Here's what Jerry Angelo had to say about the prospect of bringing Rex Grossman back to Chicago:
"We would definitely like to have Rex back. We’ve talked internally, and at some point we will visit with him and see if we can create a situation that’s workable for all of us. We’ve invested a lot in Rex, and we see him competing for the starting position. Given the familiarity that he has with our system and us with him, there’s no downside. He’s been a good soldier for us in terms of whatever role we’ve asked him to play, particularly this past season. We feel that having him in the mix makes us a better football team."
Expect the Bears to open a competition this summer between Sexy, KO and either a veteran player-to-be-named later or a rookie. This passage from Jerry makes it very clear that the team will not be in the Donovan McNabb or Derek Anderson markets and will most likely opening the 2008 season with #8 under center.
The story here is Jerry Angelo and Lovie Smith who will not be officially hitching themselves to the Grossman wagon. If Rex struggles early and is replaced en route to another subpar Bears season, I'm not sure how either survives to lead the team in 2009.
#2 craig said . . .stuck between a gunslinger and a lot of risky options...what else can he say? I've got this feeling that orton will be the qb on opening day...but then again i've been wrong plenty about this team. all in all, i'd be comfortable with rex returning, but i'll have to see the ink on the contract to believe it.
February 18, 2008
#3 Pissed Off said . . .I think Rex will be back for sure, because I think management knows what the rest of us know: Orton doesn't have the talent to be a starting QB in this league (at least not yet), and Grieseball isn't really much more than a stopgap. There will be someone else in the mix, though, and I'm excited to find out who it is. Though I like Rex (who knows why), I'd be happy to see someone better and more consistent unseat him.
February 18, 2008
#4 Pissed Off said . . .Is this new info or is this still the stuff Angelo said during the press conference at the end of the year?
February 18, 2008
#5 Duff Diggler said . . .Never mind, I went to da site and go my answer.
February 18, 2008
#6 Angelo also said said . . .Redundant.... This is all the same stuff both they and we have said for the past 2 1/2 months.... fuckin gag me.... at least Angelo is passionate about the OL.... and on top of that, he has consistantly mentioned FAcy.... somebody light the beacon....
February 18, 2008
#7 Jimbo said . . ."I feel that we will again be very solid at the position."
Ohhhh Scaryyy. When were we very solid at the position? I'll have a double of the koolaid the GM is having. I know he has to pretty much say this crap but don't insult us.
February 18, 2008
#8 Z said . . ."Once more into the breach, dear friends, once more..."
(1) The Free Agent market is thin.
(2) If we draft a rookie, and we should, he'll still need a couple of years to get acquainted.
(3) Orton and Griese are not better or worse but neither carry the UPSIDE we all know Grossman has.
(4) Grossman is likely to be had at a "bargain" price among starting QB's.All this equals... Resign Rex and let's move on.
February 18, 2008
#9 Shady McBears Fan said . . .Rightio Jimbo. Sometimes you just have to get some duct tape and super glue and hold it together the best u can till u can get that new shiny one.
When we have to quote Shakespeare in the offseason you know things are serious.
February 18, 2008
#10 Pissed Off said . . .Jeff, how does this rule out DA or McNabb? Nothing is clear from this fan response e-mail. I agree with #6, this is all bullshit right now.
We'd like to do this,
We'd like to keep him,
We feel Rex has been a soldier
(Hey Duff isn't that an insult to you?)Having Rex makes us a better football team.
(Of course it does. The other QBs are nothing more than back-ups. You're not saying much here JA)I've said it before, I don't think I can take another 2-3 years of fumbled snaps, sacks for more yds than the should be and INTs for TDs. But then again if we don't trade for McNabb, Rex would be the next best option... Fuck. I don't know why the rest of the team hasn't figured it out, but the Bears cannot win a superbowl with Grossman at QB.
Grossman is NOT the answer! Can we please move on? Oh wait, he's the best we can get so I guess we'll have to keep the Rexperiment going for another few years. Shoot me now.
February 18, 2008
#11 Shady said . . .Click, Click, BOOM! Now your dead.
And thank God cuz your negativity is mind-numbing. Rex looked like a different QB after coming back from his benching. On several occassions he ran forward when the pocket collapsed and gain positive yards as opposed to his old ways of running backward till they tackled him. And if you want to fix the fumbled snap situation you better be looking to replace Olin, not Rex cuz its at least as much his fault, as was evidenced by all 3 QBs fumbling snaps.
We are not getting McNabb or Anderson, McNabbs not leaving Philly. I dont have anything concrete about Anderson but hasnt the front office said they have zero interest in Anderson? I think so.
