It is obviously no secret that the Indianapolis Colts have stopped some lethal rushing offenses this postseason. The Chiefs, Ravens and Patriots are no slouches when it comes to running the ball. And they're all at home right now.
The Bears are well aware of that. But, in the end, Chicago coach Lovie Smith will have had 14 days to prepare a new attack, a new scheme, a new system that Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson can carry out during Super Bowl XLI Sunday in Miami. Bet on the Chicago Bears +6.5 at WagerWeb.com!
Chances are; he'll find the right mix. "It's very effective," Jones said of the Bears' 1-2 punch. "We have different running styles." And, indeed, it has worked well in the postseason. But the Saints and Seahawks are hardly stout when it comes to stopping the run, and both of those Bears' victories came in the comforts of Soldier Field.
It's hard to imagine this, but the Colts of all teams, at a neutral site in Miami, figure to test that running game a whole lot more than those two NFC teams did. That's one of the reasons why Indianapolis is -6.5 on WagerWeb.com.
"Every game," Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher said, "people find something wrong with our team."
It's hard to include the running game in that recipe, though. Benson is a brutal change of pace, a bruiser in every sense of the word. Jones, with wrestler's biceps, can also bang with the big boys, but don't let him outside, either, or it'll be a long day, no matter how hot the Colts are.
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"The offensive line has done a great job of saving me," Jones said, "and getting Cedric Benson to run." And all they need now is one more effort and the Bears will again be doing the Super Bowl Shuffle. "We've been doing a good job all year long," Bears defensive end Adewale Ogunleye said, "and have been finding ways to win." Let's see if the karma continues.
Jaguars' Coaching Changes Continue: Former Vikings coach Mike Tice, who was the assistant head coach in Jacksonville last season, will also be the tight ends coach next season as the Jaguars look to get back to the postseason for the second time in three years.
With former Arizona State coach Dirk Koetter running the offense, former Alabama coach Mike Shula running the quarterbacks, and Tice with the tight ends; you have an awful lot of experience on the offensive side of the ball for Coach Jack Del Rio. Of course, none of those guys has truly ever distinguished himself in a critical spot, but at least the pieces are in place for the Jaguars.
Extra Points: Falcons wide receiver Ashley Lelie's run in Atlanta appears over after one year. He voided the final year of his contract and stands to be a free agent … Jets running back Curtis Martin is all but retired but an announcement, and an official ceremony, won't come until next season. Canton awaits.
