The Rex Grossman conspiracy
September 26th, 2007 11:34 am
By now, anyone interested in the NFL has heard that the Chicago Bears will reportedly start Brian Griese at quarterback on Sunday against the Detroit Lions. What many are asking at this point is, “why?” Why did it take so long to do something that some people thought should have happened over a year ago.
Because the Bears front office is full of monkeys. And not even the cute monkeys. I’m talking about the ugly monkeys that through poop at each other.
Last year an easy schedule, better offensive play calling and a practically injury-free defense allowed the Grossman PR train to keep chugging along. Brainwashed fans kept buying tickets and they would hop aboard a train that made all of the stops except the last one: a Super Bowl victory.
Now, I’m not your typical conspiracy theorist that thinks the government is out to get us. But I just find the timing of this move very, very suspicious.
Last year we were fed the same line over and over again: “Rex is our guy.”
Really? Then why now all of a sudden is he not your guy? Last year Rex had four games with passer ratings lower than that of the Dallas game. Three of those games his passer rating was 10.2 or lower. Hell, just for showing up to the game you get at least a 25.
But, why wasn’t he pulled then? Even the fans last year brushed off those four pathetic games. Now, all of a sudden this year they boo Grossman? He’s no worse than he was last year. He’s just the same ol’ Rex.
The first three games this year have been against the Chargers, Chiefs and Cowboys. All three very tough opponents. Had the game against the Chiefs been on the road, the Bears very well could be 0-3 right now.
Compare that to the first three games in 2006 when the Bears played the Packers, Lions and Vikings. Only the Minnesota game last year was close and that was on the road in a hostile environment. The Packers and Lions of last year were downright atrocious. If the Bears were to play an opening schedule this year equal to that of last year they’d probably be 3-0.
Face it: last year the Bears had a cupcake schedule. This year the Bears play a much tougher one that still includes road games at Philly, Seattle and Washington and home games game against the Giants and Broncos. Oh, let’s also not forget that the Packers and Lions are a combined 5-1 at this point and seemed to be much improved.
A healthy defense, a decent running game and effective play calling last year was able to make up for a bad quarterback. Now, a bad personnel move, a tough schedule and an injury-prone defense has made the team look average at best.
I know, I know. It sounds like I’m supporting Rex and saying it’s not his fault. The truth is I think it’s definitely his fault the way he plays. He doesn’t check-down receivers, he can be forced into making bad decisions and his attitude leaves a lot to be desired.
However, I think it’s time we stop putting the blame on Grossman and put it on the front office and/or the coaches. They refused to make a run at Byron Leftwhich, got rid of Thomas Jones, have yet to make Devin Hester a factor in the offense and now they’re pulling Grossman at a time in which he’s no worse than he was last year. This is piss-poor management and if you ask me, the Bears need to make some front office changes before they make any player changes.
Why Orton Should Start
Since the Bears are determined to make a change at quarterback, let’s take a look at why I think Orton should start instead of Grossman.
During the 2005 season in which he filled in for an injured Grossman, Orton was 11-5 with a passer rating of 59.7, yet he only had two games that were worse than Grossman’s performance against the Cowboys. Only once in that season did Orton throw more than two interceptions in a game while Grossman did it five times last year. Orton may not have as many touchdowns as Rex, but he can keep the offense on the field and allow the defense to rest.
What I’m trying to point out is that Orton may not have better stats, but he’s consistent. There’s no “Good Orton” and “Bad Orton”. There’s just Orton. He may not win you the game, but he won’t lose it for you either.
However, if the team can’t get their running game together I’m not even sure Tom Brady could bail this team out of what I expect to be an 8-8 season.