a list of the best superbowls in history this one will be thrown out in round one. There's quite a few spofi members in this thread that agree with me. The one positive was prince. After nipple gate and britney with a tube sock on her arm, the bar was set pretty low, but I thought it was the best halftime show I've seen.
posted by justgary at 11:53 PM on February 05, 2007
Speaking of monkeys, careerbuilders.com should fire their entire marketing staff. The "working with monkeys" campaign was one of my all time favorites.
posted by SummersEve at 05:30 AM on February 06, 2007
When did the Super Bowl become a battle between which ever team sucks less wins instead of whom ever plays better? I'm tempted to answer "when the parity era began." But I think the Colts won because they made the Bears look bad. Good defense and a great offensive line has a tendency to do that. How do you spell Colts? C.O.W.A.R.D.S! For not kicking to Hester after the run back. Some might say it's smart football, I say it's the losers way out. No offense, but that comment's so stupid it should bring shame to the next three generations of your family. Is it cowardly to double-team a team's sack leader? Is it cowardly not to throw against a team's best DB? You don't win games by playing to your opponent's strengths as a means of proving your courage. All that would prove is coaching incompetence.
posted by rcade at 08:54 AM on February 06, 2007
Sounds like my Sundy evening was much better spent driving the 97 miles to GT for a live show and home again in time to see the last 2:00 of play. Doesn't seem to have been a very good time in front of the ol' tv. It is good to hear Prince is alive and still able to Rock from what most of you have mentioned. Then again I have never been a big fan and after being all but physicly assalted by some female friends, I sat thru that freakin' Purple Rain movie. Just another hour forty-five minutes of my life ill never get back.
posted by Folkways at 09:01 AM on February 06, 2007
Having been born in South Bend, Ind., I am pleased the Hoosier State takes home the trophy. Too long between drinks.
posted by Fly_Piscator at 10:13 AM on February 06, 2007
No offense, but that comment's so stupid it should bring shame to the next three generations of your family And suggests the graph of said family tree resembles nothing so much as a telephone pole.
posted by yerfatma at 11:03 AM on February 06, 2007
The dome in Arizona is done. It was used for 3 of the 4 BCS games, and all the Cardinal home games. Actually, the stadium in Glendale hosted 2 of the 5 BCS games (Fiesta and BCS Championship).
posted by holden at 11:08 AM on February 06, 2007
Now that Peyton Manning has a championship ring and an MVP trophy, expect him to be featured in every single advertisement next season, as opposed to every other commercial. You'll never see a more unassuming MVP performance. I can't recall a most valuable player in any championship game in any sport who didn't make a single great play. But other than a touchdown pass to a wide-open Reggie Wayne on a busted coverage, Manning was efficient but hardly dazzling. He was helped by Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera's steadfast refusal to blitz. Chicago, like the Colts, prefers to sit back in a Cover Two defense and get pressure from their front four. Considering that the sole proven method of flustering Manning is to throw him off his rhythm by bringing extra rushers, the Bears should have mixed it up a bit. Instead, Chicago allowed Peyton to look as comfortable in torrential rain as Gene Kelly. link
posted by justgary at 11:34 AM on February 06, 2007
Carolina red, and the Franscesca guy you are all quoting are right. After the Reggie Wayne TD the Bears safeties dropped back on basically every play. That is being noted because some people have been arguing that Peyton didnt deserve the MVP... Being a Colts fan I would like to congratulate the Colts on this, its been a long, hard trip, but that has made the winning the Super Bowl even swetter... Back to the MVP, that award is stupid anyways, cuz there always isnt a clear cut choice, remember Dexter Jackson, he had a couple picks, but Tampa as a team just dominated Oakland, it would be nice if they could give the award to a group, but its just an individual award, which leads me to the ultimate defense of Peyton here. Peyton has almost total control of all the plays called, Mora sends in a play that basically has 3 or 4 audible options for Peyton to choose from at the line, that is why he deserved it, its HIS offense and that is why he has failed some many times before. This play-off run he finally trusted everyone, he stopped throwing the ball as much and as deep cuz he realized that his passing opens up the running game soooooo much. If they Colts O looked boring this play-offs is because it was, he took the dump offs and the runs and he moved the chains. For as great as Peyton has been over the years, his maturation jumped a full level this year. And for the Colts defense, Defense wins championships, look at any team since the Rams, (still had 8 or 9th ranked D that year) they all had won it with strong Defenses. Anyone here still think the Colts are soft? or finesse? or cant stop the run? They disproved it every single play-off game this year! PS They call Bob Sander's the "Builder" cuz he likes to lay some wood...lol
posted by dezznutz at 12:55 PM on February 06, 2007
Vipers-pit: Love your stats, I'm a stats guy and firmly believe that they NEVER lie, except when the worst run defense in the league morphs into one of the best...LOL... the commercials were pretty lame, I forgot how good they were supposed to be till a girl at the party mentioned how they sucked ass. Ditto on the cameras get a rag or something...this is the Super Bowl
posted by dezznutz at 01:16 PM on February 06, 2007
Mora sends in a play that basically has 3 or 4 audible options for Peyton to choose from at the line I think you've been a fan a little too long. Playoffs?!
