Super Bowl XLI: Bears vs. Colts, Sun 2/4, 5:30 pm CT

[cbbryan]

Here's a website for 2007 NFL Free Agents:

http://www.footballsfuture.com/2007/nfl/freeagents.html

 

LOL! Dwight Freeney is a FA as well. What a year to be a FA, after winning the SB.

[cbbryan]

http://www.footballsfuture.com/2007/nfl/freeagents.html

 

Matt Schaub, RFA, Atlanta Falcons

The free agent quarterback class is light in 2007, but teams in true need of a field general may be highly interested in Schaub. He has an NFL arm and has shown flashes of possibly being a legitimate quality starting quarterback. It is likely that just a handful of teams would aggressively pursue Schaub, but if someone is willing to pay decent money and forfeit a draft pick for Schaub, he could be lured away from his spot behind Michael Vick. In the end, Schaub’s chances of re-signing with the Falcons don’t look good, as Schaub will likely pursue a bigger role in another offense. A handful of teams could look for their starter in Atlanta.

 

So, you forfeit a draft pick? I don't know that much about NFL free agency other then a restricted player's original team has so long to match a deal. I didn't realize that you had to give up draft picks though?!?!

[OleMissCub]

http://www.footballsfuture.com/2007/nfl/freeagents.html

 

Matt Schaub, RFA, Atlanta Falcons

The free agent quarterback class is light in 2007, but teams in true need of a field general may be highly interested in Schaub. He has an NFL arm and has shown flashes of possibly being a legitimate quality starting quarterback. It is likely that just a handful of teams would aggressively pursue Schaub, but if someone is willing to pay decent money and forfeit a draft pick for Schaub, he could be lured away from his spot behind Michael Vick. In the end, Schaub’s chances of re-signing with the Falcons don’t look good, as Schaub will likely pursue a bigger role in another offense. A handful of teams could look for their starter in Atlanta.

 

So, you forfeit a draft pick? I don't know that much about NFL free agency other then a restricted player's original team has so long to match a deal. I didn't realize that you had to give up draft picks though?!?!

 

I don't know either. As someone doing Sports Law, I should probably find out. Ha!

[Flames24Rulz]

http://www.footballsfuture.com/2007/nfl/freeagents.html

 

Matt Schaub, RFA, Atlanta Falcons

The free agent quarterback class is light in 2007, but teams in true need of a field general may be highly interested in Schaub. He has an NFL arm and has shown flashes of possibly being a legitimate quality starting quarterback. It is likely that just a handful of teams would aggressively pursue Schaub, but if someone is willing to pay decent money and forfeit a draft pick for Schaub, he could be lured away from his spot behind Michael Vick. In the end, Schaub’s chances of re-signing with the Falcons don’t look good, as Schaub will likely pursue a bigger role in another offense. A handful of teams could look for their starter in Atlanta.

 

So, you forfeit a draft pick? I don't know that much about NFL free agency other then a restricted player's original team has so long to match a deal. I didn't realize that you had to give up draft picks though?!?!

 

In Restricted Free Agency, you (usually) have to give up a draft pick. For the bigger names, it can cost up to 1st rounder.

[cbbryan]

http://www.footballsfuture.com/2007/nfl/freeagents.html

 

Matt Schaub, RFA, Atlanta Falcons

The free agent quarterback class is light in 2007, but teams in true need of a field general may be highly interested in Schaub. He has an NFL arm and has shown flashes of possibly being a legitimate quality starting quarterback. It is likely that just a handful of teams would aggressively pursue Schaub, but if someone is willing to pay decent money and forfeit a draft pick for Schaub, he could be lured away from his spot behind Michael Vick. In the end, Schaub’s chances of re-signing with the Falcons don’t look good, as Schaub will likely pursue a bigger role in another offense. A handful of teams could look for their starter in Atlanta.

