On the first Super Bowl visited by rain, the Colts' (vaunted) offense broke even with the Bears' (equally vaunted) defense. 'I've never bought into that.'Įach time the question was repeated, Manning's answer was the same: team. 'I've never played that card,' Manning said, wincing as though he had tasted something bitter. Afterward, he deflected at least a half-dozen attempts to elicit a comment about the perception - after a series of playoff losses - that he is now a winner.
Manning, who completed 25 of 38 passes for 247 yards and one touchdown and threw one interception, was named the game's MVP. Much-maligned Grossman will be savaged even more after throwing a fourth-quarter interception to defensive back Kelvin Hayden that was returned 56 yards for the game-changing touchdown. The Colts prevailed over the Bears 29-17 on Sunday, but Manning would be wise to send a thank-you note to Chicago quarterback Rex Grossman. MVP Peyton Manning joined the list of quarterbacks who were drafted first overall to win the Super Bowl in their first appearance.
