Rex Grossman Is Our Quarterback

The Bears made another good off-season move today by signing Grossman to a one-year, $3 million contract with up to $2 million in incentives. Most Bears fans aren't going to be happy with this move, but it NEEDED to be done. Brian Griese proved last year that he is nothing more than a career backup. He simply doesn't have what it takes. While he was better at staying in the pocket than Rex, he couldn't throw the ball more than 5 yards past the line of scrimmage. I'd much rather have someone who is a threat to go deep, even if it means more INTs. Kyle Orton showed some signs of life last year, but there's a reason why he's been buried in the Bears depth chart since going 10-5 as a rookie. We all know the only reason he got those wins is because the Bears defense was ridiculous. The only thing he really succeeded at that season was not turning the ball over too often. Orton proved himself enough last year to become the backup QB, whether or not the Bears decide to let Griese go. But the only reason he got the chance to prove himself was because Grossman got hurt. I'm all for having competition at the QB spot during camp this year, but obviously when it's all said and done, Grossman will be the starter.

There's still people who are calling for a trade for McNabb, but there's no way that could have happened (even if the Bears hadn't signed Grossman). The Eagles are not willing to give him up, and if they somehow were, it would cost WAY too much. And let's not forget the facts that he'll turn 32 during this upcoming season, and he hasn't been healthy in a while. I still think he's a good quarterback, and he'll continue to become successful when he's finally healthy this year, but it's not worth the gamble for what we would have to give up to get him. So get over it.

Of course people are going to complain about how Rex throws too many INTs. But after being benched last season, he grew up. He only threw 1 interception after returning, and even managed to run across the line of scrimmage a few times. Sure he still had a couple lost fumbles, but we can credit those the the miserable offensive line. Somehow all year people overlooked the horrible performance of the o-line and blamed the lack of offense on the QBs/RBs. It's impossible to throw the ball if you don't have any protection, and you sure as hell can't run the ball if there aren't any holes to cut through. The only holes the line managed to create were the ones that let the defense right in for easy tackles. Once the line gets taken care of, the running game will start moving, which will open up the passing game.

The signing of Grossman will also make it a lot easier to re-sign Bernard Berrian. Grossman and Berrian work really well together, and we need him back. He would be able to get open a lot this year, as we know Devin Hester is going to be a bigger focus on the offense. Having Berrian and Hester on the field gives the Bears two legit threats to go deep at any time. With Grossman's ability to throw the deep ball and the combination of having Berrian, Hester, and Greg Olsen on the field, the Bears have to chance to put up big offensive numbers this season.

Sure Rex has had some god-awful games. But when he's on, he is better than most QBs in the league (do you not remember the beginning of the '06 season?). With an improved offensive line, he won't have to worry about getting rocked every other time he drops back to pass, and he'll be able to use all of the weapons the Bears will have this year. As long as he can stay healthy this year, the Bears are looking good. When Rex Grossman plays the full season, the Bears go to the Super Bowl, CASE CLOSED.