Anymore weak ass observations I can shut the door on for you?
Good posts Jimbo and Z.
February 18, 2008
#12 DTB said . . .I'll admit the last comment was pretty negative, but honestly, what do you expect from fans this time of year? Look at what kind of shit-hole situation the team is in. Haven't we also suffered through the ups and downs of Grossman enough already? He has shown on multiple occasions that he cannot get it done when given the opportunity. Sure he looked better after the benching, but nothing to hang a hat on for 2008.
Why should we be excited about the possibility of another 3 years of the Rexperiment?
I mean, It's embarrassing at this point. Can you imagine if Rex pulls another Grossman next year? How many times are you willing to support an excruciatingly painful inconstant QB play before you realize it's time to move on?
If the Bears sign Grossman to be the starter for the next couple years (because he looked better after the benching) and he ends up pulling the same old shit, then the Bears will officially become the laughing stock of the NFL.
So sorry if I'm a bit negative, but try to look at the big picture here. How is a realistic Bears fan supposed to get excited about the return of the drama that is Rex Grossman?
February 18, 2008
#13 Serious. said . . .There is a clear disconnect that exists with all of you that continue to bash Rex. There is a difference between inconsistant and completely inept. Rex is inconsistant but does give us the ability to win games on his own. The other QB's that can be had as well as the rest on our roster need several things to occur to win ball games. They are inept. The need assistance from all facets to win games by narrow margins.
Now I personally have no problem watching Rex in Navy and Burnt every Sunday. For one, its entertaining. For two, redemption for Rex would be the top storyline in any year within the NFL. Lastly, he gives us the best chance to win ballgames. I am not like the rest of the fatalistic Bears fans here, and I believe it to be true that Rex with a similar year to 2006 will get us back to the playoffs. And as evidenced by the playoff's this year, its a crap shoot once you get in.February 18, 2008
#14 Pissed Off said . . .In fairness, inconsistent QB's can become Super Bowl calibur QB's. The most recent case is clearly Eli Manning. He was written off last offseason, and most of this season as well. Guess what happened? The running game starting controlling the ball. The O-Line gave him plenty of time. His recievers made some tough catches. Then, the defense dominated.
Gee wizzz. The last time all those things happened for the bears was the 1st half of the 06 season. And who dominated, rex. Also Eli has 2 full seasons of experience which Rex didn't benefit from. He was good enough to get us to the SB in 06... albit will a studly defense...
Can we win the NFC with Rex. Yes. We have before. We need to sign him, and get some playmakers at OL, RB, WR, and S. Fuck Anderson. He sucked at Oregon State, and he will suck in chicago. Its easy to out preform when there is no expectations. McNabb is old. Period. And hes not leaving Philly anyway, so who cares. One less injured "super star" we have to pay to warm the pine.
Rex will drive you crazy with fumbled snaps, and interceptions. Fine. If our defense was up to snuff, and we could get back to the "if we score 21 points we will win every game" attitude... then the bears will be back as the class of the NFC. We arent the pats... we will never have an offense that takes over games. What we will have is a offense that can score 17-21 points every game backed up by a Super Bowl calibur defense.
If the giants showed us anything this playoff season its DEFENSE WINS SUPER BOWLS. Get Rex.
February 18, 2008
#15 mikebdot said . . .#12 was not me, it was DTB, though it echoes my sentiments exactly. There is certainly a midpoint between good Rex (post benching Rex, 2006 good games Rex, etc.) and Bad Rex (Arizona Rex). What he showed was complete and utter consistnecy since his benching and I absolutely want to see him for a full year, post benching. I think he has turned another corner, which will improve his game even more. I think if he would have not gotten hurt against Washington (not only would we have made the playoffs) and finished the year, this would all be a moot point....everyone of us on here would want him back with very minimal questions about his ability. That said it might be a Godsend that he got hurt cuz he may have demanded a lot more on the free agent market making him unattainable for us. Now we CAN get him back, and in my opinion, for a bargain price for what he's going to be able to do.
Lets also get this kid a decent O-line and some weapons and watch him lead this team to the playoffs in 08.
February 18, 2008
#16 Shady said . . .I actually don't care who is calling signals for us next year, as long as Angelo fixes the O-line and makes an effort to land Rex (for stability sake) and brings in a RB who will compete/complement Cedric Benson I'm not sure I can blame him.
Also, just would like to point out that Rex didn't finish the season yet again. That's 3 out of 4 folks. Overpaying for Rex is probably a stupid idea, just like bringing Mike Brown back without an incentive-laden contract would be stupid. Just sayin'.
