GarageGabs

17 Catches for 281 yards.  Those are the numbers for the Colts leading receiver in the playoffs.  Marvin Harrison?  Nope.  Oh, ok Reggie Wayne.  Nah, still wrong.  Dallas Clark?  Yep, Dallas Clark has emerged as Manning’s go to man during the Colts Super Bowl push.

Clark had a bit of a down season this year, catching 30 balls for 367 yards and 4 TD while missing 4 games.  Despite those numbers, Clark has been THE MAN for the Colts during the playoffs.  Clark has exhibited an ability to get open, just behind the linebackers and catch Manning bullets in stride, often times in open field.  He also has the unique ability to line up wide, creating match up problems.  Of course, the Bears special set of linebackers will create a challenge for Clark, but he is definitely a clutch performer.  Combine Clark’s emergence with an inexperienced set of Bears safeties and you might have trouble for the Bears.  If Clark can find himself behind the linebackers while the safeties are cheating to the outside, big play opportunities abound.  Dallas Clark isn’t exactly a household name, but he’d become one if he picked up over 100 yards and a TD.  The Colts also have strong depth at tight end with Ben Utecht (37-377) and Bryan Fletcher (18-202-2).  Manning has shown confidence to throw to all three of these guys in any situation.

It would be wrong to act like the Bears didn’t have a solid tight end themselves.  In fact, Desmond Clark’s regular season numbers (45-626-6) dwarf those of Dallas Clark and Desmond was tied for the Bears lead in receiving TD’s.  However, Clark has a knack for being a bit of a hit or miss type guy.  Twice this season he caught 2 TD’s in game, but 5 times (including playoffs) he had just one catch.  It is worth mentioning that Desmond Clark is a very solid blocker as well, and does a nice job helping out with the Bears rush attack.  The other Bears tight ends, John Gilmore and Gabe Reid are not often involved in the passing game.

I know, I know.  You’re thinking that I have to dig this deep to find a Colts advantage?  Well, no I don’t, but the object of this series was to hit on some factors that aren’t in the forefront.  Things like “Manning is better than Grossman” are just too easy.  I believe Dallas Clark could be an x-factor for the Colts on Sunday, and I believe his match up gives the Colts an obvious advantage in this area.

That’s a win for the Colts, making things 2-1 in favor of the Bears.

If you get a chance, check out “Bear vs. Colt” and vote on who you want to win.

Venue: Bears

Special Teams: Bears

Tight Ends: Colts