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Bears Handle Saints, Make First Title Game Appearance in 21 Years
Grossman completed only 11 passes for 144 yards and yet in many ways he was treated like a hero because he was not intercepted, threw a touchdown pass and helped set up three other touchdowns.
"It doesn't matter," Grossman said of the criticism in a brief postgame interview near his locker. "I don't care. I don't."
 Rex Grossman completes 11 of 26 passes for 144 yards and one touchdown on a snowy Chicago day. (Nick Laham - Getty Images)   The Indianapolis Colts overcome the rain and a sloppy start to beat the Chicago Bears, 29-17. The Colts' victory ignites a wild celebration among the white-and-blue attired fans in the sea of colorful vinyl rainwear that populated the soggy stands. Peyton Manning fills the final hole in his legend as the greatest quarterback never to win the biggest game. Leonard Shapiro: Tony Dungy and Manning seal their place in history by winning the Super Bowl. Manning adds a Super Bowl MVP award to his long list of achievements. Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes plow forward for the Colts go-ahead touchdown and never look back. There was a collective failure by the Bears' offense, but Rex Grossman provides the most vivid images. Notebook: Two assistant coaches who participated in the Super Bowl likely will interview for Dallas' head coaching job. On Our Site Wilbon and Kornheiser share their thoughts live during Sunday's big game. Photos: Relive all of the action from the NFL playoffs. Audio: Manning on the Win. Audio: Grossman on the Loss. Audio: Dungy Praises Smith. Quarterly Report (PDF) A Slew of Errors (PDF) Graphic: Play of the Game. MARK MASKE'S NFL INSIDER • Jaguars Tackle in Critical Condition • Lions Bolster Backfield With R. Johnson |
But around the locker room it did matter.
"People hit him and beat him down and yet he makes plays," said wide receiver Rashied Davis. "To me he was the best quarterback in the NFL and he was the best quarterback on the field today."
"I thought [the criticism] was good for him, adversity can be a wonderful thing," said running back Cedric Benson, who dresses two lockers away from the quarterback. "Once you handle adversity you become a better man. You become stronger."
All week Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner had been pushing Grossman to take chances, to trust his instincts. He said he never worries about Grossman's ability to throw the ball long and accurately but is concerned more with making the right choices. Sunday he did.
"Last week Rex made a couple big throws there late, too," Smith said. "That's what a quarterback is supposed to do. He's supposed to take you out of some holes like that and lead you to victory when you need it. And he stepped up at the perfect time."
Moments later, Smith stepped down from the microphone stand, showered and pulled on a gray pinstriped suit. His players were still whooping, many lingered at their lockers doing interviews, but he barely noticed. There was another game to watch, an opponent to scout. He was never one to celebrate too much anyway.
"It's great for him," Benson said. "Considering the history of the game. Considering the way it is for [black] coaches, without a doubt I am happy for him."
And on the evening he earned a trip to the Super Bowl, Smith walked quickly through his locker room. A few minutes before, Grossman had left, beaming when he was told Dan Marino was coming to talk to him this week. Now Smith went through the same door, said quick hellos to fans gathered in the hallway outside and then was gone.
Behind him, through a tunnel the snow still trickled down on the empty field. But he had celebrated the dream long enough.