posted by yerfatma at 01:30 PM on February 06, 2007
um yeah, thats what an offensive coordinator does, he sends in plays. The huge difference you dont seem to understand is...lets say its a run play, the Colts famous sweep play for instance, well attached to that play is another run option for Peyton to chose and a pass and maybe a play-action, than after all that, if Peyton STILL doenst like what he sees, he can bail out and call his own play. You know he does that when you see the RB reset or a tight end move to the slot or to the line...et cetera et cetera. Mister Yerfatma, I dont know if you know this, but what I just explained, most coaches dont allow ther QB's to do that. You think a Grossman has that sort of free reign? I know, I know lets brush of the looney Colts fan, he couldnt possibly logically think Peyton deserved it, well logically he did, no-one else really stuck out that game, and beingthe face of the NFL, he was teh logical choice. Sure, some say give it to Bob, well he is gangster and his jersey was worn by me on Sunday (No #18 jersey here) but who cares, its only the MVP trophy, the one that really counts is resting in Indy.
posted by dezznutz at 02:04 PM on February 06, 2007
sorry yerfatma, I meant Tom Moore...
posted by dezznutz at 02:05 PM on February 06, 2007
priceless
posted by jojomfd1 at 02:25 PM on February 06, 2007
Yeah, yerfatma, you big dumbass, jeez, you really don't know shit, do you, I mean damn, you don't even know who the offensive coordinator for the Colts is...oops. No offense, but that comment's so stupid it should bring shame to the next three generations of your family. In fact, that statement was so stupid, you should have intended offense.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 02:43 PM on February 06, 2007
Wow, to think I finally have something in common with both Rcade and JustGary. Being a life long Prince fan I can honestly say that the halftime show wasn't his greatest, but he's kind of like pizza. Even if it isn't great, it's pretty good. I've seen Prince live 9 times dating back to 84's Purple Rain tour all the way thru to "1 nite alone" and "Musicology". The following are Prince performances well worth seeing. Grammy's 86' Prince Sheila E. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Tom Petty/Traveling Wilburys/George Harrison's son) While My Guitar Gently Weeps. Prince comes out for solo. Didn't know the song, was given a tape of it the night before(Prince.org). Prince Info slide show/Purple Medley. Brit awards 06'/Prince w/ Wendy, Lisa, Sheila E (solo) all female band. This is vintage Prince (when it's not raining). Prince about 3 years after he started in 1979. 21 years old, entire album produced, arranged and performed by him (all instruments). Video performance with a band. Prince, Musicology video (featuring James Brown's Sax player Maceo Parker among others)
posted by Bishop at 04:32 AM on February 07, 2007
The above links are all Youtube. I forgot to add that Prince will be 49 this year and can not read 1 note of sheet music. He is self taught and plays over a dozen instruments. This is why the Music industry refers to him as pure genius.
