A look at key players in the Super Bowl
Published: Saturday, January 27, 2007 | 4:26 PM ET
Canadian Press: BARRY WILNER
MIAMI (AP) - Projected starters and key players for the Super Bowl:

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS OFFENCE

Peyton Manning (No. 18), QB, six onefive, 230 pounds, 9th year, Tennessee

The best quarterback of his generation finally reaches the big game ... A two-time MVP headed toward most NFL passing marks ... Struggled in first two playoff games, but Colts won, then had some big throws in leading comeback from 21-3 hole vs. Patriots in AFC championship game ... Had 101 passer rating this season, tops in the NFL, but rating is 66.8 in this month's playoffs ... Had 31 TD passes, only nine interceptions this season ... The biggest name in this game; how far would his stardom soar with a Super Bowl ring?

Joseph Addai (29), RB, 5-11, 214, 1st year, LSU

In a season highlighted by superb rookies, Addai was one of the best ... Replaced Edgerrin James, who left for Arizona as free agent, and rushed for 1,081 yards, seven TDs and a 4.8 average. Also caught 40 passes ... Has run very well in playoffs, looking fresh. Gained 217 yards in three post-season games, with two scores, and has 12 receptions ... First-round pick, 30th overall.

Dominic Rhodes (33), RB, 5-9, 203, 6th year, Midwestern (Texas) State

Hoped to be featured runner with James gone, and started most games, but Addai has become first choice ... Still, Rhodes will get plenty of work. He's had 41 post-season carries to 57 for Addai and is averaging 4.7 yards, nearly a full yard more than the rookie ... Also a good receiver and can return kicks.

Marvin Harrison (88), WR, 6-0, 185, 11th year, Syracuse

The All-Pro is one of the sport's elite wideouts ... He's also the anti T.O., doing his job quietly and with class ... Harrison and Manning form the most prolific pass-catch combination in league history with 106 TDs in regular season, but only two in 12 career playoff games. Harrison has 878 catches from Manning for 11,908 yards, both all-time highs ... Harrison had 95 receptions for 1,366 yards and 12 TDs in 2006. But in Colts' playoff surge Harrison has only 10 receptions and no TDs. Is a breakout coming vs. Bears?

Reggie Wayne (87), WR, 6-0, 198, 6th year, Miami, Fla.

In some ways, he's become more dangerous than Harrison, although not quite as reliable ... Some defences will double team both Wayne and Harrison nearly every play ... Has 15 catches and a TD in playoffs after 86 for 1,310 and nine scores during season ... Brother died in auto accident in September, and Wayne has played brilliantly to honour his brother.

Dallas Clark (44), TE, 6-3, 252, 4th year, Iowa

Manning's No. 1 target in playoffs with 17 catches for 16.5-yard average and has been key receiver on third downs ... Returned from knee injury to blitz Chiefs, Ravens and Patriots in playoffs ... Had only 30 catches during season, but four TDs ... Very elusive for a guy his size, and an efficient blocker .. If he matches up with Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, could be classic confrontations.

Tarik Glenn (78), LT, 6-5, 332, 10th year, California

Has made three straight Pro Bowls ... Steady blocker, a main reason Manning was sacked just 15 times during the season ... Not an elite left tackle, but a dependable one.

Ryan Lilja (65), LG, 6-2, 290, 3rd year, Kansas State

Became a starter in Game 11, but also didn't play in five games in '06 ... Was regular throughout 2005 ... Claimed on waivers after being cut by Chiefs in September 2004 ... Has been inconsistent.

Jeff Saturday (63), C, 6-2, 295, 8th year, North Carolina

Like his counterpart with Chicago, Olin Kreutz, Saturday is among the best centres in football ... Smart, adaptable, he keeps up with Manning's varied instructions at the line ... Gets a good surge off the snap and can get to linebackers ... Will start in the Pro Bowl.

