Ten thoughts leading into Super Bowl XLI:

1. Isn't it amazing how Tony Dungy's low-key demeanor went from being criticized for past playoff losses to praised for the comeback win over New England? Dungy hasn't changed. Winning changes perceptions.
2. I will never, ever hope the Bears win a game, let alone a Super Bowl. But, it's impossible to dislike Lovie Smith. I don't subscribe to the "I'll cheer for the NFC North team" theory. It's not like the division is my alma mater.
3. Please don't ask me on Monday which commercial I liked the best. That's like watching the Oscars for the dresses.
4. My least favorite Super Bowl was when the Baltimore Ravens beat the New York Giants. I hated both teams. I think that's the only time in the previous 40 Super Bowls that happened.
5. Will the NFL planet fall off its axis if Rex Grossman outplays Peyton Manning Sunday? I think Grossman is being trashed too much and may respond with a better performance than many expect.
6. What's the over-under on CBS shots of the Manning luxury box during the game? Five? Ten? I like Archie, but please....
7. The verbal attacks on the two Midwest cities have already started from some of the arrogant writers from both coasts. Ignore them. I like Chicago and I like Indianapolis and could care less what somebody from the Los Angeles Times thinks.
8. Those magic words we've been waiting for: "And now here's Katie Couric with a pre-game feature." No Super Bowl Sunday is complete without a news anchor trying to appeal to sports fans.
9. If the networks are smart, they'll do a feature on former Raiders coach Tom Flores. For all of the talk about minority coaches, Flores, who is Hispanic, won a pair of Super Bowls more than 20 years ago.
10. How would Tank Johnson celebrate a Bears victory in the Super Bowl? Wait, I'm not sure I want to know. It probably includes a multiple-gun salute.

Enjoy the game!