Divisional Round: Bears vs. Seahawks - Sun Jan 14, 12 pm CST

[Derwood]

It's pretty tough to say that the Bears are 13-3 despite Grossman. That's an incredibly unfair statement to make; that Rex had nothing to do with any of their wins.

 

I hate ESPN.

 

Would you say that they were, what, 11-5 last year despite Kyle Orton?

[USSoccer]

It's pretty tough to say that the Bears are 13-3 despite Grossman. That's an incredibly unfair statement to make; that Rex had nothing to do with any of their wins.

 

I hate ESPN.

 

Would you say that they were, what, 11-5 last year despite Kyle Orton?

 

I don't know that I would have said in spite of, but I wouldn't say they were 11-5 because of him. He was a nonfactor in my mind. The contributions to the offense by Orton were by orders of magnitude less than what Grossman contributed this season. They didn't ask Orton to win games for them. They asked him not to lose them. This season, they put the offense in Rex's hands, and it won them some games, and lost them a couple.

 

It's too bad that there's no VORP for football.

[Banedon]

It's pretty tough to say that the Bears are 13-3 despite Grossman. That's an incredibly unfair statement to make; that Rex had nothing to do with any of their wins.

 

I hate ESPN.

 

Would you say that they were, what, 11-5 last year despite Kyle Orton?

 

Orton didn't have 7 games with a 100+ passer rating.

[BigbadB]

Well, it's been a long time since I've been able to attend a Bears game (Marcus Robinson was lining up at WR), but I believe I'll have to get tickets for that game.

 

See ya at the Q!

 

Yeah, those will be hot tickets for a lot of reasons. Could be the last year the Chargers are in San Diego. San Diego will probably still be good next year, as will the Bears. Lots of transplants from Chicago living in San Diego.

 

Better get crackin' now on lining up tickets. I have a few friends that are season ticket holders.

[USSoccer]

It's pretty tough to say that the Bears are 13-3 despite Grossman. That's an incredibly unfair statement to make; that Rex had nothing to do with any of their wins.

 

I hate ESPN.

 

Would you say that they were, what, 11-5 last year despite Kyle Orton?

 

Orton didn't have 7 games with a 100+ passer rating.

 

He only had 4 games above 80, and had 5 below 45.

[UMFan83]

It's pretty tough to say that the Bears are 13-3 despite Grossman. That's an incredibly unfair statement to make; that Rex had nothing to do with any of their wins.

 

I hate ESPN.

 

Well he was largely responsible for their 3 losses, although the only game he actually *lost* for them was the Pats game.

[goonys evil twin]

Being 13-3 in spite of Grossman is not entirely inaccurate. Rex had 5 terrible games. The team "should have" lost all 5. They actually won 2, and you'd have to say that was in spite of him. So, you could say they'd have been 11-5 if it wasn't for the team twice winning in spite of Grossman.

[USSoccer]

It's pretty tough to say that the Bears are 13-3 despite Grossman. That's an incredibly unfair statement to make; that Rex had nothing to do with any of their wins.

 

I hate ESPN.

 

Well he was largely responsible for their 3 losses, although the only game he actually *lost* for them was the Pats game.

 

Could you say that about any losing QB? He's got the ball in his hands for every offensive snap. He's going to have some responsibility for every loss. Conversely, he should get at least partial credit for all but 2 of their wins.

[CuseCubFan69]

I've never thought Grossman was going to be a good NFL QB. He made horrible decisions in college and continues to do so.

 

I think Grossmans value is as a backup QB. If a QB like Orton is struggling and the Bears are losing Grossman is the kind of guy that may be able to rally them back, way better than Oton IMO. But, as a starter he may put the Bears in a bad situation and if the defense starts to get worn down mentally and physically because of his mistakes they will get booted out of the playoffs. I really don't think Grossman is strong enough mentally to be the kind of QB that he is. Farve makes mistakes but he has faith in his ability to be able to overcome them. I don't think Grossman can do that. If Grossman has a bad game and the Bears fall behind by 14 or so and then put in Greise or Orton I think that will be the recipe for disaster. That's why I think it would be better to have a smartly managed game by a QB for the Bears and if things do go sour, then put Grossman in.

[gflore34]

Time for some ESPN hijinks:

 

1. What will be the biggest surprise?

 

Mark Schlereth: New Orleans' defense will rise to the occasion and help lead the Saints to the Super Bowl. The Saints' D has given up big plays, but it's underrated. New Orleans executes well and will elevate its game. They will come together, especially with a week off to rest and get ready.

 

Eric Allen: The Saints' going into Chicago and handily beating the Bears will be the surprise of the playoffs. The Saints will control the game from beginning to end. Saints coach Sean Payton does a great job getting his guys ready to win, and they do a great job executing his game plan.