Jake Scott (73), RG, 6-5, 295, 3rd year, Idaho State

Started every game and improved from previous year ... A fifth-round pick in 2004 (141st overall) who has panned out well ... Also can play tackle ... First started as a rookie and played both sides.

Ryan Diem (71), RT, 6-6, 320, 6th year, Northern Illinois

Started 15 games ... Plays hurt despite history of nagging injuries ... Became starter as as rookie in 2001 and has been in the lineup ever since ... Powerful and more nimble than size might indicate.DEFENCE

Robert Mathis (98), DE, 6-2, 245, 4th year, Alabama A&M.

Small for the position, yet stays in on running downs ... Quick off the snap with a nice burst to the ball ... Led team with 9½ sacks, in part because he doesn't get same attention as Dwight Freeney ... Recovered two fumbles this season and forced four ... Had 90 tackles.

Anthony McFarland (92), DT, 6-0, 300, 8th year, LSU

Came from Tampa Bay in trade, but was disappointment for much of year ... Colts struggled versus the run during regular season in part because McFarland couldn't control line of scrimmage ... But he and team have improved in post-season ... Had 45 tackles, 2½ sacks.

Raheem Brock (79), DT, 6-4, 274, 5th year, Temple

Underrated tackle who fits nicely in Tony Dungy's defence ... Can make plays in the backfield as well as at the line ... When he matches up with Kreutz it could be a key ... Finds the ball, had three fumble recoveries during season. Also forced three fumbles and had three sacks.

Dwight Freeney (93), DE, 6-1, 268, 5th year, Syracuse

The star of the line, even if his numbers were not spectacular ... Will give John Tait and other blockers fits ... Explodes off the line in passing situations, needs to be more stout against the run ... A three-time Pro Bowler (not this year), had 5½ sacks among his 45 tackles and forced four fumbles ... Rex Grossman must always be aware of him.

Rob Morris (94), 6-2, 243, 7th year, BYU

Former starter at middle linebacker and team's top pick in 2000 draft, he has been backup for most of last two seasons ... Replaced Gilbert Gardner in lineup for Game 14 this season ... Not real quick for the position, but smart and understands defences and coverages ... Also started twice in middle in '06 because of injuries ... A special teams standout.

Gary Brackett (58), MLB, 5-11, 235, 4th year, Rutgers

Improved in first three seasons, became a regular in 2005, but '06 was a struggle ... Part of Colts' inability to stop run was his mediocre play, but he's come on in playoffs ... Had 123 tackles and forced two fumbles in regular season, but overran or was blocked out on other plays ... If he plays in Super Bowl as he has last three weeks, though, Colts should be OK.

Cato June (59), OLB, 6-0, 227, 4th year, Michigan

Emerged as a Pro Bowler in 2005, wasn't near that level this time ... Numbers looked good (162 tackles, three INTs, two forced fumbles and a recovery), but impact wasn't as heavy ... Like Brackett and many other defenders, has stepped it up in playoffs ... No one on defence except perhaps Freeney is more capable of big plays.

Nick Harper (25), CB, 5-10, 182, 6th year, Fort Valley State

Long-time starter who some thought would be beaten out by Marlin Jackson this season ... Made 73 tackles and three INTs and has a pick in playoffs ... His confrontations with Muhsin Muhammad and Bernard Berrian could be pivotal.

Antoine Bethea (41), SS, 5-11, 203, 1st year, Howard

Yet another rookie find this season ... Sixth rounder beat out touted Mike Doss, then moved to free safety for four games before settling back at strong spot ... Excels in run support, was third on team with 105 tackles ... Should be an anchor in secondary for years.

Bob Sanders (21), FS, 5-8, 206, 3rd year, Iowa

The key to the defence with his gung-ho style ... Fears nothing, will take on 300-pounders if necessary to make a tackle ... Plagued all season by injuries, got healthy for the playoffs after slow recovery from knee surgery ... A Pro Bowler in '05 who has showed why in the playoffs ... Leads Colts with 19 post-season tackles, has an INT ... His meetings with Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson could be memorable.

