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

[goonys evil twin]

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.

 

The first Vikings game?

[USSoccer]

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.

 

It's funny, but I was thinking this morning that it might be better for the Bears to be on the road during the playoffs. If Rex starts out like he did last postseason (1 for 12), he's going to be booed mercilessly by the dumbest fanbase in the city, and whatever supposed advantage we have at home will be out the window.

 

The worst thing to happen to Rex Grossman is Bears fans. They need to not go into panic mode if he starts slowly or throws a pick.

[goonys evil twin]

 

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.

 

He's played 24 regular season games and 1 playoff game. I don't think you have to put up with his inconsistency. He's got to become more consistent right now. But he's the QB, and he should be the QB through the playoffs, and he should be at least in the picture for QB next season, unless Griese somehow looks much better this summer.

[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.

 

The first Vikings game?

 

I guess, to a lesser extent. I think he was more lucky than good in that game. He should have been intercepted about 5 times in that game. I remember that Sharper dropped what would have been, 99 out of 100 times, a pick six. The ball hit him right in the breadbasket and he dropped it.

 

If you want to include that game, fine. I still think Rex is more likely to completely meltdown in a game than bounce back from early struggles.

[David]

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.

 

All I can think of, honestly, is Brett Favre. And I hate that comparison. Young Brett Favre (before his prime) and the old Brett Favre nowadays. Brett Favre, in his prime, obviously was a lot more consistent.

 

Unfortunately, I don't know where I can find game logs dating back that far, so I can't say on a game by game basis if Favre's 1993 season (his second full year) was anything like Grossman's 2006, but here are his final stats that year.

 

318/522 61% 3303 YDS 206.4 YD/G 19 TD 24 INT for a 72.2 rating

 

Just to compare, here are Rex's 2006 final numbers

 

262/480 55% 3193 YDS 200 YD/G 23 TD 20 INT for a 73.9 rating

 

Obviously, you'd be an idiot to say he's going to become what Favre became...but I think guys with that style of play inherently tend to have more up/down swings (lots of TDs and INTs) than most others.

 

Hopefully, Grossman can develop some consistency as he gains experience.

[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.

 

He's played 24 regular season games and 1 playoff game. I don't think you have to put up with his inconsistency. He's got to become more consistent right now. But he's the QB, and he should be the QB through the playoffs, and he should be at least in the picture for QB next season, unless Griese somehow looks much better this summer.

 

Is 25 games (from an NFL standpoint) alot to you? Not to me. It's about 1.5 full seasons worth of games. I'd question any argument that he has enough experience even further on the basis that 9 of those games were spread out as 3, 3, and 3 over the course of 3 years.

[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.

 

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.

 

Goony for your sake and the rest of you Bear fans I hope I'm wrong. I don't think I am though.

 

I think his best best is to be a relief QB. I think it best fits his personality as the pressure would be off and he would have nothing to lose.

 

I think he may bounce around because of his potential.

[David]

It's funny, but I was thinking this morning that it might be better for the Bears to be on the road during the playoffs. If Rex starts out like he did last postseason (1 for 12), he's going to be booed mercilessly by the dumbest fanbase in the city, and whatever supposed advantage we have at home will be out the window.

 

Now, now. We all know that distinction goes to Sox fans...and they only make up about 1/2 of the Bears' fan base.

[goonys evil twin]

Is 25 games (from an NFL standpoint) alot to you? Not to me. It's about 1.5 full seasons worth of games. I'd question any argument that he has enough experience even further on the basis that 9 of those games were spread out as 3, 3, and 3 over the course of 3 years.

 

If it was 1.5 seasons, you'd have a point, but it's spread out of 4 seasons, so you don't. It's not just game time that guys learn from. He's had more than enough film and practice time to be better, and he's had enough game time to be better than he is. I haven't given up on him, but I'm sick of the "it's only been 20 games" arguement. That made some sense in October, when he'd played very few games. He's had plenty of time. Now he has to get the job done. If he craps the bed in the playoffs, you have to seriously consider drafting a QB this April who could takeover in 2008, or midway through 2007 if he doesn't show improvement next season.

[goonys evil twin]

Goony for your sake and the rest of you Bear fans I hope I'm wrong. I don't think I am though.

 

I think his best best is to be a relief QB. I think it best fits his personality as the pressure would be off and he would have nothing to lose.

