GarageGabs

Today, we continue with part 2 of our 5 part series dedicated to the Super Bowl.  Yesterday, we took a look at the venue.   Today, we look at another phase of the game that could create an advantage.  Special Teams.

I’m just gonna go ahead and get this outta the way.  The Bears have a HUGE advantage on special teams thanks to the return capabilities of Devin Hester, and the inability of the Colts to cover kicks.

The Colts are a lot of things.  Good on special teams isn’t one of them.  Only the 49ers (13.2) allowed more yards per punt return than the Colts (13.1).  Luckily, the Colts punted  a league low 47 times, which sorta helped negate this problem area.  The Colts kickoff team was another story.  They were 3rd last in the league, allowing 26 yards per return, and allowed 2 return TD’s.

Add Devin Hester to the mix and you’ve got major, major problems.  Obviously, the Colts will probably attempt to punt the ball away from Hester, when and if they punt.  However, they can’t just “kick the ball out of bounds” as Dr. H suggests, and give the Bears the ball at the 35 yard line.  They’ll have to kick away, and take their chances with Hester.  Remember, the Colts allowed the Patriots Ellis Hobbs to murder them on kick returns….6 for 220 yards.  If they haven’t devised a scheme to stop Hester…look out.  If Hester or Rashied Davis give the Bears good field position, Rex Grossman’s job would become a LOT easier.

It is also worth mentioning that the Colts have a very capable returner of their own in Terrence Wilkins.  I’m honestly not sure where the hell he’s been since 2003, but he returned to the NFL this season and has been better than capable returning both punts and kickoffs for the Colts.  A guy like Wilkins would make the perfect Super Bowl hero, as in nobody would be expecting it.  The Bears cover game on kickoffs is top notch and they are fair at covering punts.  It is not out of the realm of reality that Wilkins pop a big one.

As for the actual kickers, you’ve got two of the leagues best in Gould and Vinatieri.  I’ll give a slight edge to Vinatieri based on him being clutch and past Super Bowl Experience.

The slight edge from Vinatieri isn’t enough to push the Colts over the top in the Special category.  Devin Hester going against the Colts special teams is just too lopsided.  It is important to remember that the Colts could completely negate Hester as a punt returner by simply not punting.  Who knows, maybe they move the ball so well that they end up punting a limited amount of time.  However, if they score, they’ve got to kickoff…and they’ve got to score to win.  Hester makes the Bears more than just a one trick pony (defense).

The Bears win for the 2nd day in a row, putting them up 2-0.  Tomorrow we take a look at another X-factor.

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