Jason David (42), CB, 5-8, 180, 3rd year, Washington State

Another smallish DB who makes up for his height with aggressiveness ... Still, he's not great cover guy ... Becamse starter midway in rookie season and has remained in lineup ... Doesn't hold onto the ball, which has limited his interceptions ... Muhsin Muhammad could give him fits.SPECIAL TEAMS

Hunter Smith (17), P, 6-2, 209, 8th year, Notre Dame

One of those indoor punters who always has nice numbers ... Colts don't cover punts particularly well, so Smith must keep the ball away from Devin Hester ... Good athlete with size.

Adam Vinatieri (4), PK, 6-0, 202, 11th year, South Dakota State

Merely the best pressure kicker in the game, perhaps ever ... Has two Super Bowl-winning field goals for New England ... Holds career mark for post-season field goals with 37, including five for all the points in win at Baltimore this year.

Terrence Wilkins (10), KR, 5-10, 180, 6th year, Virginia

Averaged 24.5 yards on kickoff runbacks and 9.2 on punt returns. Not quite in Devin Hester's class, but not shabby ... Broke one punt return for a TD, 82 yards against Jacksonville ... Gambles a bit too much and can make shaky decisions.

-CHICAGO BEARS OFFENCE

Rex Grossman (8), QB, 6-1, 217, 4th year, Florida.

Much criticized, but has made some big plays to get Bears this far ... Injury prone until this season, when he started every game and threw for 3,193 yards and 23 TDs ... Inconsistent, sometimes makes poor decisions, had 20 interceptions in '06 ... Won't match Manning's production, but if he avoids mistakes, he could help Bears to first NFL championship in 21 years.

Thomas Jones (20), RB, 5-10, 215, 7th year, Virginia

Former first-round pick (Arizona 2000) who has become a top runner in Chicago after three seasons with Cardinals, one with Bucs ... Signed as free agent with Bears in 2004 ... Has rushed for 948, 1,335 and 1,349 yards in three seasons with Bears ... Had monster game with 123 yards and two TDs in NFC title win over New Orleans ... Also an accomplished receiver who made 36 catches this season ... Had four 100-yard games in 2006.

Cedric Benson (32), RB, 5-11, 220, 2nd year, Texas

Fourth overall draft pick in 2005 who has not been able to grab starting spot from Jones ... Will play significant role in Super Bowl, probably get a dozen or more carries ... Has more power than Jones, but not very elusive ... Sometimes will play two or three full series, then sit out a quarter or more ... Rushed for six touchdowns ... Had first 100-yard rushing game of career in season finale with 109 vs. Green Bay.

Jason McKie (37), FB, 5-11, 243, 5th year, Temple

Yes, players from Temple actually can prosper in the NFL ... Unselfish blocking back who started 12 games, clearing paths for Jones and Benson, protecting Grossman ... Made only eight carries, but did catch 25 passes ... Recognizes and handles blitzes well ... Spent one season with Dallas before joining Chicago.

Desmond Clark (88), TE, 6-3, 249, 8th year, Wake Forest

Former Broncos and Dolphins tight end who found a home in Chicago ... Had 45 catches, tied for team lead with six TDs ... Dependable, but not a deep threat or a game breaker ... Averaged solid 13.9 yards per catch, will be a challenge for Colts linebackers and safeties.

Bernard Berrian (80), WR, 6-1, 185, 3rd year, Fresno State

Speedy receiver with good size ... Scored spectacular 33-yard TD vs. Saints ... Had six TD catches during season and has two in post-season ... Averaging 19 yards a catch in playoffs ... Can return punts if necessary ... Will be a touch matchup for Indy's cornerbacks.