posted by Bishop at 04:37 AM on February 07, 2007
How do you spell Colts? C.O.W.A.R.D.S! For not kicking to Hester after the run back. Can't really say anything about this that hasn't already been said, but, seeing as how your username is chisox29, maybe you oughta stick to baseball. Rex is a hex, and they aren't going anywhere till they get rid of him! It was like the Bears were playing with 10 on offense, and the Colts 12 on D. Good year, but '07 will be better for Chicago! Um, bet you were singing his praises earlier in the year though, huh? I realize Grossman was not good at times this season, but there were times when he was. Keep in mind that this was his first season as the starter. I say let's see what happens next season; if he still has the same troubles, as often as now, then cut the strings. I don't know what you do for a living, but it usually takes a little time to get proficient at one's chosen profession, so please afford Rex a little time. That said, he was obviously having trouble with throwing a wet ball, so maybe, sometime in the 3rd, Lovie shoulda went with Griese. However, I can't say I can really question Lovie on anything, because, the last time I checked, he coached the Bears to the Super Bowl. When was the last time they were there? The 1985 season? Considering that most people consider Lovie to be an excellent coach, and excellent coaches know their players, then what does that say about the backups?
posted by hellamarine at 10:23 AM on February 07, 2007
Hellamarine it is true that this was Grossman's first season as a starter, but I don't think that means he has little expirience. He has had three years now to learn the game, with the third to put his skills to use. Carson Palmer was amazing after sitting out for a single season. Rivers was in the same situation, and he is headed to the Pro Bowl. Grossman may be somewhat inexpirienced, but there are quarterbacks who have been in the same situation and excelled. If Grossman is to win a Super Bowl, then he needs to play much, much better than he has.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 10:41 AM on February 07, 2007
All this Rex bashing is just not right. I mean, I believe the Bears went 13-3 in the regular season with him at the helm (and made it all the way to the Super Bowl) and from my calculations (being a Cowboys fan and all), Hall of Fame QB, Troy Aikman played 11 games in the 1989 and the team went 1-15 that season (it still pains me to talk about that year but considering they won 3 Super Bowls, I'll be just fine). It isn't easy to become the focal point of an offense considering the QB touches the ball on just about every play. It does take time to get in the flow of things and 1 season isn't the end all be all for a player. The Bears still made it to SB XLI with Grossman as the QB so cut the kid some slack for now but if his inconsistent and erratic play continues and the team doesn't have a remarkable season like 06', then let the bashing continue.
posted by BornIcon at 11:25 AM on February 07, 2007
Carson Palmer was amazing after sitting out for a single season. Rivers was in the same situation, and he is headed to the Pro Bowl. Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Palmer have Pete Carroll as a coach in college? Pretty much an NFL style offense, wasn't it? And the last time I checked, Rivers had Drew Brees to learn from for 2 years. Do you realize that the Bears had a different QB ahead of Grossman for every one of his previous seasons? He didn't even have the same head coach at Florida for his whole career there. I think Chicago needs to get a better QB coach, and/or bring in a decent past-his-prime veteran to back him up, then see if he can grow under some decent tutelage. Before you question bringing in a different QB coach, let me reiterate that, including Grossman, the Bears have had a new starter at QB for at least four years in-a-row. Maybe a QB coaching change would be appropriate, ya think?
posted by hellamarine at 11:27 AM on February 07, 2007
Well said, BornIcon, I wish I could've have written that eloquently.
posted by hellamarine at 11:28 AM on February 07, 2007
Thanks hellamarine, I call it as I see it, even if it means bringing up a painful memory as #8's rookie season (or was it hunting season for any team opposing my 'Boys that year?) Not every QB can be like Tony Romo and come out of nowhere to improve the team dramatically (Please don't bring up his bobble-hand moment against Seattle, I still wake up in a cold sweat at night just thinking about what could've been, dammit!!) Anyways, my point is that it does take time for a QB but seeing that they were the other team in SB XLI, why wouldn't they not want him commanding the ship? He's one of the reasons why they even got as far as they did, let the kid play and see what happens.
posted by BornIcon at 11:41 AM on February 07, 2007
Bishop: To me, the best of the bunch was the "Guitar Gently Weeps" solo. He rips it up in front of all these other guitar stars like he has a point to prove. I've never been a big fan of the song, but that version...damn!
