Muhammad knows what to expect on big day
WR hopes to use Super experience to his advantage
That's if you don't count the mind game he'll play Saturday.
''I think visualization is a great tool to use,'' said Muhammad, who has worked with a sports psychologist for the last few years. ''Visualize yourself making the big play. Visualize yourself walking into the stadium, getting dressed, putting your shoes on, putting your jersey on, going out to warmups, catching every ball. When you are there in a certain circumstance, it's like you've already been there.''
The Bears would like nothing more than to visualize Muhammad having the same kind of Super Bowl he had as a member of the Carolina Panthers on Feb. 1, 2004, against the New England Patriots. He had a team-high 140 yards receiving and set a Super Bowl record for longest offensive play from scrimmage with an 85-yard touchdown catch.
Muhammad and the Panthers were ultimately unsuccessful in Super Bowl XXXVIII, a 32-29 loss to the Patriots.
''I think if we win this game, I could definitely bury that one,'' said Muhammad, a 10-year veteran whom the Bears lured away from the Panthers with a six-year contract -- including a $10 million signing bonus -- on Feb. 27, 2005.
With that type of money has come pressure, Muhammad said.
''Does it get to me? I don't think so,'' he said. ''I like pressure. This game is all predicated on that kind of pressure. It's third-and-whatever, who will make the play? Pressure does wonderful things. It will break you or mold you into a diamond. The guys who thrive on pressure situations are the reason why they can play 10, 11, 12 years in the NFL. We like those situations. We want to be called on.''
Given the Bears' success on the ground with Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson and the Indianapolis Colts' troubles stopping the run -- they allowed a league-worst 173 yards rushing per game during the regular season -- it would seem Muhammad and his fellow receivers won't have to be called upon often Sunday.
''[Offensive coordinator] Ron Turner has done a great job of staying balanced,'' Muhammad said. ''Some games, we've thrown for 200 or 300 yards, and Bernard Berrian and Moose were going crazy. Right after that, there were some games Bernard and I were barely existing on the field, and Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson were going crazy. The balanced offenses are the ones that can do both things. We rotate. Even our third receiver, Rashied Davis, has been an offensive player of the game.
''I've been around a long time. I try to preach to the young guys that everybody will get a chance to shine. That's how it is on every team in this league. You have to be ready when your time comes. Don't be caught sleeping.''
Sleep can prove to be problematic on the eve of a Super Bowl.
''I don't think I slept very well the night before,'' he said. ''I try to sleep more the early parts of the week to make up for the nights before, where you sit just thinking about the game. ... Once you get past the pregame show and all the bells and whistles, it's just really another game. After the first couple of plays, you can settle down and just play football.''