I went one for two in my Conference Champs picks. I had New Orleans over my Bears, but recovered with the Colts in the AFC. The second game was a classic, a beauty.

Indianapolis is the early favorite for the Super Bowl, odds I do not disagree with. I will say this: The Bears’ defense, even without Mike Brown and Tommie Harris, were truly monsters on Sunday. Their challenge will be to blitz and be smart because Peyton Manning almost welcomes the red dog. When he was turning it around Sunday and on the final drive, the Pats were bringing somebody.

Look for Marvin Harrison to come up big in the Super Bowl. He is being quietly shut out of the action, and he is too good not to make an impact. Bears get a little advantage on the natural turf and if the Colts go soft against the run, it could be interesting. Rex Grossman will be back in Florida, but it will be Brian Urlacher et al who will be front and center.

I thought Manning’s drive at the end of the game proved plenty. People who insist he didn’t have the chops or the huevos to get it done in crunch time were out to lunch. In football especially, so many other factors go into the game. Manning had the opportunity Sunday and he made it happen, but not without his teammates or a plan. He provided great leadership for a team that did not get down when their were trailing a dynasty by 18 points late in the first half. Manning is the leader and he stepped up, but he also said much of that was Coach Tony Dungy’s demeanor. It’s a team game, with stars — who play for a team.

Other observations:
Should we start requiring any team that resods late in the year to give up its home field advantage? Message — manage the turf better.

Reggie Bush had a terrific rookie season and will get better as the Saints figure out how best to use him. He needs to can the dancing and taunting, however. Yes, he did apologize, but he needs to understand that the league real stars don’t do that. Bush can be a TO or Chad Johnson if he wants, but his skillset can take him much further. That’s what sets him apart. He needs to act like it.

Is there anything more annoying than a commercial break after a kickoff? TD, commercial, kickoff, commercial. And then the announcers blather on about a team lacking good offensive rhythm. How can they when the music stops and starts all the time?

Finally, so Parcells is leaving Dallas. Might be his best coaching move, getting out from under a place where there is more drama than summerstock and an owner unwilling to share much of the spotlight. See Al Davis and early George Steinbrenner for details.