posted by grum@work at 11:44 AM on February 07, 2007
During the game, I thought one of the stupidest things was when Tony Dungy challenged the fact that Da Bears had 12 men on the field. I can see challenging a call that was made, but how can you challenge a call that wasn't made? Couldn't you challenge the fact that they didn't call holding on every single play? In the TMQ recap, Gregg Easterbrook says that Dungy made the challenge because he was trying to decide whether to kick or go for it, and challenges take longer than regular timeouts. So maybe it's a smart move by Dungy, but I'm not sure I like them being able to challenge a non-call.
posted by kirkaracha at 12:03 PM on February 07, 2007
I remember that and actually think it was a good call by Tony Dungy. There seemed to be 12 men on the field during the substitution but there was no absolute proof since there was no video footage to view the angle. The angle of the only video used was not capable of seeing the sidelines, therefore, the call went against the Colts. I agree that maybe Tony Dungy used that challenge as a way of seeing if he should go for it or to just kick it, but nonetheless, it was a close call to make but since it wasn't a call that either made the game or broke it wide open, it wasn't a big deal.
posted by BornIcon at 12:21 PM on February 07, 2007
take nothing away from the colts and their performances. but did anyone see the first fumble that occured between peyton and the running back on the hand off. He was pretty close to the ball and could have made an attempt to go after it or help in anyway., but he just stood there like a bump on a log and just watched. yeah I know the quaterbacks are suppose to avoid injury. but if it was me I would have gone after it, because thats how you play the game. i was going for the bears and they really disappointed me like everyone else that was too. they should have been pouring it on manning ass insteading of letting him have the time. even though their offense wasn't doing nothing and wasn't even on the field hardly. with Rex not playing well at times during the season they relied on smash mouth football with benson and jones and benson was out in the first quarter. wonder how things would have turned out if benson had not gotten hurt and they were able to go to that game plan.
posted by mflinn at 06:54 PM on February 07, 2007
but did anyone see the first fumble that occured between peyton and the running back on the hand off. Can anyone tell me who Manning's backup is? Yes, I know it's Sorgi, but who is he? They don't even have a third string, so if I'm Dungy, I'm telling Peyton to stay the hell away from those too. Tell me this mflinn, do you think the Colts had a shot in hell of winning if Peyton went down? As far as Benson getting hurt, I'm not sure that it would've made any difference. I guess it could've, but I don't think it would've really changed the game.
posted by hellamarine at 09:17 PM on February 07, 2007
I believe the Bears went 13-3 in the regular season with him at the helm (and made it all the way to the Super Bowl) and from my calculations (being a Cowboys fan and all), Hall of Fame QB, Troy Aikman played 11 games in the 1989 and the team went 1-15 that season I didn't see Grossman enough to have an informed opinion, but I don't get the relevance of the comparison. Aikman was leading a team that was awful. The offensive line alone made his job impossible. Elway in his prime couldn't have taken that team anywhere. Grossman was leading a team with quite a bit of talent. Totally different animals. The following are Prince performances well worth seeing. Thanks Bishop, those are awesome. I also play guitar without knowing a note of music. The similarities pretty much end there. For the record I agree with you most of the time. And when I disagree it's usually minor. ex. tyson top 3 or top 10 heavy weights.
posted by justgary at 09:25 PM on February 07, 2007
All those years of crisp high powered offenses and the Colts win with this (by comparision) motley crew. 191 yards rushing helps. I expect the NFL will use the rain as an excuse for domed stadiums every year. Say goodbye to the Super Bowl, Pasadena.
posted by Newbie Walker at 01:45 AM on February 08, 2007
I don't see any plans for domes at Churchill Downs. Or Augusta. Or Wimbledon. I think the NFL has to decide if its product is an indoor sport or an outdoor sport and go with that. Consistently. Personally, I like the outdoor version. At the end of a football game, I want to see guys lugging off the field covered in dirt and blood, with chunks of turf hanging off their facemasks. I want to see their breath. And if it's an outdoor game, I feel you have to let the weather be the variable it is in all major outdoor sporting events. Let it be part of the story. Otherwise it's just a video game. Also, "Housequake" is one of the most underrated songs in the history of music. Shut up already. Damn.