 

So, you forfeit a draft pick? I don't know that much about NFL free agency other then a restricted player's original team has so long to match a deal. I didn't realize that you had to give up draft picks though?!?!

 

I don't know either. As someone doing Sports Law, I should probably find out. Ha!

 

LOL! Well, when you find out let me know!

[VanceJergins]

The Bears were definitely the best team in the NFC but I think it was obvious that the Colts were the better team. For all the what-if the Bears have - what if Hester wouldnt have returned that kickoff, what if they the Colts hadnt allowed that long run by Jones, what if Vinatieri wouldnt have missed that FG, what if the Colts had done better finishing off their drives with TD's, what if the Colts didnt have 3 turnovers. The Colts definitely have what-ifs too. I'd say the Colts would win 2/3 match ups.

 

-And what if Brown and Harris were healthy....Well what if Doss, Simon, Reagor, and Stokley were healthy?

 

-I understand those kind of remarks because they're the same kind of things I say when I'm ticked about a game, but the truth is that the Colts are the better team. But the comments about Manning are kind of ridiculous: "I bet he's a horrible person because he's rich and he's good at football". Me and everyone I know (that would know anything) have only heard great things about him as a person. Just because now that he's won a superbowl he's going to go down as the greatest quarterback ever, doesn't mean you have to make personal attacks. Besides, Tom Brady is the only person who's a bad person because he's good at football.

 

I wish the Colts could have beaten a team I dont like. The Bears are probably going to be good for a few years and if they arent playing the Colts I root for them, so good luck. And if you're looking for a quarterback, the Bears could probably get Sorgi if they're willing to give up Urlacher.

 

And GO CUBS!!!

[A New Era]

I can't imagine myself watching my favorite team play in the Super Bowl and be sitting at my computer talking about it online while it was going on. To each his own though.

 

Ever hear of a game thread?

 

I'd like to add that the spectacle currently playing itself out on the field is an affront to the sport of football.

 

It's cirque du soleil, and I love them. But I understand where you're coming from if your a diehard football fan.

[CuseCubFan69]

The ESPN poll is "who is your Super Bowl MVP?", and the options were Manning, Addai, Rhodes and Colts' defense.

 

Most of the nation picked Manning except:

 

-New England - they really hate Manning apparently, so they went with Rhodes

-Wisconsin - they also went with Rhodes, no idea why, though it is really close between Rhodes and Manning

-Iowa - picked Colts defense (they love their Bob Sanders)

-Indiana - tie between Rhodes and Manning

-Louisiana - picked Joseph Addai (LSU)

 

Funny how homerism and college loyalties even affect this.

 

I think the offensive line of the Colts did a wonderful job and should have been the MVP.

[illiniguy]

The ESPN poll is "who is your Super Bowl MVP?", and the options were Manning, Addai, Rhodes and Colts' defense.

 

Most of the nation picked Manning except:

 

-New England - they really hate Manning apparently, so they went with Rhodes

-Wisconsin - they also went with Rhodes, no idea why, though it is really close between Rhodes and Manning

-Iowa - picked Colts defense (they love their Bob Sanders)

-Indiana - tie between Rhodes and Manning

-Louisiana - picked Joseph Addai (LSU)

 

Funny how homerism and college loyalties even affect this.

 

I think the offensive line of the Colts did a wonderful job and should have been the MVP.

Grossman was the MVP. For all 4 of his turnovers.

[CuseCubFan69]

The ESPN poll is "who is your Super Bowl MVP?", and the options were Manning, Addai, Rhodes and Colts' defense.

 

Most of the nation picked Manning except:

 

-New England - they really hate Manning apparently, so they went with Rhodes

-Wisconsin - they also went with Rhodes, no idea why, though it is really close between Rhodes and Manning

-Iowa - picked Colts defense (they love their Bob Sanders)

-Indiana - tie between Rhodes and Manning

-Louisiana - picked Joseph Addai (LSU)

 

Funny how homerism and college loyalties even affect this.

