Ten thoughts leading into Super Bowl XLI:
- 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.
- 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.
- Please don't ask me on Monday which commercial I liked the best. That's like watching the Oscars for the dresses.
- 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.
- 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.
- What's the over-under on CBS shots of the Manning luxury box during the game? Five? Ten? I like Archie, but please....
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
Dennis Krause joined OnMilwaukee.com as a contributor on June 16, 2006. He is a two-time Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year and a regional Emmy-award winner. Dennis has been the color analyst on home games for the Milwaukee Bucks Radio Network for the last 10 years. He has also been involved with the Green Bay Packers Radio Network for 16 years and is currently the host of the "Packers Game Day" pre-game show.
Dennis started his broadcasting career as a radio air personality in the Fox Valley and Milwaukee.
He spent three years as a sportscaster at WMBD radio and television in Peoria, Illinois before joining WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee in 1987 as a weekend sports anchor. Dennis spent 16 years at Channel 4, serving as its Sports Director and 5 and 6 pm sports anchor from 1994-2003.
Dennis grew up in Hartford, Wisconsin and attended UW-Oshkosh. He lives in Thiensville with his wife and two children. He serves as the Community Resource Director for the Mequon-Thiensville School District.
