The Chicago Bears will be out for some revenge on Monday when they take on the Indianapolis Colts for the first time since Indy beat them in the Super Bowl.
The Bears began the 2007 NFL preseason by squeaking out a 20-19 win over Houston as a 3-point road underdog. Rex Grossman appeared in only two series in the win and completed 8-of-10 passes for 50 yards. It was also a short night for running back Cedric Benson, who only carried the ball five times for 23 yards. Benson may see his carries increase throughout the preseason to prepare him for the feature role this season, however on the other hand head coach Lovie Smith may want to keep Benson limited due to his injury-prone past. After replacing Grossman, backup QB Brian Griese got off to a rocky start with an interception on his first pass, but settled down quickly to complete 6-of-7 passes for 72 yards and a touchdown. The Bears' defense put up their usual strong front, despite missing Brian Urlacher and Tommie Harris, who were given the night off.
The Colts started the preseason with a 23-10 loss to Dallas as a 5.5-point underdog. Peyton Manning barely saw the field in the loss, as he lasted only one series and completed 3-of-5 passes for 37 yards. Joseph Addai did even less than Manning, while rushing for five yards on two carries. Third-string QB Josh Betts was responsible for the Colts' lone touchdown in the football game after finding Trent Shelton in the end zone late in the fourth quarter. Indianapolis was lethargic throughout the game, as the offense registered only 204 yards, while the defense showed a number of holes that Tony Dungy will need to patch up before the regular season begins. The preseason hasn't been much of a concern in Indianapolis the last couple of years. Last year, prior to their Super Bowl run, the Colts were 1-3 in the preseason while in 2005 they were winless at 0-5.
Indianapolis topped Chicago 29-17 as a 7-point favorite in the Super Bowl way back in February. Even though Monday night's game takes place in Indianapolis the Bears are a 2.5-point road betting favorite. The Colts' abysmal preseason record and generally relaxed attitude about the preseason could have something to do with that.
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