Jan. 29, 2007

While sports sections will focus on the stories of quarterbacks Rex Grossman and Peyton Manning and skilled players like Marvin Harrison and Brian Urlacher, UD kicker Matt Swartz gives a quick insight into the unsung heroes of the upcoming Super Bowl.

Chicago Bears
Devin Hester
As the Super Bowl nears how could Devin Hester not be mentioned in the mix of potential heroes? Hester stepped up into the NFL spotlight early in his career as a return specialist leading to a special teams Pro Bowl selection in his rookie season. With his consistent threat to break the big play on specials teams, Hester looks to give the Bears the field position advantage when facing the Colts coverage team that is one of the worst in the league. Let's not forget that this Super Bowl will be a homecoming for Hester, in that he is a native of Florida and actually played his college ball in Miami. Look for Hester to be a great influence on special teams and the difference maker if not contained.

Robbie Gould
Gould, the Bears young place kicker, had a ridiculous year, making 32 of 36 kicks. As one of the Bears Pro Bowl selections, Gould has developed into one of the Bears major offensive threats. Some will argue that Gould has yet to gain that big game experience, which will certainly be tested Sunday. Gould has been clutch this entire season and will definitely be a potential star with his kicks in the Super Bowl.

Olin Kreutz
Kreutz stands as the only lineman among the outstanding offensive line of the Chicago Bears named to this year's Pro Bowl. Kreutz will have to anchor the offensive line's attempts to keep the pressure off of quarterback Rex Grossman. Grossman has got himself into trouble when pressure has been applied all year and Kreutz will have to lead the line in keep off the pressure if Grossman is to stay out of trouble. If the Bears are going to expect to have a successful offensive Super Bowl, it will be centered on Kreutz.

Indianapolis Colts
Adam Vinatieri
Mr. Clutch himself, the Colts' kicker, Adam Vinatieri. Making 25 of 28 field goal attempts this year, Vinatieri remains one of the most consistent kickers in the game. When one thinks of kickers who have made an impact in Super Bowls Vinatieri has to be the guy everyone thinks of. Vinatieri has basically been responsible for winning the Patriots three Super Bowls himself while making more than 20 game-winning kicks throughout his career. He is totally money in any kick that yields any pressure. So come Sunday, if the game rests of the shoulders of Vinatieri, hopefully, you are a Colts fan because that game is over.

Reggie Wayne
When one thinks of the best Colts receiver, one has to think of Marvin Harrison. But let's not forget the man that aids to the great success of Harrison and Manning, Reggie Wayne. Wayne received for over 1,300 yards this season and recorded nine touchdowns while standing in the shadow of the duo of Harrison and Manning. Wayne takes the Bears' ability to key on Harrison away by giving the Colts one of the best number two receivers in the game. The Colts will air it out often Sunday and look for Wayne to play a huge role if the Bears look to focus on Harrison.

Hunter Smith
Hunter Smith is a name not mentioned often during a Colts game because of the explosive Indianapolis offense. Hunter the Punter will indefinitely play a key role if the Colts are to be victorious. With Chicago's strong defense, extraordinary return specialist in Devin Hester, and Indianapolis' weak coverage team, expect Smith to have a great deal of pressure put on him with his punts this Sunday. Holding a season average of 44.4 yards a punt, Smith will face his biggest challenge this Sunday in a game that special teams and field position will play a huge role. If Smith thrives in the pressure this weekend expect Chicago to have a difficult time finding the end zone.