Dancing to the “Super Bowl Shuffle” is definitely not on the Chicago Bears’ minds heading into Super Bowl XLI, but the performance of their starting quarterback, Rex Grossman, and decision making of head coach Lovie Smith, is on everyone’s mind.

Throughout the season the quarterback controversy has surrounded starter Grossman and backup Brian Griese, but Lovie has stuck with Grossman throughout the season and into the playoffs.

In the playoffs Smith has shown great confidence in Grossman’s ability, not pulling him from any game despite the mistakes that he has made. The big question surrounding the Bears prior to the Super Bowl is whether or not Grossman will be able to take the Bears on his shoulders and make plays when plays are needed.

Grossman has shown the ability to do so, having games of 300-plus passing yards and leading the Bears to victory throughout the season. But the other side, the side with numerous fumbles, interceptions and bad decision making, is what could cost the Bears their rings.

On the coach’s side, this is a huge year for the NFL. It is the first time an African-American coach will hold up the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Lovie Smith hopes to be that man, but on the other side of the field, Tony Dungy will have future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning behind him in the attempt to make Dungy the first to win a championship.

As many expect, the offenses will play a major role in who wins and who loses, but people often forget that two great defenses are also playing in this 41st Super Bowl. The Bears, led by Pro-Bowler Brian Urlacher, have shown great potential to stop the offensive drive of Manning and the Colts.

The Bears will have to hold tight in the middle of the field looking out for tight end Dallas Clark to be running a late slant route. Clark is often the last-second decision for Manning when rolling out of the pocket.

They have a proven ability to stop the run. Joseph Addai might not be able to gain much ground on the Bears’ defense, which gave up just under 100 yards per game this season.

The key to special teams for the Bears will be Devin Hester. If the Bears can clear a good enough path for the stunning kick returner, they should have no problem starting with excellent field position every possession.

The only thing the Bears have to look out for on special teams is, well, arguably the best playoff kicker of all-time in Adam Vinatieri. Vinatieri helped the Patriots win three Super Bowls in four seasons. After last season the Patriots let him go and the Colts had no problem picking up the talented kicker.

Prediction

Joseph Addai and Peyton Manning are my picks for MVP, as both will dominate against a very strong Chicago defense. Addai will finish his breakout rookie season with a performance to remember, and Manning will finally get the proverbial monkey off his back and win the big one.

Final Score: Colts 27, Bears 24

MVP: Joseph Addai and Peyton Manning

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