KEY POINTS:
Indianapolis 29 Chicago 17
MIAMI - Peyton Manning made the most of his first chance at Super Bowl glory yesterday, refusing to let the elements rain on his parade as he marched the Colts to victory over the Chicago Bears.
Despite steady rain that led to a spate of turnovers at soggy Dolphin Stadium, Manning put on a commanding performance, directing a balanced attack that answered those who had questioned his ability to win the biggest games.
For more than a decade, Manning's critics have said he could be considered one of the NFL's true quarterback greats, such as John Elway, Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw, only if he won a Super Bowl.
Manning, 30, was named Most Valuable Player of the game that brought the Colts their first National Football League title since 1971, when they called Baltimore their home.
His MVP award was a shiny, new Cadillac to go with his highly-coveted first championship ring.
"It feels great to be a part of this team and a part of this championship," said Manning, who had tasted a series of bitter playoff defeats with the Colts. And coach Tony Dungy said: "I'm so happy for Peyton."
Dungy, the first African-American coach to win the NFL crown, added: "I don't think he needed this victory to validate his career."
Manning completed 25 of 38 pass attempts, including a 53-yard touchdown bomb to Reggie Wayne. And Indianapolis were far from one-dimensional as they rallied from a 14-6 deficit, gaining 191 yards on the ground through the efforts of running backs Dominic Rhodes (113 yards) and Joseph Addai (77).
"It's truly a team win and a team effort," said modest Manning.
Twice the New England Patriots stopped the Colts in the playoffs, just short of a Super Bowl place. Last year, after earning home field advantage with the best record in the AFC, the Colts were upset by the Pittsburgh Steelers, who went on to Super Bowl glory.
"As disappointing as losing to Pittsburgh was, the guys got together and learned from it and felt we were a better team this year - and maybe even stronger for it."
- REUTERS
