Brian Urlacher gets my defensive rookie of the year vote - his hit on a QB sack that KO'd Charlie Batch forced Stoney Case into the game. I'm not saying Batch would have won it, but an interception and fumble by Case gave the Bears hope. Bears coach Dick Jauron also got a focused week of preparation from his players, inspired by his decision to bench Cade McNown . Still, McNown performed well enough when Shane Matthews broke his thumb and gave Paul Edinger a chance to kick a heart stopping 54-yard field goal to change the landscape of the NFC playoffs. They were still able to secure a bye and a home game.
Teams can regroup.
However, I must question Dennis Green's decision to force Daunte Culpepper into a start that could affect the QB's healing from a high ankle sprain. The Colts' big three delivered the goods. The defense also continued to play well, though the Vikes were hardly inspired once the Bucs lost, which gave Minnesota their bye. The Colts cannot be dismissed as a Super Bowl contender. Too many playmakers.