posted by The Crafty Sousepaw at 02:11 AM on February 08, 2007
The number of Prince fans here is surprising. A few of the links above have been removed (that quick) due to ongoing lawsuits against Youtube. Here is another for My guitar gently weeps tribute. If I told you 2 years ago that there would be a long thread about Manning not only winning a Super Bowl but being MVP and that the same thread would contain Prince performance links, what do you think the over/under would have been for the amount of posts on that thread?
posted by Bishop at 04:48 AM on February 08, 2007
I didn't see Grossman enough to have an informed opinion, but I don't get the relevance of the comparison. Aikman was leading a team that was awful. The offensive line alone made his job impossible. Elway in his prime couldn't have taken that team anywhere. Grossman was leading a team with quite a bit of talent. Totally different animals. No, they're not different animals. If you look at the point that I made that even a HOF QB like Troy Aikman had a disastrous season before he got to become the Troy Aikman we all came accustomed to. With Rex leading the Bears to the Super Bowl his first year as a starter and getting all this unwarranted heat, people need to realize that even the great ones struggle. I'm not saying that Grossman will become a "great one", just that he did have a decent seaon and people are still calling for his head. If Grossman "struggles" his way into another 13-3 season and into the Super Bowl again, will he continue to be the scapegoat if his team does not win it all? More than likely. Now tell me, am I wrong?
posted by BornIcon at 07:48 AM on February 08, 2007
Wow, to think I finally have something in common with both Rcade and JustGary. Sweet. Prince's "Gently Weeps" is incredible. I love how it ends with him throwing it up in the air and it doesn't come down, as if God or George Harrison caught it.
posted by rcade at 07:57 AM on February 08, 2007
Now tell me, am I wrong? That has nothing to do with my point. I'm saying the comparison with aikman is a false one, and you didn't address my point. A. Aikman was leading a horrid team. B. Rex was leading a team with a lot of talent. You then point at aikman and say "see, even aikman struggled early in his career". Rex may develop into a good quarterback, but he was surrounded this season with great talent. Aikman during his first year was not. The comparison doesn't hold water.
posted by justgary at 11:22 PM on February 08, 2007
And you seem to be missing my point. When Troy Aikman started as the QB in the '89 season and the team was in the mist of self-destructing, fans were calling for the head of Aikman. With Rex Grossman, even though he was inconsistant, he still led his team to a 13-3 record and fans still called for his head as well. Troy still had pretty much the same talent that helped him win 3 Super Bowl rings (including Michael Irving & Emmit Smith) minus a few defensive players (Charles Haley & Deion Sanders). It doesn't mean that if a QB has great talent around him, that he'll excell faster than a QB with considerably less talent. It does help though.
posted by BornIcon at 10:52 AM on February 09, 2007
I think we're talking in circles. I'll just make my point one last time, and let it rest. There is a difference between struggling when you have a lot of talent and when you have very little talent. The cowboys were an awful team on both defense and offense. There bears were not. You're wrong about emmitt smith. He didn't arrive until a year later. Michael Irvin played a total of 6 games. Their leading rusher rushed for 446 yards. There defense ranked #20th. So in no way was this the team that won three superbowls. They were terrible from top to bottom. The bears leading rusher rushed for 1210 yards, and they had a second who rushed for over 600. Their defense was ranked #5. Not even mentioning that this was Grossman's 4th year in the league. No, he wasn't a starter, but he had more experience and had more time to adjust than Aikman. No one with any sense thought Aikman was the problem. That team had problems everywhere. As I said before, no one could save that team. The bears are a different story. They have superbowl talent, and are debating if an inconsistent quarterback can get them over the hump. As they should be. Again, I have no idea how good/bad grossman will eventually be. But I've pointed out multiple ways the situation is completely different than the 89 cowboys. If you want to say the situations are similar because they were both young quarterbacks who had rough seasons, fine. But that's where the similarities end. It's a very flimsy comparison at best.
posted by justgary at 01:00 PM on February 09, 2007
Congrats to the Colts on being the better team this year. Fans of Indy enjoy the glory!