Match 'em up

Sunday's key showdowns

Colts tight end Dallas Clark is a force the Bears must neutralize to contain Peyton Manning. Clark effectively has replaced slot receiver Brandon Stokley, making it an interesting matchup for the Bears. When Clark is in the slot, they would be less likely to use middle linebacker Brian Urlacher to cover him, although Urlacher ran out twice on Saints running back Reggie Bush in the NFC Championship Game.

At 6-3, 252 pounds, Clark is in essence a big wideout who can run. But he's more of a possession receiver than Stokley. There's no question Urlacher and weak-side linebacker Lance Briggs can run with Clark. Briggs is solid in coverage, but if it involves running down the seam, the Bears also figure to involve nickel cornerback Ricky Manning Jr.

Clark has been Manning's favorite target in the postseason with 17 receptions for 281 yards. He has good hands and can find the soft spots in zone defenses. He will catch the ball in traffic, and the Colts like to take advantage of the middle third of the field. On a team of finesse receivers, he's the player who will make the tough grabs. Clark has good body control, can adjust to the ball in the air and use his body to shield smaller defenders.