 

I think the offensive line of the Colts did a wonderful job and should have been the MVP.

Grossman was the MVP. For all 4 of his turnovers.

 

It looked like he had clown shoes on yesterday.

[NCCubFan]

Perhaps getting lost in the disappointment of the Bears losing last night is that they took another step forward this year. Until last year they were perennial losers for quite a few years with the exception of thw fluke 2001 season. Last year they won the division, this year they were the top team in the NFC and made the Super Bowl. There's still work to be done to win the Super Bowl, but I think the progress toward that goal made in two years is escellent. I think Lovie was touching on that point in some of his post-game comments.

[cubweiser03]

The Colts were the better team. If anybody thinks otherwise they are looking through some funny glasses. The Bears could of won, no doubt about that but they didnt play well enough to make up for their mistakes, the Colts on other hand DID. The Colts won as a team effort and the Bears lost as a team. Neither the offense or defense overshadowed the Colts and the same goes with the Bears. Grossman should share some of the blame but the run defense for the Bears as Urlacher said was 'very disappointing' too.

 

Im already hearing Rex being bashed this morning on Mike and Mike an other outlets, and well i guess that no surprise, but jeez sometimes people go overboard with this. They said Eli or Rex and the response was Eli in an eyewink. Please, Eli is no better than Rex and this was Eli's 3rd full year to Rex's 1. Greenberg even said 'the Bears hid Rex for their 15 wins' huh... WTF is he talking about? No excuses for Rex's fumbled snaps (one got away), those are silly mistakes. The interception on the Moose play is one i would be most critical of. He was looking good on the 2 previous pass plays. Him and Turner really forced that play, Grossman should of looked somewhere else on that play with that coverage. The Berrian pass, they were down by 2 tds, needed to get something quick and he underthrew it. It was a physical mistake and not mental, i can handle more physical ones from him than mental. The TD pass to Moose was a fantastic pass. I thought he threw the ball well except for the aformentioned interception to Moose.

 

They have a very good shot a returning again, they are young and improving each year. I might be more disappointed if they dont return to the Super Bowl in the next 3-5 years than the loss yesterday.

[CubColtPacer]

The ESPN poll is "who is your Super Bowl MVP?", and the options were Manning, Addai, Rhodes and Colts' defense.

 

Most of the nation picked Manning except:

 

-New England - they really hate Manning apparently, so they went with Rhodes

-Wisconsin - they also went with Rhodes, no idea why, though it is really close between Rhodes and Manning

-Iowa - picked Colts defense (they love their Bob Sanders)

-Indiana - tie between Rhodes and Manning

-Louisiana - picked Joseph Addai (LSU)

 

Funny how homerism and college loyalties even affect this.

 

I think the offensive line of the Colts did a wonderful job and should have been the MVP.

 

I would definitely agree that the offensive line was wonderful, which opened up both the running and passing game-I probably would have voted for them if they had allowed it.

[CubColtPacer]

Here's a website for 2007 NFL Free Agents:

http://www.footballsfuture.com/2007/nfl/freeagents.html

 

LOL! Dwight Freeney is a FA as well. What a year to be a FA, after winning the SB.

 

Freeney's not going anywhere-if they can't come to a long-term deal with him , they are franchising him. Bill Polian already said that there is 0 chance that Freeney hits free agency this year.

[CubColtPacer]

http://www.footballsfuture.com/2007/nfl/freeagents.html

 

Matt Schaub, RFA, Atlanta Falcons

The free agent quarterback class is light in 2007, but teams in true need of a field general may be highly interested in Schaub. He has an NFL arm and has shown flashes of possibly being a legitimate quality starting quarterback. It is likely that just a handful of teams would aggressively pursue Schaub, but if someone is willing to pay decent money and forfeit a draft pick for Schaub, he could be lured away from his spot behind Michael Vick. In the end, Schaub’s chances of re-signing with the Falcons don’t look good, as Schaub will likely pursue a bigger role in another offense. A handful of teams could look for their starter in Atlanta.