February 18, 2008
#17 Shady said . . .Hold on a min.
#13
Rex had his chance in the Superbowl and he fucked it up. You remember how embarrassing some of those highlights were? Eli made it happen, Rex didn't. Eli became consistanty good in the playoffs, Rex became consistantly average. And Rex didn't get us the the Superbowl in '06, it was the defense. And you know what? It was the Colts OFFENSE that won the championship.And how can you say you can deal with the botched snaps and INTs. That kind of shit is unacceptable, period. It's not fair to place the burden of success on the shoulders of the defense year in and year out. And why CAN'T Chicago ever have a great offense? Because history and tradition say that's not our style of football? Bullshit. The game changes, and in this era, offense is what wins football games.
And PO'd,
I suppose Rex did show more consistancy, but is wasn't consistantly good. Of course some of the blame goes to the line, RB and WR, but the QB is going to take the majority whether things go well or go poorly. It's just the nature of the beast.And did you really say if Rex had not gotten injured against the Redskins the Bears would have made the playoffs? That's a good one.
And did you really think the injury was in any way a GOOD thing? What 'cause now he's cheaper 'cause he's damaged goods and other teams won't bid for his services?
I'm all for getting a Chicago QB some weapons because I think any QB would struggle with this current supporting cast. I'm just not about to get all excited for the return of Rex Grossman in '08 because of what transpired in '07.
I've been fooled before. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. But hey, do we have any other choice but to give him ANOTHER shot? No, because this guy apparently gives us the best chance to win.
Awesome...
With the QBs on the current team, is that really saying much?
February 18, 2008
#18 DTB said . . .Hold on a min.
#13
Rex had his chance in the Superbowl and he fucked it up. You remember how embarrassing some of those highlights were? Eli made it happen, Rex didn't. Eli became consistanty good in the playoffs, Rex became consistantly average. And Rex didn't get us the the Superbowl in '06, it was the defense. And you know what? It was the Colts OFFENSE that won the championship.And how can you say you can deal with the botched snaps and INTs. That kind of shit is unacceptable, period. It's not fair to place the burden of success on the shoulders of the defense year in and year out. And why CAN'T Chicago ever have a great offense? Because history and tradition say that's not our style of football? Bullshit. The game changes, and in this era, offense is what wins football games.
And PO'd,
I suppose Rex did show more consistancy, but is wasn't consistantly good. Of course some of the blame goes to the line, RB and WR, but the QB is going to take the majority whether things go well or go poorly. It's just the nature of the beast.And did you really say if Rex had not gotten injured against the Redskins the Bears would have made the playoffs? That's a good one.
And did you really think the injury was in any way a GOOD thing? What 'cause now he's cheaper 'cause he's damaged goods and other teams won't bid for his services?
I'm all for getting a Chicago QB some weapons because I think any QB would struggle with this current supporting cast. I'm just not about to get all excited for the return of Rex Grossman in '08 because of what transpired in '07.
I've been fooled before. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. But hey, do we have any other choice but to give him ANOTHER shot? No, because this guy apparently gives us the best chance to win.
Awesome...
With the QBs on the current team, is that really saying much?
February 18, 2008
#19 Al in WI said . . .SEE YA MOOOOOOOOSSSEEEE!!!!!!!
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d806bde90&template=without-video&confirm=true
February 18, 2008
#20 Al in WI said . . .Loving that we are back on football today, and my favorite topic no less.
Anyway, great comments today, as always by Po'd, and I really have to second DTB's post. Great stuff. Get the deal done, get the deal done now!
February 18, 2008
#21 JB said . . .Yessssssssssssss!! Glad to see you go Moose! I'm sorry I'm really tired of that guy.
Also glad to see we have re-signed Alex Brown.February 18, 2008
#22 Shady said . . .yeah, i think that was predicted here. i wonder if there will be anything else out there and if this will help to sign booker. and berrian. anyways, good choice, i can't believe how many freaking balls he dropped last year.
and resigning alex brown is awesome, i love that guy.
February 18, 2008
#23 Pissed Off said . . .Hopefully this will be the tip of the iceberg for offseason moves. I'm pretty sure this won't be the only story out of Halas Hall this week, maybe not even today.
This move seems risky considering the options left at the WR position for the Bears. I was never a Moose hater and I think he's got some talent, but I did get quite sick of his throwing QBs under the bus and seemed to be overpaid for what he was contributing.
Now what FA WR will come to the Bears?
Hackett?
