Water Cooler Chat: Peyton Manning's Going to DisneyWorld (Indianapolis Colts over Chicago Bears 29-17)
Well, it wasn’t the best game or the worst game in Super Bowl history, but at least fans can rest well knowing that Peyton Manning is now “officially” one of the greatest quarterbacks ever. He led his Colts to a 29-17 win and garnered the MVP award.
The only really memorable moment of the game occurred in the first few seconds. On the initial kickoff, the Chicago Bears’ return specialist Devin Hester, ran downfield for 92 yards and made football history. This was the first opening kickoff return for a touchdown in Super Bowl history. Looking at Peyton Manning’s expression after this play just killed me. Everyone talked about special teams being the difference in the game, and this was exactly what wasn’t supposed to happen (particularly so early in the game). Then, to make things worse, Manning threw an interception in the next series. Fortunately for Peyton, he kept his cool and in the next series, marched his team downfield and threw a perfect pass to a wide open Reggie Wayne for a touchdown.
Then things got ugly; there were six turnovers in the first half alone. I was beginning to think this would be a repeat of Super Bowl V (Stumble Bowl, Stupor Bowl) which featured the Baltimore Colts against the Dallas Cowboys and was widely considered one of the worst games ever with six interceptions, six fumbles and one blocked field goal.
Fortunately, it wasn't the worst game -- just a sloppy one. If it wasn’t for Peyton Manning’s leadership under pressure and the Colts’ running game led by Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes, the outcome of the game could have been much different.
As far as the Bears, well, their defense never really showed up (not like they were supposed to anyway). Brian Urlacher (their star linebacker and for all intents and purposes, the leader of their team) seemed to have been neutralized all game. The Bears’ QB, Rex Grossman gave an expectedly disappointing performance. He wasn’t the entire reason they lost, but there is a big difference between the leadership style, confidence and performance under pressure of Grossman vs. Manning.
For me, the most disappointing part of the Super Bowl was the commercials. I don’t know about you, but all I kept thinking was, "This is the best $2.6 million has to offer?" Although with that said, I laughed hysterically at the Oprah/Letterman piece promoting The Late Show. I was caught completely by surprise when Oprah said, “Honey, don’t talk with your mouth full.” In case you haven’t been following, Oprah and Letterman have been embroiled in a very public feud.
The most brilliant advertiser though, goes to Nationwide Insurance. With all of the hoopla and controversy surrounding the K-Fed commercial, they certainly got their money’s worth. I don’t know if they planned it, but if it wasn’t for the restaurant association’s complaint about the commercial beforehand, I would never in a million years have tuned in. As soon as I saw K-Fed’s ugly mug, I would have gladly walked out of the room to refresh my drink or use the bathroom. But after so much hype, I (like every other human on this planet) had to see what all the fuss was about…which was truly nothing. And, what’s so funny about the Budweiser crabs carrying the cooler away? Personally, I didn’t love the Career Builder ads either (I much preferred the old chimps). I’d love to hear your opinions. What were your favs or disappointments?
After all was said and done, the highlight of the game (other than watching Prince’s brilliant halftime show) was watching the post game celebration. Indy coach Tony Dungy bear-hugged his pal, Bears’ coach Lovie Smith, and Peyton Manning humbly shook hands with his opponents and hugged his teammates. The whole scene brought a huge smile to my face. We didn’t see any taunting or showboating, but instead we witnessed two classy coaches and two classy teams capping off a tremendously exciting and entertaining football season.
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I liked the Rock, Paper, Scissors commercial by Budweiser Beer my second favorite was the Oprah-Letterman. This Superbowl proved to me that my team should have one the big one last year because they LET THEM PLAY THE GAME last year, my team was robbed!!!!!
I thought both teams had a chance for the win, but when Benson got injured the Bears were at a disadvantage, especially when they had to start from their own end zone. They just didn't have the bulldozer running back, and it forced Grossman to pass, exactly what the Colts were hoping for.
As for commericals, my favorite was an emotional Super Bowl ad right at the beginning of the game, with family members of NFL players saying "he's playing for me!" etc.
These folks weren't supermodels or belching frogs, and in my opinion the authenticity broke through the self-promotion.
Here's my big beef -- did you catch Kelvin Hayden in the post game interview where he said a Tiki Barber "Cadillac" commerical inspired his dream that he was going to run an INT in for a score?! If I'm not mistaken, this is some sneaky product placement! I know he wasn't voted MVP, but does Hayden get a free Escalade for saying that?
The game was so dull, even if Peyton Manning was in it. The best part was Billy Joel singing the National Anthem. I hated Prince in the half-time show.
The best commercials were all the Budweiser commercials. They always have great ones, and this year was no different.
I actually enjoyed the game. The turnovers while sloppy made it interesting. So happy for Peyton. My favorite commercial was the bud light commercial with the ax and chainsaw.
OMG..The Bears Lost... The Only Reason I Cheered For The Colts Half The time Was Because Of Peyton Manning...Other Wise...Bears All The Way...Everyone Loves The Bears I Mean Who Cant Resist Them They Rock!!!
last minute reading of football 101 proved to be a good thing...
woohoo colts!!!
thank you
Just got back from Super Bowl Weekend! What fun! Ok, how great was the first play of the game? Unbelievable! After I got totally drenched in the rain, I took my little female fan butt into the hall with tons of fellow fans and drank beers and watched the game on the TV and would run back to my seats after I would dry off! I think I should summarize my weekend of partying and being drenched in the rain by saying....I SURVIVED SUPERBOWL 2007!
Great job Betsy with your Super Bowl Updates and tips!
Tami, You are a rock star for braving the elements and surviving the game!
The homo-erotic turned declaration of manhood Snickers commercial was so hilarious.