 

So, you forfeit a draft pick? I don't know that much about NFL free agency other then a restricted player's original team has so long to match a deal. I didn't realize that you had to give up draft picks though?!?!

 

In Restricted Free Agency, you (usually) have to give up a draft pick. For the bigger names, it can cost up to 1st rounder.

 

Very true. Atlanta has to decide what value of contract they want to give him. There are 3 levels:

 

Top level: if another team signs him and Atlanta doesn't match, Atlanta receives 1st and 3rd round draft picks

Second Level: Atlanta would receive 1st round draft pick

Third Level: Atlanta receives pick equal to round Schaub was drafted in (in this case, a 3rd rounder).

 

I bet Atlanta protects Schaub with one of the top 2 levels-I can't see the Bears getting him without giving up a 1st rounder unless they can work out some deal some other way with the Falcons.

[Soul]

Perhaps getting lost in the disappointment of the Bears losing last night is that they took another step forward this year. Until last year they were perennial losers for quite a few years with the exception of thw fluke 2001 season. Last year they won the division, this year they were the top team in the NFC and made the Super Bowl. There's still work to be done to win the Super Bowl, but I think the progress toward that goal made in two years is escellent. I think Lovie was touching on that point in some of his post-game comments.

 

Yes, but I think the fact that Super Bowl losers are typically dismal the next year puts a damper on the accomplishments of this year. It's going to be exceedingly tough for the Bears to get back. If they lose Briggs-----nigh impossible.

[YearofDaCubs]

I've supported Grossman ever since he was drafted and after last night's performance I am officially done with him. We need safety, CB, and more importantly QB help for next year.

[TB_11]

Perhaps getting lost in the disappointment of the Bears losing last night is that they took another step forward this year. Until last year they were perennial losers for quite a few years with the exception of thw fluke 2001 season. Last year they won the division, this year they were the top team in the NFC and made the Super Bowl. There's still work to be done to win the Super Bowl, but I think the progress toward that goal made in two years is escellent. I think Lovie was touching on that point in some of his post-game comments.

 

This is true, and looking at the team there's a handful of spots they need to focus on to bring back a team that should be the favorites in the NFC:

 

- Sign Briggs

- Figure out the Jones/Benson situation

- Strengthen the LCB position (Tillman gets too many snaps)

- Have Rex mature or bring in a FA quarterback

 

Obviously failing at any of these will leave significant holes in the team, but it's feasible that all four can be handled this offseason. Make that happen, and have a healthy team all year, and the Bears should be the NFC favorites and be able to contend with any team in the AFC.

 

Side note: I watched the game at Casey Moran's, across from Wrigley, and I've never seen any bar get louder or more excited than after the Hester TD.

[soapy]

sigh......

 

Living in Indy, this is pretty much my nightmare, worst-case scenario. Grossman takes a dump all over the field (which many will see as confirmation that he's terrible) and Manning gets the MVP (proving once again that he is in fact, God). I really can't think of how it could have gone any worse. Adding insult to injury, I have to die my hair blue on Friday. Sitting here in my cublicle (which, luckily for me, has been decorated in Colts gear) I can't help but be pretty depressed about the whole thing. I thought I would be glad to see the Colts win a Championship becuase I now live here, but it's much, much worse then I imagined. Hearing the old women around me taking about how "we won", and "we played so good" makes me want to jam an envelope opener into my ears. Two of my better friends here are not only Colts fans but, of course, Cardinals fans. Thus making this just about the worst few months in my life as a sports fan. Although, I think the worst thing is that all these people at work who didn't give a flying flack about the Colts a month ago are the first ones to come over to my desk and gloat this morning. Like they accomplished something. Ugh...

