Three and out

Mike Mulligan's quick take of the day

1: The Colts had the worst run defense in the NFL but finished No. 2 vs. the pass because their explosive offense forced teams to abandon the run and become one-dimensional. When they get a lead, they can do what they are built to do: attack the quarterback and force turnovers. Ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are tough matchups when they only have to rush the passer, but they give up 45 and 70 pounds to Bears tackles John Tait and Fred Miller.

2: Patience is a must against a cover-2 defense, which is designed to play eight men in the box on run downs and force third-and-long, then drop into the signature coverage and force things underneath. The Colts were the first team in 22 years to allow every regular-season foe to rush for 100 yards, but they have held every playoff opponent under 100. They do a good job of predicting runs and passes, and play action can catch them out of position.

3: Nick Harper suffered a high ankle sprain against New England, an injury that usually takes six weeks of recovery. If he plays, he won't be at full strength. If he doesn't, the Colts will go with Kelvin Hayden, a former Illinois wide receiver, or nickel back Marlin Jackson, who's at his best in the slot or on the right side. The Bears struck paydirt by going after New Orleans' Fred Thomas repeatedly, and they'll have to do the same thing in this game.