Thoughts From Super Bowl XLI

I wonder if Dan Marino is happy this morning? Why would he be happy you ask? Because now every time Manning's name comes up in the playoffs, the line of thought won't go straight to "he's this generation's Dan Marino - huge numbers - no Super Bowl ring". Makes sense I guess, although misery loves company. Maybe Marino wanted...needed....another big-time QB to share that distinction with. It's hard to read Marino to see how he really feels about it, but wouldn't it be hysterical if he was really like the reclusive kicker from Ace Ventura - Pet Detective? That he can't get on with his life because it bothers him so much. Funnier yet that it was Marino that the kicker kidnapped because he didn't put the "laces out" on the kick. Oh well, and why do I care about Marino this morning...because I could care less about the Super Bowl this year. Sloppy weather made for sloppy play - I can't remember one play really except for the Marvin Harrison toe catch and Hester's return. Without all the turnovers, it was a pretty unremarkable game to watch unless you're a Colt's or Bear's fan. We all knew Rex Grossman was inconsistent and potentially the least talented QB to every play in the big game. If the Bears were going to win - it would have to be on defense and they came up small. Manning ate them up underneath and Rhodes and Addai looked like they were running against the early season Colt's defense. The Bears were on defense the entire game. They couldn't get off the field or convert a 3rd down on offense. Other than that - what's there to say? One thing I found a little odd was Manning's reaction to the win. Michael Jordon used to jump on tables and raise his fists in the air. Tiger Woods has the fist pump. Manning looked like a zombie to me. I'm not even sure as time ran out that I saw him smile. As he walked across the filed nodding and saying "good job" to teammates and opponents alike....it was with the same demeanor that a wood shop teacher would walk down the line of students inspecting their birdhouses "good job.....good job.....roof's crooked....good job....". Maybe he didn't want to let his emotions show but I remember Brett Favre when he won and he looked like a 7 year old on Christmas morning. I think it was a controlled response and maybe that's why I'm not a Manning fan. Be real. Let it out. If anyone has any right to explode after winning the Super Bowl - it would be someone who has heard he can't for 5 years. Maybe he saved it for the locker room? Who knows? Who cares? I'm glad the AFC won, I'm glad Tony Dungy won (did you know he's the first black coach to win a Super Bowl (dripping with sarcasm )? Am I happy for Manning? Not really. Not that I was rooting against him, but I like Dan Marino damn it......and now he needs a new buddy for his club. Let's hope it's Carson Palmer 5 years from now!