Super Bowl XLI

The Super Bowl, a massive spectacle that represents so many things that this column is all about. Celebrating everything that is good about sports and all the passion that comes along with it. So while the Super Bowl has slowly turn from more than just a game to a show over the years, it is still symbolizes America’s love of coming together. Millions of people gathering around the television, with loads of snacks in hands, to spend quality time watching a football game.
Super Bowl XLI was one to remember for several reasons. Peyton finally getting there and then winning. The first Super Bowl ever to be drenched by rain. The first black coaches and numerous crazy turnovers.
Like him not, Peyton Manning has been one of the best quarterbacks of his generation. If you disagree with this, then maybe you should check your sports marbles. He deserved this more than anybody else. He has been the league for nearly ten years and represents everything the league wants to show. A classy guy who plays hard and is a great leader that has played great football. We should also all be happy that we can put an end to the conversation about him being a great one never to win the big one. He has got his ring and don’t be surprised to see if he winds up with several more. Now the conversation can switch, if he wins multiple titles, is he the greatest ever? A conversation for another day.
Kudos as well to Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith being the first black coaches at the Super Bowl. It couldn’t have happened to two better men. Another victory in the equal rights battle, that yes, is being won.
Did anyone else have déjà vu from the college national championship game after Devin Hester took the opening kickoff back for a touchdown? We can all see special teams coaches around the country telling their guy to fall down at the five yard line right before the game. Anyway, Hester has been pretty special this year and he showed it again last night. Don’t be surprised next year though if he has a bit of let down. With months of filming watching ahead, those zany NFL coaches find flaws in everybody. Rarely do people get fooled twice in pro football.
Turnovers seemed to the persistent theme in the first half. You can forgive the Colts to extend with their lack of experience in those conditions but Bears performance was inexcusable. It almost seemed too perfect for Chicago with the powerful offenses they love to go against and sloppy conditions but they looked uncomfortable at best. They have to know that they missed their chance when chance was in their favor. And of course after Rex Grossman’s performance we get to sludge through an entire off season of tiring rumors. Speaking of poor performances, whose idea was it to get Prince for a halftime show. Their should be rule about what kind of genres can be performed. Fewer guys wearing purple suits and make-up and more traditional football rock such as AC/DC.
It’s incredibly ironic, but the Colts won their long awaited Super Bowl playing uncharacteristic football. Their offense never played great, but they played good when it matter most which a big sign of a quality offense, and their defense played lights out. What a difference Bob Sanders makes. Indianapolis finally made the transition from exciting football to winning football. They were undoubtedly the best team in the playoffs and deserved Super Bowl winners.
So another season is over and that means its time to clean up the pop cans and potato chip bags. Yes, the next game isn’t for eight months, but don’t get too depressed, the NFL Draft is right around the corner.