Re-living the big game

A minute-by-minute recap of how Super Bowl XLI went down

ROMER BAUTISTA STAFF

I’m sure you have heard about it by now. It was a game that had almost everything, from a torrential downpour, to the first-ever opening kickoff returned for a touchdown, to an Adam Vinatieri missed field goal. And in the end, it was Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts who were able to pull out a 29-17 win over the Chicago Bears. But even though most of you saw all of this firsthand, I still felt it was necessary to keep a running diary, and share with you my thoughts on the event that was Super Bowl XLI. And for those of you wondering, yes this was inspired by Bill Simmons.

5:30 — I’m just sitting down in front of the TV, and it looks like the Colts will be kicking off first. It should be very interesting to see how they handle Devin Hester. If I were coaching, I would definitely avoid him.

5:32 — Wow! I honestly wrote that last entry down prior to that kickand- return. Maybe I should consider becoming a football coach.

5:35 — One of my favourite things about watching football games is seeing the starting lineups being introduced. I think I can safely say that the player introductions that CBS whipped out for this year’s Super Bowl are the best I’ve ever seen.

5:38 — Uh-oh, a Manning interception. This is probably not the way that the Colts envisioned starting the game. I wish I had HDTV so that I could see the hand-marks forming around Manning’s neck.

5:47 — Nice bounce-back drive by the Colts, but how does Reggie Wayne, of all players, get that wide open?

5:48 — After these playoffs, we’re going to know the names of every team’s long snapper and holder.

5:52 — Two fumbles in less than 15 seconds. It doesn’t look like the rain is going to let up any time soon, so whoever adjusts to this weather best probably walks away as the champions.

6:04 — The most under-reported storyline of the entire playoffs has been the difference that Bob Sanders makes for the Colts defence. He is making plays left and right, against the run and against the pass. Without him, I don’t think they even get to the Super Bowl.

6:15 — That had to be one of the most action-packed first quarters in Super Bowl history. I don’t see how the rest of the game can top that.

6:20 — You know what play I hate? The stretch-running play. The chances of it actually working have got to be somewhere around 0.001 per cent.

6:22 — Here comes Vinatieri. You might as well put three points up on the board. This guy is simply automatic in big situations.

6:26 — CBS just showed a replay of Manning on the sidelines yelling at everyone around him. And this was right after the Colts scored a field goal. I’d hate to see Manning’s reaction after his team walks away from a drive with nothing to show for it.

6:32 — The Colts’ offensive line has been man-handling the Bears’ defensive line. The remedy is definitely more Israel Idonije.

6:41 – I think it’s safe to say that the rain is affecting Rex Grossman’s play. At the rate he’s going, I don’t think he’ll be able to complete anything longer then 30 yards out there. That’s going to be crucial, because this Bears offence lives off of the big play.

6:50 — Yup, the rain is really messing with Grossman. There he just went, and fumbled a snap. If this keeps up, it’s going to be a long second half for the Bears.

6:54 — Brian Urlacher is a beast out there. If Hester is the fastest player on the Bears, I think that Urlacher is the second fastest. And yes, I know that Urlacher is a linebacker. That’s what makes him all the more impressive.

6:56 — I think I jinxed Vinatieri earlier when I called him automatic. The way the game has unfolded, it seems like the Colts should be winning by a lot more than just two points.

6:57 — I can’t wait for Prince’s halftime show, even if a nipple shield hasn’t been guaranteed yet.

7:20 — Holy crap, what a great halftime show. After last year’s Rolling Stones’ snorefest, this was a pleasant change.

7:33 — Manning is simply dissecting the Bears defence with these short passes. You’d think that Chicago would wise up and start playing up more, instead of defending the long ball.

7:38 — That was a horrible decision to challenge by coach Dungy. One glance at a replay would have been enough to see that there were only 11 defenders on the field. This game is way too close to be wasting timeouts and challenges like that.

7:47 — It’s going to be very tough for the Bears to make a comeback if they can’t even convert on a second down and one yard to go.

7:53 — That would have been a touchdown if Wayne didn't get in the way. Instead, we get another Vinatieri field goal. The Colts keep squandering points.

8:02 — There goes Grossman’s first attempt downfield, and just like I expected, it was nowhere near target.

8:08 — Marvin Harrisson always seems to make at least one impressive catch a game, and there was that catch. How he gets his two feet down in the most difficult of situations is simply amazing.

8:09 — One quarter left! I can’t believe that the Colts are only winning by five points.

8:14 — It looks like Tank Johnson and the Bears’ defensive line have put their guns away, and are starting to play like the team we saw throughout the regular season. Where was this in the first three quarters, when Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai were running all over them?

8:22 — That was a horrible throw by Grossman. There is no other way to describe it. It’s hard to believe that this guy is a Super Bowl starting quarterback.

8:23 — That was a must-challenge for the Bears, but from the replays, it looks like Kelvin Hayden was able to keep his feet in bounds.

8:25 — The play stands. This one is slipping away from the Bears. I wonder if the idea of replacing Grossman has crossed coach Smith’s mind yet.

8:30 — I think the reason why Grossman avoided the deep ball for three-quarters of the game was spelled out with his last two throws.

8:38 — Ever since the opening kickoff, the Colts have done a terrific job of keeping Hester a non-factor.

8:45 — That dropped pass has just won the Super Bowl for the Colts.

8:47 — The only question now is who wins the MVP award? Hayden, Rhodes, and Manning all have legitimate cases, but I think the front-runner is easily Mr. Rex Grossman.

8:58 — It’s official, the Indianapolis Colts are the Super Bowl champions. Good for coach Dungy. I don’t think there is a head coach more deserving.

9:14 — Here comes the trophy presentation, and not surprisingly, Manning wins the MVP award. I guess it’s a fitting end to such a storybook year for Manning and the Colts. I, personally, would have given it to Rhodes.

9:16 — That’s the season folks. No more meaningful football until September. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to go and drown my sorrows in a bottle of rye.