Muhsin Muhammad (87), WR, 6-2, 215, 10th year, Michigan State

Played in 2004 Super Bowl with Panthers, joined Bears as free agent in 2005 ... Led team with 60 receptions, had five TDs and 863 yards receiving ... Not a deep threat, but will go over the middle and uses size well ... Can take a hit ... Hands are a bit inconsistent ... Had three 100-yard receiving games ... A good blocker on running plays.

John Tait (76), LT, 6-6, 312, 8th year, BYU

Former Kansas City lineman who signed with Chicago in 2004 as restricted free agent ... Has started every game he's played since 2000 ... Can play right tackle, too ... Has been steadier blocker for Bears than he was for Chiefs.

Ruben Brown (74), LG, 6-3, 300, 12th year, Pittsburgh

Spent first nine seasons with Buffalo, then signed with Bears as free agent in 2004 ... Has started all 37 games he's played in for Chicago ... Uses leverage well and is hard to fool ... Has been to eight Pro Bowls, heads to Hawaii for this year's game, too.

Olin Kreutz (57), C, 6-2, 292, 9th year, Washington

All-Pro centre who has made six Pro Bowls ... Hasn't missed a game since 2002 ... Tough, smart and aggressive ... Clearly the leader of the OL ... Could overmatch Colts' DTs.

Roberto Garza (63), RG, 6-2, 305, 6th year, Texas A&M-Kingsville

Former Falcons lineman who signed as free agent with Chicago in 2005 ... His addition upgraded the unit significantly ... Has also played centre in pro career ... One of 19 Hispanic players in NFL, has worked with Hispanic youngsters in football camp ... Fluent in Spanish.

Fred Miller (67), RT, 6-7, 314, 11th year, Baylor

Longtime starter with Rams and Titans ... Won 2000 Super Bowl with St. Louis ... Bears will try to run behind him ... Has started all 31 games he's played for Chicago.DEFENCE

Adewale Ogunleye (93), DE, 6-4, 260, 5th year, Indiana

A good player for Dolphins, even better in third season with Bears ... A leader who makes big plays ... Led Bears with 12 quarterback hits and recovered three fumbles. Aded 6½ sacks ... Also efficient against the run; he is not one-dimensional ... His matchup with Ryan Diem could be a key.

Tank Johnson (99), DT, 6-3, 300, 2nd year, Washington

Had troubled December ... Was arrested Dec. 14 after police raided his home and found guns and ammunition. It was his third arrest in 18 months ... His bodyguard was shot and killed in a nightclub with Johnson in attendance ... Was granted permission by judge to leave Illinois for Super Bowl while he awaits trial on gun possession charges ... Served one game suspension from team for off-field problems ... Started 14 games, had 3½ sacks and 38 tackles.

Ian Scott (95), DT, 6-3, 302, 3rd year, Florida

Solid player who started seven games ... Clogs the middle and can push the blocking pile ... Gets his hands up to block passes ... A key to shutting down Indy's run game, but he's not close to level of injured starter Tommie Harris.

Alex Brown (96), DE, 6-3, 260, 4th year, Florida

Often mentions Gators' BCS crown and desire to add Super Bowl ring for championship double ... Had two INTs to go with 71 tackles and seven sacks ... Also forced three fumbles and recovered two ... Really established himself this season ... Can rush from the inside if needed.

Mark Anderson (97), DE, 6-4, 255, 1st year, Alabama

Rookie who brings pass rush heat, had 12 sacks, a team rookie mark and tops among first-year players in NFL ... Was responsible for sack and fumble that resulted in 25-yard loss for Saints in NFC championship game ... Had 48 tackles and four forced fumbles, excellent for a part-timer ... Colts must block him effectively on passing downs.

Lance Briggs (55), OLB, 6-2, 240, 4th year, Arizona

An unrestricted free agent after this season and a guy the Bears need to keep ... A Pro Bowl linebacker who has really developed in last two seasons ... Had career-high 176 tackles, second on team ... Very good in pass coverage ... Excels at stripping the ball, had four forced fumbles in 2006 ... Might wind up covering Dallas Clark, one of the game's best matchups ... Had seven games with at least a dozen tackles.

