[CBFF] Lack of work prevents Grossman from answering critics (Pierson)

[Phil DeNomme]

I would like to see what Griese can do with the 1st team against 1st team
defenses.  But at the same time, I would like to see Rex get as many reps as
possible.  Rex still seems to be afraid to get hit at times.  Rushes his
throw a lot.  But Griese seems to be way more composed.  He saw his target
and executed. Rex just seemed to be unsure of what to do.  Rex didn't look
terrible, and I have no clue what he saw when the threw that pick...there
were 3 freaking defenders there, but you cant discount the production that
Griese puts up.  Even if it's against the opponents 2nd team.

-----Original Message-----
From: cbff-bounces at chicagobearsfanforum.com
[mailto:cbff-bounces at chicagobearsfanforum.com] On Behalf Of Victor Waldron
Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2006 7:39 AM
To: CBFF
Subject: [CBFF] Lack of work prevents Grossman from answering critics
(Pierson)

Lack of work prevents Grossman from answering critics Don Pierson On Pro
Football

August 19, 2006

Rex Grossman said he wanted the Bears to score two touchdowns in the first
half Friday night. He proved a better prognosticator than passer.

His duty against the San Diego Chargers ended in an awful interception at
the goal line, a rookie mistake into double coverage typical of a player
with only seven games experience.

That he didn't get to start the second half and erase the memory left Bears
fans about where they came into Soldier Field . They still know very little
about this quarterback drama except Brian Griese is more productive than
Grossman.

Because of Brian Urlacher's interception returned for a touchdown and
Rashied Davis' 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, Grossman didn't have
the ball much, darn it.

But wait. Isn't this how the Bears win games? Hasn't coach Lovie Smith been
trying to preach defense and special teams and, oh yes, offense if
necessary, mainly running.

It's not the worst idea in the world. It decreases the necessity of great
quarterbacking. Good quarterbacking will do, and a first-down interception
from the 34-yard line at the two-minute warning is bad quarterbacking, plain
and simple. It's exactly what the Bears don't need.

"It was a lot better than last week," Grossman told a national television
audience. "I don't know what happened last week."

Last week, San Francisco turned a fumbled snap from backup center Lenny
Friedman into a touchdown. At least the Chargers didn't score after Marlon
McCree picked off Grossman's ill-advised pass to Gabe Reid.

"The interception was big. We can't make mistakes like that," Smith said.
"Rex was under pressure some and made some good throws. We'd just like to
have that last one back."

You can't blame Grossman for pushing the envelope. And maybe you can't blame
offensive coordinator Ron Turner for trying to force feed him.

"I really have to get some experience," Grossman said. "I just really want
to get established."

He had the ball for only four series in the first half with the
injury-depleted first string and finished a pedestrian 7 of 14 for 83 yards,
with the interception. Griese had the ball for only two series, threw only
four passes and completed two, one a touchdown.

Handing off is not the kind of experience Grossman needs or wants, but it's
the way the Bears will win, at least until the playoffs. Running, defense
and special teams will no doubt serve the Bears well in the NFC North
Division, but at some point in the year, the best teams find it necessary to
throw the football. That's another story for later.

For now, Grossman cannot help it if neither Thomas Jones nor Cedric Benson
are available to run or Muhsin Muhammad is available to catch. 
Grossman can't help it if injuries should be a bigger story than
quarterbacks this preseason. That's boring.

Meanwhile, you know it's the preseason when the star of the team is an Arena
League player converted from defense to offense. Davis may be too valuable
as a receiver to risk him any more on kickoffs.

The Bears love his quickness as a slot receiver. Friday night he had to
start for Muhammad. He made a couple of nice catches, dropped a couple, too.
Grossman sure can throw the deep out route, the toughest pass there is, but
this won't be a pass, punt and kick contest in a couple of weeks.

Exhibition games serve mainly as snapshots of the future. The picture at
running back and receiver still is less developed than it is at quarterback,
where the Bears can't hesitate to turn to Griese whenever necessary.

The offensive line protected very well against a good San Diego front.

Rookie Devin Hester is going to put people on the edge of their seats with
his punt returns. First of all, he appears more than capable of catching the
ball.

The pass rush is major league.

Rookie Danieal Manning looked like he misjudged a possible interception in
his first start at safety, but his speed will outrun a lot of mistakes.

Urlacher still can play.

Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner claims Grossman is "the least of my
worries." It might be easier for fans to take his word for it if the
exhibition tickets were half-price.

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