We got a kick out of the enlarged silhouette of Prince thrusting his phallic guitar behind the flowing curtains too.
Thank God Peyton/Colts won the Super Bowl since the NFL picked him to be their poster child in all of his commercials!
I was at the Super Bowl and there was 90% Bears fans and 10% Colts. So strange! A lot of long faces after the game I will tell you that! Maybe next time Bears!
Wow, my mistake...Peyton isn't going to DisneyWorld. Apparently, his managers did not accept the deal so Disney picked Tony Dungy and Dominic Rhodes (who probably deserved at least co-MVP honors with Peyton).
According to rankopedia, Manning is only the 6th greatest quarterback ever. Marino is firmly in the lead but Manning will play for many more years.
DO you really think Prince was good? I thought he was an over the hill "putz" Really, why did he need those two chicks to do their gymnastics while he was making an attempt to sing. The only interesting thing was why his guitar did not explode in the rain.
Stupid to play a game in the rain....Why didn't the NFL choose a city that had a dome stadium. Frankly, all the big guys wanted was a party town. It was a shame to have to play the most important game of the year in other than first rate conditions.
Usually the weather in Miami is gorgeous that time of year and it is a great place to have a good time.
But not a bad idea to have Super Bowl in a Dome every year!
Prince was good, he is just strange!
Did that really happen with Kevin Hayden? That is very strange.
Brenda, Here is a report on the Kelvin Hayden "Cadillac" plug --http://www.aolsportsblog.com/2007/02/05/kelvin-hayden-says-tiki-barber-inspired-him/#comments.
The reporter did not pick up on the product placement angle, but I still don't think I'm off the mark about it.
Great game, bad commercials. Not sure I'm supposed to do this, but my family and I started the Superbowl an hour and a half late (went on a hike) so we can watch the game and skip the dumb commercials. Good call. The game was great, Peyton was great, Urlacher was great but the commercials blew and so did Prince. "Let's go crazy?" Sure, if you're an octogenarian in a rest home -- the guy showed about as much life as a coma patient on life support. No moves, just his tiny munchkin body and his little-bitty guitar. Back to the game -- super exciting first half and you couldn't ask for a better opening with the Bears scoring on the kick off. I was thinking blowout (49ers vs. the Bolts), but Peyton and company came back. Fitting career topper for a classy guy and a very classy coach. Loved the column all year Betsy -- so are you going to cover recruiting next? Maybe baseball? Please, whatever you do, don't cover soccer -- only Europeans can turn back evolution by forgetting we have opposable thumbs for HOLDING things
So sad to see the season end. All we have left is the Pro Bowl, and the only story there is that it's REALLY Tiki Barber's last game.
I wil try to feed the offseason hunger by keeping up with the scouting combines and draft. Heck, I may even attend an Arena Football Game, but part of what makes the NFL so great is all the personalities we get to know over the seasons, and I don't have the same feel or reference point for the AFL or NFL Europe.
Jordan -- I agree, this site could help bridge the gap.
You should cover all sports now! THis really helps my social life! Being single and even knowing a handful of football knowlege has definately increased my dating ratio!
Thanks for football.
I agree with Lea -- all sports would be great... except Soccer. Hard to respect a guy who uses his head as a weapon (Zidane), when he has arms and oh my gosh, look at those little things on the ends... fingers. Besides the pro bowl, all I can think about right now is women's college hoops (especially UCLA), even though this year is not turning out so hot for the lady Bruins.
I third the motion on all sports...I am a HUUUGE hockey fan, and busting with the news that I met (and have a picture and autograph of) Brendan Shanahan over the weekend. And I have no one to tell! Hockey doesn't get as much press as the other sports do...this was a great blog to read for football season though. Kudos!
Betsy, your summary was perfect on Super Bowl. Being a Chicago based resident, I thought the Colts simply outsmarted the Bears. As one of the key Colts players said their goal was to make the Bears "one-dimesional" and the Colts did just that. The Bears rushing game was shut down when Benson fumbled and was later injured. The tide just sort of turned in favor the Colts. The Bears still had a chance at 14-22 even though their defensive team were on the field most of game. You could just see Bears getting weiry and tired. Poor Urlacher. I truly felt so bad because Rex just did not step up his game. He is either outstanding or horrible!
On another note, having went to SuperBowl for the first time. It is truly a party zone leading up to the coveted event. I saw all kinds of movie and music stars. I am not one for star gazing but it was astonishing how many of them come out for this, from Demi Moore, to Ludicrous the Rapper. It was a trip.
Also, I do not care what anybody says, Prince is the man. I love Prince!
yes, newengland can be beaten, they have vulnerabilities, and it can be exploited. yes...some people just succumb to their biases and lose all objectivity. this is a football game, everything has to have a factual basis. for example: some article calling dungy and manning classy. excuse me? that is ridiculous! everybody knows brady has the leaner abs/tummy than manning! who's got the chin, the posture, the shy looks, and hair? not manning, it's brady! who's even got the european girlfriend. is it manning? NO! it's brady!...who's got another european girlfriend. is it manning? NO its brady! who's in the cover of GQ? manning? NO! it's brady again. manning is just another commercial endorser with a big belly and cheap one liners - ergo CLASSLESS. brady on the other hand is a model, A MODEL! ergo CLASSY! Just look at him every time he gives an interview. He's fashionable! he's stunning! he's adorable.!!! *&^%$#
and manning? he's like a car salesman - he'd endorse almost anything! i'm not even going to talk about dungy - just hearing the name frightens me. while BELICHICK on the other hand sounds more smooth, professional, elite, like...like a really old fine wine. BELICHICK, Ahhhhhhh... i'm sorry i'm just trying to be objective and factual