Brian Urlacher (54), MLB, 6-4, 238, 7th year, New Mexico

Best middle linebacker in football ... Perennial All-Pro got four votes for Defensive Player of Year award ... Active, fast, smart, hits like a freight train ... Led team in tackles for sixth time with 185 ... Great in pursuit to either side of field ... Struggled a bit when star DT Tommie Harris went down, but really came alive in NFC title game ... One thing he doesn't do is get sacks, but he does get pressure when he rushes ... The passionate leader of Bears.

Hunter Hillenmeyer (92), OLB, 6-4, 238, 4th year, Vanderbilt

Considered the weak link in linebacking corps when season began, but has been solid ... Expecting him to be another Urlacher or Briggs is unfair ... Started last 10 games ... Won't have big role in pass coverage ... Finished season with 68 tackles.

Charles Tillman (33), CB, 6-1, 196, 4th year, Louisiana-Lafayette

His 88 tackles ranked third on team ... Finds the ball, had five interceptions, tying for team high ... Two of his INTs came off Tom Brady ... Good in run support ... Bears aren't afraid to match him up against top wideouts ... Missed last two regular-season games with back problem, returned for playoffs.

Chris Harris (46), SS, 6-0, 205, 2nd year, Louisiana-Monroe

Lost starting free safety spot, but took over as started at strong safety in Game 12 ... Not nearly the player defensive leader Mike Brown is; Brown was lost for season in sixth game ... Was inactive for four games ... Had two INTs this season ... Sixth-round draft pick who started 13 times as rookie ... Could see a lot of dangerous Dallas Clark.

Danieal Manning (38), FS, 5-11, 196, 1st year, Abilene Christian

Rookie who moved into starting lineup in Game 3, supplanting Harris ... Had INT vs. Brett Favre in first NFL game ... Finished with two INTs and four forced fumbles ... Had 80 tackles, fourth on team ... Taken in second round, 46th overall, out of NCAA Division II school ... No relation to teammate Ricky Manning Jr.

Nathan Vasher (31), CB, 5-10, 180, 3rd year, Texas

Confident cover guy who finds the ball ... Had fumble recovery, interception and five tackles in NFC championship game ... Matches up for size and speed well with Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne and could get some man-to-man assignments on them ... Missed two games in December with hamstring problem.

Ricky Manning Jr. (24), CB, 5-9, 188, 4th year, UCLA

Not a starter, but an impact player ... Had big role in helping Carolina win NFC title in 2003 as a rookie ... Talkative and entertaining, very confident ... Had career-high five interceptions, tying for team lead ... Ran INT 54 yards for touchdown vs. Minnesota ... Could see lots of action against pass-prone Colts.SPECIAL TEAMS

Brad Maynard (4), P, 6-1, 186, 10th year, Ball State

Veteran who has played for Giants and Bears, punted in 2001 Super Bowl ... Ranked 11th in NFL with 37.6 net yards average; team covers his kicks well ... Has had only five blocked kicks in career, none this season ... Should do well with directional punts in Dolphin Stadium.

Robbie Gould (9), PK, 6-0, 183, 2nd year, Penn State

All-Pro kicker who made team-record 32 of 36 field goals, all 47 PATs and scored 143 points, most by a kicker in NFL ... Hit 49-yarder in overtime to beat Seattle in playoffs ... Not intimidated by bad conditions ... Also has done well on kickoffs.

Devin Hester (23), KR, 5-11, 186, 1st year, Miami, Fla.

Only rookie to make All-Pro team ... Set NFL record with six kick returns for TDs, including 108-yarder on missed FG to tie longest play in NFL history ... Will handle punt and kickoff runbacks ... Averaged 12.8 yards per punt return (3 TDs), 26.4 on kickoff runbacks (2 TDs in same game, at St. Louis) ... Also can play some DB.