 

I think he may bounce around because of his potential.

 

Considering there is no such thing as a relief QB, obviously you are wrong. It's not a job he can have.

[USSoccer]

It's funny, but I was thinking this morning that it might be better for the Bears to be on the road during the playoffs. If Rex starts out like he did last postseason (1 for 12), he's going to be booed mercilessly by the dumbest fanbase in the city, and whatever supposed advantage we have at home will be out the window.

 

Now, now. We all know that distinction goes to Sox fans...and they only make up about 1/2 of the Bears' fan base.

 

I dunno, you'd be hard pressed to find a more constsently deluded, reactionary and incorrect fanbase that the Bears have. They look at everything through the prism of the past. I don't even see HFA as any sort of advantage during these playoffs.

[Chocolate Milk]

Is 25 games (from an NFL standpoint) alot to you? Not to me. It's about 1.5 full seasons worth of games. I'd question any argument that he has enough experience even further on the basis that 9 of those games were spread out as 3, 3, and 3 over the course of 3 years.

 

If it was 1.5 seasons, you'd have a point, but it's spread out of 4 seasons, so you don't. It's not just game time that guys learn from. He's had more than enough film and practice time to be better, and he's had enough game time to be better than he is. I haven't given up on him, but I'm sick of the "it's only been 20 games" arguement. That made some sense in October, when he'd played very few games. He's had plenty of time. Now he has to get the job done. If he craps the bed in the playoffs, you have to seriously consider drafting a QB this April who could takeover in 2008, or midway through 2007 if he doesn't show improvement next season.

 

I think the only inexpierence issue with Rex is his ability to control his emotions and play more level headed throughout the game. He's been in the league long enough to avoid rookie type mistakes. He's also started every game this season.

Edited January 3, 2007 by Chocolate Milk

[David]

 

If it was 1.5 seasons, you'd have a point, but it's spread out of 4 seasons, so you don't. It's not just game time that guys learn from. He's had more than enough film and practice time to be better, and he's had enough game time to be better than he is. I haven't given up on him, but I'm sick of the "it's only been 20 games" arguement. That made some sense in October, when he'd played very few games. He's had plenty of time. Now he has to get the job done. If he craps the bed in the playoffs, you have to seriously consider drafting a QB this April who could takeover in 2008, or midway through 2007 if he doesn't show improvement next season.

 

I don't disagree with you. I'd just like to see how he does with his first real, full season under his belt (on top of all the OTA's, practice, training camps and all that). He has legit game experience going into this offseason. Regardless of how deep the Bears go in these playoffs, this offseason is going to hopefully be a chance for him to take that next step.

 

With the way this season has gone, he has lots to build on, both good and bad. That's just my take. I'm probably biased because I've been a big fan of his for a long time, but I think it's a valid point.

[goonys evil twin]

 

If it was 1.5 seasons, you'd have a point, but it's spread out of 4 seasons, so you don't. It's not just game time that guys learn from. He's had more than enough film and practice time to be better, and he's had enough game time to be better than he is. I haven't given up on him, but I'm sick of the "it's only been 20 games" arguement. That made some sense in October, when he'd played very few games. He's had plenty of time. Now he has to get the job done. If he craps the bed in the playoffs, you have to seriously consider drafting a QB this April who could takeover in 2008, or midway through 2007 if he doesn't show improvement next season.

 

I don't disagree with you. I'd just like to see how he does with his first real, full season under his belt (on top of all the OTA's, practice, training camps and all that). He has legit game experience going into this offseason. Regardless of how deep the Bears go in these playoffs, this offseason is going to hopefully be a chance for him to take that next step.

 

With the way this season has gone, he has lots to build on, both good and bad. That's just my take. I'm probably biased because I've been a big fan of his for a long time, but I think it's a valid point.

 

Well, I never wanted them to draft him in the first place, but now that he's here, and has shown what he has shown, I think you have to at least give him a chance to lose the starting job next season.

 

By the way, this postseason is going to hopefully be a chance for him to take the next step.

[David]

 

Well, I never wanted them to draft him in the first place, but now that he's here, and has shown what he has shown, I think you have to at least give him a chance to lose the starting job next season.

 

By the way, this postseason is going to hopefully be a chance for him to take the next step.

