[CBFF] Change Needed at Quarterback: Grossman Should Go

[Tom Shannon]

http://chicagobearsfanforum.com/blog/?p=10

Change Needed at Quarterback: Grossman Should Go

by Tom Shannon

Having just read David Haugh's article about the changes that the Bears are
apparently not contemplating in the offseason, I have to say that I could
not agree more with him. Its early but Lovie Smith, at least, seems to be
far too satisfied with the status quo on a Bear team that did not look good
this year. While I wouldn't advocate panic, I do think that it would be a
mistake to not make significant changes in a variety of places in the
offseason.

No where is this need for change more apparent than at the quarterback
position. With that in mind, I was somewhat disappointed at how quickly
Smith came out with the news that he would like to see Rex Grossman come
back.

I was a big Grossman fan all the way through the Super Bowl and the
offseason. But when it became apparently that he had not progressed I soured
on him. It may be time to start paying attention to the amazement that
national NFL commentators consistently show when the Bears' commitment to
Grossman is addressed. On a related note, its worth noting that Grossman's
worse games have been on a national stage when he was under the most
pressure.

The other two quarterbacks on the roster show me more reason to make them
keepers. Kyle Orton is young and showed promise in the last three games of
the season. Brian Griese is a former Pro Bowler and he still ranks in the
top 20 on the all time passer rating list. There's reason to believe we
didn't see his best play this year. 

In any case, one things is certain. The Bears are badly in need of a
shakeup. There is a log jam at the position and it is not made of good wood.
I am hard pressed to find an NFL team with a worse veteran starting
quarterback situation. I constantly hear that change for the sake of change
is not a good idea. But it is in this case. The Bears need a starter quality
player to come in and compete in camp. He doesn't have to be a blue chip
candidate and he doesn't have to win the job. But there is a definite need
for new blood (and new hope) of some type.

That means one of the current three quarterbacks must go to make room. If
the Bears are going to draft a quarterback for the future, they need to let
two of them go. At minimum, I see very little difference in quality among
the three current quarterbacks and of the three, Grossman is the only one
who is not under contract. He can, therefore, be allowed to walk with the
least trouble. Under the current circumstances, a quick vote to resign him
may indicate an inclination to accept the situation as it stands. That, I
believe, would be a serious mistake.