 

It's hard to look at the big picture, but I'm trying. The Bears have improved drastically the last two seasons, and appear they are headed in the right direction. Grossman really played like garbage. There really is no getting around that. He missed some wide open receivers, and fumbling TWO snaps is inexcusable. Having said that, I'm not sure how I feel about him as the future QB of this team. I'm not ready to totally dismiss him, but the Bears should definitely consider some other options. Safeties need to improve (or be replaced) and Wale really isn't pulling his weight at this point. I was really dissapointed the Bears couldn't get any pressure on Manning even after Diem had to leave the game.

 

The Bears can continue to be a contender in the NFC if they make just a few key moves (starting with retaining Briggs). Certainly it's very difficult to maintain such success on a yearly basis in the NFL, but the Bears are at least a good bet to do that if managed properly.

 

The Colts were the better team. They deserved to win, but it doesn't make it any easier to swallow.

[OleMissCub]

Why are so many Bears fans crying about the weather? All I heard two weeks ago when they were playing the Saints is how they love playing in the conditions. If the weather was going to affect anyone it would have been the Colts.

[goonys evil twin]

Grossman takes a dump all over the field

 

I know that's going to be the official accepted story, but I refuse to believe that to be true. A 70+ completion percentage, a 68.3 rating. That's not taking a dump. That's not disaster Rex. That's better than what Roethlisberger did while winning last year's Super Bowl and he doesn't face anywhere near the scrutiny Grossman does. Rex did not have a good game, but he did not crap the bed either.

[goonys evil twin]

Why are so many Bears fans crying about the weather? All I heard two weeks ago when they were playing the Saints is how they love playing in the conditions. If the weather was going to affect anyone it would have been the Colts.

 

The Bears are not a wet track team, never have been. Cold and a little snow is helpful, but a wet track is not good for a speed team.

[OleMissCub]

Why are so many Bears fans crying about the weather? All I heard two weeks ago when they were playing the Saints is how they love playing in the conditions. If the weather was going to affect anyone it would have been the Colts.

 

The Bears are not a wet track team, never have been. Cold and a little snow is helpful, but a wet track is not good for a speed team.

 

Didn't seem to bother Hester or Jones on their long runs.

[goonys evil twin]

Why are so many Bears fans crying about the weather? All I heard two weeks ago when they were playing the Saints is how they love playing in the conditions. If the weather was going to affect anyone it would have been the Colts.

 

The Bears are not a wet track team, never have been. Cold and a little snow is helpful, but a wet track is not good for a speed team.

 

Didn't seem to bother Hester or Jones on their long runs.

 

I'm not in the mood for your BS the day after the super bowl.

 

I'm not crying about weather. I'm also not about rubbing salt into the wounds, that's pretty pathetic and classless. I just offered an explanation for your question. The Bears d is built on speed, and the rain is bad for them. The fact that Jones and Hester had long runs in that rain is neither here nor there.

[jaydee]

Grossman takes a dump all over the field

 

I know that's going to be the official accepted story, but I refuse to believe that to be true. A 70+ completion percentage, a 68.3 rating. That's not taking a dump. That's not disaster Rex. That's better than what Roethlisberger did while winning last year's Super Bowl and he doesn't face anywhere near the scrutiny Grossman does. Rex did not have a good game, but he did not crap the bed either.

 

rex wasnt that bad. he only made 1 bad pass really, the int to muhammad. the second INT came late in the 4th down by two TDs. Berrian was open but he underthrew him, but at that point he was just trying to make something happen to spark an unlikely comeback. He wasn't great, but he wasn't horrible. Unfortunately too many bears fans are blind to the fact that defense couldn't get off the field if their life depended on it as a main reason for losing. All year people blame rex and refuse to ever blame the D. Well the D was about as good/bad as rex in the super bowl.

 

I mean the criticism of rex has really gotten out of hand. I hear people saying he threw so many bad balls....well he only threw 8 incompletions, a couple of which were drops. If you are going to criticize him at least do it for something that he actually did wrong (bad exchanges with kreutz, ints)