http://www.sportingnews.c...p?t=172748

A Prince-ly preview of Super Bowl 41
January 30, 2007


When you think professional football, of course you think of a 5-2 falsetto-voiced rock star who once was known as an unpronounceable androgynous symbol. But as the NFL gives props to Prince in its biggest game, some of his greatest hits strangely give us great insight into what we can expect from the rest of Super Bowl 41:

7: The Colts have had trouble scoring touchdowns in the early parts of their playoff games. To put the Bears away, they can't afford to settle for threes instead of sevens. If the Bears' red zone defense struggles early, their offense won't be able to compensate.

1999: It was the year the Colts' current prolific offense first came to life, Peyton Manning's second full season in the league. That's been the blueprint for making them consistently one of the AFC's elite teams, and they finally broke through for the Super Bowl everyone thought they would reach seven years ago.

Controversy: While Prince himself has stirred up plenty of it in the past, let's hope the guys in Black and White don't cause any in this game. Last year's Super Bowl officiating was uneven, prompting Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren to complain about "playing against the guys in the striped shirts as well." If we don't remember the identities of the zebras, then all will be Super again.

Let's Go Crazy. How will the Bears react to Manning's audible madness? They need to stay disciplined, read their keys and fly to the ball. If they get frantic and out of position in their cover 2 zone, No. 18 will pick them apart underneath.

Pop Life. Brian Urlacher and the rest of the Bears' physical defense needs to pop the Colts' receivers as much as possible, keeping them from making a living in the middle of the field.

Sign "O" the Times. What the Giants did in Super Bowl 25 needs to be in the minds of the Bears -- if they control the ball and win time of possession with their running game, it's a good sign that they will win the game, too.

Thieves of the Temple. Another Bears key: Steal that ball. And keep the Colts from raiding Rex Grossman.

I Would (Addai) 4 U. So much for the rookie wall. Splitting time with Dominic Rhodes has kept Addai fresh all season, and he's fresh off scoring what may hold up as the most important touchdown he'll ever score in what should be a nice NFL career. With what he can do in both the running and passing games, here's your sleeper MVP, folks.

Little Red Corvette. It's one of the few classic vehicles that isn't in Bears running back Thomas Jones' garage, but wouldn't you rather have his latest addition, that sweet orange Ferrari? You can bet Jones himself, once considered a first-round lemon in Arizona, will have the drive to continue a great postseason against the Colts' still-vulnerable run defense.

Nothing Compares 2 U. The 2006 Bears will never be as good as the 1985 Bears. If the current edition takes on the added pressure of trying to live up to Chicago's all-time favorite team, they will fold easily to Indianapolis' currently favored team.

Kiss. When Michael Jordan finally dispatched his conference nemesis, the Pistons, on his way to leading the Bulls to the first of six NBA finals, no one can forget his smooch of the trophy. Will be it another Chicago team who tastes a bit of the Lombardi, or will Manning, after finally dispatching his conference nemesis, the Patriots, have the chance for a similar emotional buss?

When Doves Cry and Purple Rain: Oh, these are just two of my favorite songs. Consider these my long-distance halftime requests, your Purple Highness.

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This is great! Thanks for posting!

Cool read!

Everyone's catching Prince-mania! I'm loving it!

When Doves Cry and Purple Rain?

I wonder which team Prince likes the best?!

wlcm2thdwn said:

Of course the average US football fan still wonders what side Prince plays for

Sticky now up: http://www.prince.org/msg/7/216311