 

You'd think the Saints hadn't lost this season, much less lost 6 times.

 

2. What will be the biggest disappointment?

 

Mark Schlereth: The Chicago Bears. It's ridiculous that a team that finished three games ahead of the No. 2 seed in the conference won't represent that conference, but the Bears have too many flaws to make the Super Bowl.

 

Eric Allen: The Cowboys. This is a team that might be as bad as it has played despite the enormous amount of talent on the field. They are still very capable, but the expectations are way too high. They aren't jelling well, and everything in the locker room is spewing out into the open. Winning playoff teams have a cohesiveness. This team doesn't have that, and it's going to cost them.

 

Oh yeah Mark, and none of those other NFC teams have flaws.

 

And the best part:

 

4. What will people say about Rex Grossman after the playoffs?

 

Mark Schlereth: That he's wildly inconsistent and until he learns to manage a game, he's going to cost them football games. The Bears are 13-3 and the No. 1 seed in the NFC despite Grossman and because of the defense and special teams. He needs to continue to mature as a player.

 

Eric Allen: They'll say he's still a work in progress. He's a strong-armed kid who needs to do a better job taking what the defense gives him. He also needs a better running game if the Bears are going to go farther.

 

The running game is the only thing consistent on this offense! Hilarious.

 

Isn't Schlereth the same genius who had the Bears losing to GB, Det, and Minn right off the bat?

 

Should the Bears face the Saints in the NFC Championship, I'm thinking they'll be able to pound Benson and run Jones against that rush defense that was ranked 13 of 16 in the NFC (128.9 YPG, 4.9 YPC).

[Soriano12]

I've never thought Grossman was going to be a good NFL QB. He made horrible decisions in college and continues to do so.

 

I think Grossmans value is as a backup QB. If a QB like Orton is struggling and the Bears are losing Grossman is the kind of guy that may be able to rally them back, way better than Oton IMO. But, as a starter he may put the Bears in a bad situation and if the defense starts to get worn down mentally and physically because of his mistakes they will get booted out of the playoffs. I really don't think Grossman is strong enough mentally to be the kind of QB that he is. Farve makes mistakes but he has faith in his ability to be able to overcome them. I don't think Grossman can do that. If Grossman has a bad game and the Bears fall behind by 14 or so and then put in Greise or Orton I think that will be the recipe for disaster. That's why I think it would be better to have a smartly managed game by a QB for the Bears and if things do go sour, then put Grossman in.

 

I am so glad you do not make personnel decisions for the Chicago Bears.

[CuseCubFan69]

I've never thought Grossman was going to be a good NFL QB. He made horrible decisions in college and continues to do so.

 

I think Grossmans value is as a backup QB. If a QB like Orton is struggling and the Bears are losing Grossman is the kind of guy that may be able to rally them back, way better than Oton IMO. But, as a starter he may put the Bears in a bad situation and if the defense starts to get worn down mentally and physically because of his mistakes they will get booted out of the playoffs. I really don't think Grossman is strong enough mentally to be the kind of QB that he is. Farve makes mistakes but he has faith in his ability to be able to overcome them. I don't think Grossman can do that. If Grossman has a bad game and the Bears fall behind by 14 or so and then put in Greise or Orton I think that will be the recipe for disaster. That's why I think it would be better to have a smartly managed game by a QB for the Bears and if things do go sour, then put Grossman in.

 

I am so glad you do not make personnel decisions for the Chicago Bears.

 

I want to win not baby sit some headcase. In the playoffs you can't fool around and wait and see if your QB can turn it around, especially one with thin skin like Grossman.

[Soriano12]

I've never thought Grossman was going to be a good NFL QB. He made horrible decisions in college and continues to do so.

 

I think Grossmans value is as a backup QB. If a QB like Orton is struggling and the Bears are losing Grossman is the kind of guy that may be able to rally them back, way better than Oton IMO. But, as a starter he may put the Bears in a bad situation and if the defense starts to get worn down mentally and physically because of his mistakes they will get booted out of the playoffs. I really don't think Grossman is strong enough mentally to be the kind of QB that he is. Farve makes mistakes but he has faith in his ability to be able to overcome them. I don't think Grossman can do that. If Grossman has a bad game and the Bears fall behind by 14 or so and then put in Greise or Orton I think that will be the recipe for disaster. That's why I think it would be better to have a smartly managed game by a QB for the Bears and if things do go sour, then put Grossman in.

 

I am so glad you do not make personnel decisions for the Chicago Bears.

 

I want to win not baby sit some headcase. In the playoffs you can't fool around and wait and see if your QB can turn it around, especially one with thin skin like Grossman.

 

How is Grossman a headcase? Are we just throwing out buzzwords at this point?

[goonys evil twin]

I've never thought Grossman was going to be a good NFL QB. He made horrible decisions in college and continues to do so.