 

I hope so, but he can't prove consistency (even if he's awesome in all of them) in 3 games. Lord knows he's had awesome 3 game stretches already this year. We won't really know the answer to that question until next year.

 

Whatever... I'm just looking forward to this weekend to find out who we're playing next week.

[goonys evil twin]

 

Well, I never wanted them to draft him in the first place, but now that he's here, and has shown what he has shown, I think you have to at least give him a chance to lose the starting job next season.

 

By the way, this postseason is going to hopefully be a chance for him to take the next step.

 

I hope so, but he can't prove consistency (even if he's awesome in all of them) in 3 games. Lord knows he's had awesome 3 game stretches already this year. We won't really know the answer to that question until next year.

 

Whatever... I'm just looking forward to this weekend to find out who we're playing next week.

 

I disagree. If he has 3 straight great games in this postseason, nobody is going to go into next season with doubts.

[CuseCubFan69]

Goony for your sake and the rest of you Bear fans I hope I'm wrong. I don't think I am though.

 

I think his best best is to be a relief QB. I think it best fits his personality as the pressure would be off and he would have nothing to lose.

 

I think he may bounce around because of his potential.

 

Considering there is no such thing as a relief QB, obviously you are wrong. It's not a job he can have.

 

That's why I'm an innovator and not a follower!

 

As I said, I hope I am wrong.

[David]

I disagree. If he has 3 straight great games in this postseason, nobody is going to go into next season with doubts.

 

This is true. Everyone will go nuts with the Super Bowl euphoria. But you can't reasonably say that 3 great games (even in the playoffs) really SHOULD eliminate doubts about whether he can be a consistent NFL quarterback over the course of a 16 game season (and many thereafter), can you?

[USSoccer]

 

Well, I never wanted them to draft him in the first place, but now that he's here, and has shown what he has shown, I think you have to at least give him a chance to lose the starting job next season.

 

By the way, this postseason is going to hopefully be a chance for him to take the next step.

 

I hope so, but he can't prove consistency (even if he's awesome in all of them) in 3 games. Lord knows he's had awesome 3 game stretches already this year. We won't really know the answer to that question until next year.

 

Whatever... I'm just looking forward to this weekend to find out who we're playing next week.

 

I disagree. If he has 3 straight great games in this postseason, nobody is going to go into next season with doubts.

 

You're giving Bears fans too much credit. They'll panic if he has a bad preseason, regardless of what happens in the postseason.

[Chocolate Milk]

By the way, this postseason is going to hopefully be a chance for him to take the next step.

 

I completely agree and I hope Rex sees it as such. If he can put together 3 good games, even if the Bears lose the Superbowl, I think it will go a long way towards his devlopment.

[Derwood]

The fact that we're even doubting our QB at all at this time of the year bodes badly for the Bears. Good or bad, guys like Eli Manning have the support of their fans and coaches. You don't want your team going into the postseason with any doubts or controversy

[David]

The fact that we're even doubting our QB at all at this time of the year bodes badly for the Bears. Good or bad, guys like Eli Manning have the support of their fans and coaches. You don't want your team going into the postseason with any doubts or controversy

 

Does Eli really have the support of fans? And if he had Brian Griese behind him, would there be an issue?

 

I know a few Giants fans and most of them have significant doubts about Eli, and tons of football fans I know question Eli Manning as much as they do Grossman.

[BleedCubbieBlue81]

The fact that we're even doubting our QB at all at this time of the year bodes badly for the Bears. Good or bad, guys like Eli Manning have the support of their fans and coaches. You don't want your team going into the postseason with any doubts or controversy

Isn't Eli getting booed by the fans in New York?

 

By the way Derwood, you're coming up on quite a posting milestone there...

[Derwood]

The fact that we're even doubting our QB at all at this time of the year bodes badly for the Bears. Good or bad, guys like Eli Manning have the support of their fans and coaches. You don't want your team going into the postseason with any doubts or controversy

Isn't Eli getting booed by the fans in New York?

 

By the way Derwood, you're coming up on quite a posting milestone there...

 

Maybe Eli is getting booed, but I'm not hearing the NFL analysts rallying for his backup to be put in (perhaps because the backup is crap, but still...)

 

I've only seen the Bears play 2 or 3 times this year, but I found them to be the least impressive 13-3 team I've seen since, well, the last 13-3 Bears team.

[Banedon]

Wow...Rex is clearly a polarizing topic.