// BEGIN editorial data var i = 0; var spt_superbowl_matchups_06 = new Array(); spt_superbowl_matchups_06.ID = "spt_superbowl_matchups_06"; spt_superbowl_matchups_06.ID_WB = 10990104; spt_superbowl_matchups_06.sPubDate = "1/31/2007 10:27:31 PM GMT"; spt_superbowl_matchups_06.navsectionID = "123" spt_superbowl_matchups_06.appFmt = 0; spt_superbowl_matchups_06.itemsPerPage = 1; spt_superbowl_matchups_06.appWidth = 200; spt_superbowl_matchups_06.appNavStyle = 0; spt_superbowl_matchups_06.bPrintable = 0; spt_superbowl_matchups_06.appLayout = 1; spt_superbowl_matchups_06.copyHeight = 303; spt_superbowl_matchups_06.copyMargin = 4; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "For the nitty gritty on the Super Bowl on Feb. 4, MSNBC.com contributor Bill Williamson breaks down the starters for the Bears and Colts.
Click on a player for analysis of how each will impact the game."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Bears Offense","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Bernard Berrian","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "80 , WR

In his third season, Berrian has developed into a capable receiver. He had 51 catches, averaged 15.2 yards per catch and had six touchdowns. Berrian is not special, but is fast enough to make plays against the Colts."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","John Tait","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "76 , LT

A strong anchor for an underappreciated line. A former first-round pick, Tait is massive at 6-6, 315. The Bears paid big money to get him in 2004 from Kansas City and it has paid off."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Ruben Brown","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "74 , LG

In his 12th season, Brown is a strong, clam player who teams well with Kreutz. In his third season in Chicago, Brown has made this line better."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Olin Kreutz","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "57 , C

One of the best players at his position and could be a Hall of Famer. Kreutz is tough, mean and a team leader. The offense starts with him."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Roberto Garza","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "63 , RG

An athletic player who is solid in run blocking situation."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Fred Miller","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "69 , RT

Now in his 11th season, Miller is a mauler. A tough guy who has one Super Bowl ring, earned with the Rams in 1999."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Desmond Clark","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "88 , TE

An underrated weapon. Clark is a winner and makes big plays. He averaged 13.9 yards per catch. Tough task for the Colts."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Muhsin Muhammad ","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "87 , WR

In his 11th season, Muhammad is clearly on the downside his career, but still decent. He is Grossman’s favorite target and the two are close friends and have a comfort level, which could set the tone early."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Rex Grossman","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "8 , QB

Let’s face it, Grossman may become the least accomplished quarterback to reach a Super Bowl in recent memory. Baltimore’s Trent Dilfer wasn’t a star, but he didn’t make mistakes. Rex can’t say that. If the Bears need Grossman in the fourth quarter to make the big play, they may be in trouble."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Jason McKie","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "37 , FB

Journeyman player who is in on blocking situations. The Bears also like to use big tailback Cedric Benson, so McKie’s time can be limited, which is often the case in the NFL for fullbacks."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Thomas Jones","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "20 , RB

Tough, underrated runner who can keep the Bears in the game against the beatable Indianapolis run defense. Jones can cut through defenses and has big-play capabilities."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Bears defense","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Adewale Ogunleye","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "93 , DE

His sacks numbers were down as he had just 6.5 sacks this season after compiling 39 in the past four years. But Ogunleye is still a pass-rushing force."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Alfonso Boone","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "70 , DT

Six-season veteran backup is now starting because star Tommie Harris is out for the year. Watch for the Colts to try to attack Boone’s side in the run game."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Tank Johnson ","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "99 , DT

He’ll be a focal point of the Super Bowl hype because of his legal issues. But on the field, Johnson is a force. He is strong against the run and is big, nasty player."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Alex Brown","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "96 , DE

A worker and decent player. He had seven sacks this season."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Hunter Hillenmeyer","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "92 , LB

A journeyman who is far and away the third of the Bears’ three linebackers."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Brian Urlacher","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "54 , LB

The Peyton Manning of the Bears. He is a superstar and the world will finally see him in a Super Bowl. Urlacher is simply a great player who leads a hurt, but still solid defense."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Lance Briggs","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "55 , LB

Not as good as Urlacher, but Briggs is a big-time player in his own right. He can tackle and is very fast.

"; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Charles Tillman ","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "33 , CB

The man they call “Peanut” is a very nice player. He loves to talk and he backs it up with his big-play ability. He will likely be on both Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Nathan Vasher","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "31 , CB

He had three interceptions this season, but he has 16 in his career. He can hang with the Colts receivers."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Danieal Manning","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "38 , FS

The second-round pick out of little Abilene Christian has started since the third week of the season. The Colts will try to work this rookie deep."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Chris Harris","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "46 , SS

The Bears miss star Mike Brown, who has been out since October. Harris is decent, but he and Manning are two young defenders that Peyton Manning may try to exploit."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Colts offense","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Reggie Wayne","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "87 , WR

In his sixth season, Wayne is emerging into a superstar. Like Harrison, he is a 1,300-yard receiver. At this point, he may be even more potent that Harrison."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Tarik Glenn","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "78 , LT

Along with Saturday, Glenn anchors this line. He is talented, big and nasty. A very strong player."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Ryan Lilja","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "65 , LG

In his third season, Lilja is like Saturday. He was cut by Kansas City after not being drafted. Yet, he has found a way to become a standout in Indy."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Jeff Saturday","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "63 , C

The anchor of this line. A self-made player who is now considered one of the best at his position. He was undrafted and then cut by Baltimore before finding a home in Indianapolis."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Jake Scott","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "73 , RG

In his third season, Scott has started since his rookie year. He fits in well in this strong unit."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Ryan Diem","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "71 , RT

Very big at 6-6, 31. He is a very good protector in both run and pass situations."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Dallas Clark","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "44 , TE

Very big part of what the Colts do offensively. Manning loves him. When it’s third down watch for Clark -- he excels."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Ben Utecht ","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "86 , HB

He often plays in favor of the fullback. Utecht has nice hands and fits in decently in the Colts’ varied and complex defense."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Joseph Addai","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "33 , RB

The first-round pick from LSU scored the winning touchdown in the AFC championship game. Addai was picked to take over for Edgerrin James and he has done a nice job. He is fast and tough and fits in well."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Peyton Manning ","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "18 , QB

What can you say? This is the NFL’s best player. It will be interesting to see how Manning reacts to his first Super Bowl experience. He has been uneven in the postseason, but expect Manning to seize the moment."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Marvin Harrison","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "88 , WR

A future hall of famer who has a great on-field relationship with Manning. The Patriots took him out of the title game and the Bears will try to do the same, but Harrison will do some damage."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Colts defense","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Robert Mathis","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "98 , DE

He’s is not as publicized as Freeney, but Mathis is a strong pass rusher himself. He had 9.5 sacks this season and 31.5 sacks in the past three seasons. He’ll be in Grossman’s face often."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Anthony McFarland ","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "92 , DT

With Corey Simon out, the team picked up McFarland from Tampa Bay during the season. The player they called “Booger” played for Tony Dungy in Tampa Bay. He is decent but not at the top of his game."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Raheem Brock ","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "79 , DT

Along with the front four, he has played better in the playoffs. But this journeyman was part of the Colts’ run stopping issues during the season."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Dwight Freeney","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "93 , DE

His numbers wee way down this season. He had just 5.5 sacks after gobbling up 51 in the previous four seasons. Freeney had just 29 tackles this season. This is still a great talent but he’s had a sub-par season.

"; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Rob Morris ","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "94 , LB

His NFL production hasn’t much what he accomplished at BYU. But Morris is a hard working plugger."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Gary Brackett","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "58 , LB

Despite being just 5-11, 230, Brackett has developed into a strong player. Out of Rutgers, Brackett, 26, has become a very reliable tackler. He has 247 tackles in the past two seasons."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Cato June","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "59 , LB

He is a nice fit with Brackett. He is a big-play guy who had 142 tackles this season. He always comes up with the big play and will playa big role in stopping the Bears’ running game."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Nick Harper","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "25 , CB

A decent cornerback, but not an elite player. Still, Harper is smart and should be able to hang with the Bears’ decent but not great receivers."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Bob Sanders","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "21 , FS

A small, but great player. Sanders missed 12 games in the regular season. However, his presence in the playoffs made the Colts dramatically better defensively, particularly against the run. He is a major reason why the Colts are favored.

"; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Antoine Bethea ","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "41 , SS

The rookie has started all season. He is a sixth-round pick from Howard who is showing great promise."; spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i++] = new Array("","Jason David","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_superbowl_matchups_06[i-1].body = "42 , CB

He is a confident, strong-minded player. But at 5-8, David has trouble sometimes. He could have issues dealing with the Bears’ 6-2 Mushin Muhammad."; // END editorial data