 

I think Grossmans value is as a backup QB. If a QB like Orton is struggling and the Bears are losing Grossman is the kind of guy that may be able to rally them back, way better than Oton IMO. But, as a starter he may put the Bears in a bad situation and if the defense starts to get worn down mentally and physically because of his mistakes they will get booted out of the playoffs. I really don't think Grossman is strong enough mentally to be the kind of QB that he is. Farve makes mistakes but he has faith in his ability to be able to overcome them. I don't think Grossman can do that. If Grossman has a bad game and the Bears fall behind by 14 or so and then put in Greise or Orton I think that will be the recipe for disaster. That's why I think it would be better to have a smartly managed game by a QB for the Bears and if things do go sour, then put Grossman in.

 

I am so glad you do not make personnel decisions for the Chicago Bears.

 

I want to win not baby sit some headcase. In the playoffs you can't fool around and wait and see if your QB can turn it around, especially one with thin skin like Grossman.

 

I don't see Grossman having thin skin. Regardless, it's absurd to suggest starting Kyle Orton over him.

[USSoccer]

I've never thought Grossman was going to be a good NFL QB. He made horrible decisions in college and continues to do so.

 

I think Grossmans value is as a backup QB. If a QB like Orton is struggling and the Bears are losing Grossman is the kind of guy that may be able to rally them back, way better than Oton IMO. But, as a starter he may put the Bears in a bad situation and if the defense starts to get worn down mentally and physically because of his mistakes they will get booted out of the playoffs. I really don't think Grossman is strong enough mentally to be the kind of QB that he is. Farve makes mistakes but he has faith in his ability to be able to overcome them. I don't think Grossman can do that. If Grossman has a bad game and the Bears fall behind by 14 or so and then put in Greise or Orton I think that will be the recipe for disaster. That's why I think it would be better to have a smartly managed game by a QB for the Bears and if things do go sour, then put Grossman in.

 

I am so glad you do not make personnel decisions for the Chicago Bears.

 

I want to win not baby sit some headcase. In the playoffs you can't fool around and wait and see if your QB can turn it around, especially one with thin skin like Grossman.

 

I think you're confusing growing pains with lack of talent and ability. Rex has enough talent to be a top 10 QB in the league. He's not Peyton Manning, but he's not a backup.

 

What Bears fans need to realize is that developing a franchise QB takes time, and requires patience and an understanding that there's going to be some inconsistencies. Very few QB's step in and don't have disaster games in their first couple seasons.

[David]

No quick release? Can't say I've ever heard anyone describe Grossman that way.

 

 

Okay, so he does release it quick sometimes. But he throws ducks when he does. I've been a Rex supporter, and they have to win with him. But it's hard when to block for a 6 footer who needs to step into his throws and can't really move.

 

All I have ever read in any scouting report is that Rex Grossman has one of the quickest and most compact releases around. What I have seen from him on the field doesn't go against that at all.

 

Just to be clear, I'm referring to throwing mechanics, not how long it takes him to decide who or where to throw to.

 

Saying he doesn't have a quick release isn't just inaccurate, it's the opposite of the truth.

 

He has other issues. Height (or lack thereof) and immobility among them. A tendency to snowball with bad decisionmaking is another (one that experience should alleviate). But his throwing arm, IMHO, is not one of them.

[CuseCubFan69]

I've never thought Grossman was going to be a good NFL QB. He made horrible decisions in college and continues to do so.

 

I think Grossmans value is as a backup QB. If a QB like Orton is struggling and the Bears are losing Grossman is the kind of guy that may be able to rally them back, way better than Oton IMO. But, as a starter he may put the Bears in a bad situation and if the defense starts to get worn down mentally and physically because of his mistakes they will get booted out of the playoffs. I really don't think Grossman is strong enough mentally to be the kind of QB that he is. Farve makes mistakes but he has faith in his ability to be able to overcome them. I don't think Grossman can do that. If Grossman has a bad game and the Bears fall behind by 14 or so and then put in Greise or Orton I think that will be the recipe for disaster. That's why I think it would be better to have a smartly managed game by a QB for the Bears and if things do go sour, then put Grossman in.

 

I am so glad you do not make personnel decisions for the Chicago Bears.

 

I want to win not baby sit some headcase. In the playoffs you can't fool around and wait and see if your QB can turn it around, especially one with thin skin like Grossman.

 

I think you're confusing growing pains with lack of talent and ability. Rex has enough talent to be a top 10 QB in the league. He's not Peyton Manning, but he's not a backup.

 

What Bears fans need to realize is that developing a franchise QB takes time, and requires patience and an understanding that there's going to be some inconsistencies. Very few QB's step in and don't have disaster games in their first couple seasons.

 

I suppose the difference between you and I is that I don't think Grossman is a possible top 10 QB. I think he is going to have a George type of career at best.

 

I agree with you about developing a QB.

 

And Goony, Gresie then.

[USSoccer]

 

I suppose the difference between you and I is that I don't think Grossman is a possible top 10 QB. I think he is going to have a George type of career at best.

 

I agree with you about developing a QB.

 

And Goony, Gresie then.

 

Was Jeff George a top 10 QB in the league during his peak?

[RynoRules]

Rex has a starter's physical tools and a rookie QB's mentality. Only time and experience can change that, IMO. Question is, can we hang in there and wait in today's NFL?

[CuseCubFan69]

 

I suppose the difference between you and I is that I don't think Grossman is a possible top 10 QB. I think he is going to have a George type of career at best.

 

I agree with you about developing a QB.

 

And Goony, Gresie then.

 

Was Jeff George a top 10 QB in the league during his peak?

 

I said at best but yes he was. He was also inconsistant and never stayed in the same place for any time during his whole career.

[David]

 

I think you're confusing growing pains with lack of talent and ability. Rex has enough talent to be a top 10 QB in the league. He's not Peyton Manning, but he's not a backup.

 

What Bears fans need to realize is that developing a franchise QB takes time, and requires patience and an understanding that there's going to be some inconsistencies. Very few QB's step in and don't have disaster games in their first couple seasons.

 

Couldn't have put it any better myself. He's on game what, like 20, of his career? The fact that he's had as many great games as he had already bodes very well for his future. His bad ones may be worse than some other guys', but his good ones are better than most guys' too.

 

At this stage in his career, you just have to put up with the inconsistency. How can people want to give up on him already? This city is just way too impatient.

[Chocolate Milk]

Grossman may not have 'thin-skin' but he absolutely gets rattled. I only remember one game where he started out poorly then finished strong and that was the Giants game. In other games, when things start going badly, he played worse and worse until things spiraled out of control. When he threw the fist pick-6 against the Packers, I felt the chances were very high that he was going to go all to pieces. He did.

 

I don't know how else to explain it, at this point. How can one player have 7 100 rated games and have 2 games with a QB rating under 2? It's really unfathomable. He's talented enough where he should be able to sustain some level of production in every game. If he played that whole Packers game he could have thrown 6 interceptions. Being young and inexperienced isn't really an excuse for these blow-up games we're talking about. He reaches a level of terribleness that should not be possible. I'm truly baffled.

 

Does anyone remember a similar player to Grossman? A player who can on one day light up a defense, and on another throw more interceptions than completions? I honestly can't think of one. A few guys have been up and down, but THIS up and down?

 

He seems to be able to put it together for a few games after a blow-up game. I hope he can string together 3 good ones in a row, but I have to admit, I'm not really confident that he can. Lovie has to be able to pull the trigger quick with Rex in the postseason, in my opinion. If he starts off in a real funk, I have serious doubts whether he can pull himself out of it.

Edited January 3, 2007 by Chocolate Milk

[CuseCubFan69]

 

I think you're confusing growing pains with lack of talent and ability. Rex has enough talent to be a top 10 QB in the league. He's not Peyton Manning, but he's not a backup.

 

What Bears fans need to realize is that developing a franchise QB takes time, and requires patience and an understanding that there's going to be some inconsistencies. Very few QB's step in and don't have disaster games in their first couple seasons.

 

Couldn't have put it any better myself. He's on game what, like 20, of his career? The fact that he's had as many great games as he had already bodes very well for his future. His bad ones may be worse than some other guys', but his good ones are better than most guys' too.

 

At this stage in his career, you just have to put up with the inconsistency. How can people want to give up on him already? This city is just way too impatient.

 

I'm saying this as an outsider, I'm not pro or anti Bear. I'd like to see them win because a lot of fans on this site are big fans but it's just my opinion that Grossman isn't the QB that the Bears should invest their future or playoffs with.

[goonys evil twin]

I suppose the difference between you and I is that I don't think Grossman is a possible top 10 QB. I think he is going to have a George type of career at best.

 

I agree with you about developing a QB.

 

And Goony, Gresie then.

 

Well, I think you're clearly wrong about Rex's upside. You don't have the good games he's had without having significant upside as a QB. FYI, Jeff George had multiple seasons where he qualified as top 10 in several categories. George started 10 or more games 8 times, so he was hardly a backup. But he was a journeyman. I think Grossman's career path is much more extreme, he's either going to be really good, or disappear from the league. I don't see him bouncing around.

[USSoccer]

Rex has a starter's physical tools and a rookie QB's mentality. Only time and experience can change that, IMO. Question is, can we hang in there and wait in today's NFL?

 

Better to hang in there while you have the team around him to absord and withstand the growing pains. QB is the hardest position to fill. It's not like Rex hasn't been good more times than he's been bad.