Stallworth?
Johnson?If the Bears don't pick up a WR in FA, they will be FUCKED going into the draft. They're giving so much damn leverage to Rosenmoney to extract as much $ as possible for BB. I hope they have a plan and the Bears aren't moving people out without a guy or 2 to replace 'em with.
February 18, 2008
#24 Pissed Off said . . .Rex WAS consistently good post benching. I'm not sure what your trying to explain there Shady but he wasnt consistently bad so he must have been consitent......ly...good?
Peace out Moose, you arent worth the money and you can bitch with some other team. Yipee we save money and keep Brown. We need that guy for depth. Finally some news!! Now sign Hackett and Booker, let Berrian walk, save the $, Re-sign Rex, lets play.
February 18, 2008
#25 Pissed Off said . . .Shady, if you dont want Rex on the team, or just dont like the guy thats fine, you're not alone. But your attempts at trying to justify any other option for this team are feeble in my opinion as well as are your attempts at trying to make him out as a bust.
Maybe I can get on board with transitioning Berrian now. Maybe he'll grab the #1 WR reigns and step up and play like a #1, and stop dropping easy passes. Maybe too they have the works going already on this and/or the signing of Booker and thats why they cut Moose.
February 18, 2008
#26 Al in WI said . . .Hey lets send Moose back to Carolina and they can send Harris back.
February 18, 2008
#27 jdawg said . . .Does anyone still work at the Tribune anymore? They haven't had any stories or news in weeks.
February 18, 2008
#28 serious said . . .man, these Grossman threads are like kudzu!
Even though this comment will get buried in the avalanche in progress: if the O-line is a lot better this season a lot of illnesses will be cured. I've said this before, but look what happened to the Patriots in the SB when their O-line was over-matched by the Giants' D. They looked pretty ordinary and only put up 14 points.
February 18, 2008
#29 Shady said . . .#16.
Look we can argue all day about Rex and his play leading to/in the super bowl. My point, while maybe not clear, was this team can win with Rex. We can win the super bowl. With experience the turnovers will become more limited. I'm just saying the guy has only had one whole season. I dont think its fair to say he's not going to get better... and we'd all agree he played more consistantly after being benched.
Secondly, derick anderson is not a sure thing... so while I'd be for going out and getting the next Tom Brady too... we all know its not that easy. Since we don't have Payton Manning the second waiting in the wings, we should focus on D. And If i'm not mistaken its the Colts D that forced, what, like 4 or 5 turnovers in the Super Bowl... not to mention shut down our run game.
We need to revamp our secondary and get our front 7 healthy. Then we need to get some offensive play makers and we will be fine with Rex. I'm not saying we could NEVER have a great offense... we are just currently built to be a defensive minded team for the next several years.
The downfall of this team last year was just as much a defensive let down as it was inconsistancy on offense. I'm just saying.
February 18, 2008
#30 jdawg said . . .O.K. 2 things PO'd:
1. I said he was consistently AVERAGE after getting benched!
2. That's just it PO'd, there is no clear option out there besides Rex. That's why I'm so pissed off. Last year was his opportunity to prove to people like me that he could handle the #1 QB spot. He was then benched after three terrible performances. Now we're heading into '08 and we're hoping he'll stick around 'cause he's the best we've got. That's just SAD to me. If you can't at least see where I'm coming from then this argument is silly.
All I want is for the Bears to bring in someone who can (at the very least) seriously challenge Rex for the #1 spot. It's not Kyle Orton. And while I'd like to see a new QB drafted, there isn't a QB in range who can challenge Rex in '08. McNabb's name has been out there. PJ Losman perhaps? Or maybe a Byron Leftwich? SOMEBODY! Rex can't be handed the key's to the car again this year without some SERIOUS competition.
February 18, 2008
#31 NUtjob said . . .I sort of agree about the D letting us down as well, but a case can be made that the D was hurt and the O, minus Ruben and Benson (in week 11) was healthy and still sucked. Therefore, besides Mike Brown at safety, I'm MUCH more concerned about the O, specifically the line.
If Grossman can park his ass in the backfield for one or two more seconds you're going to see different results from last year. Fuck, didn't Phillips say the wood he layed on Grossman on that sack in week one was the hardest he's ever hit a QB, college or pro, and that he was shocked he got up?
February 18, 2008
#32 Nutjob said . . .BREAKING NEWS:
MOOSE RELEASED (thank g-d)
and Brown extended
bears stepping up
GO BEARS
February 18, 2008
#33 HesterFan23 said . . .Correction Alex Brown not Mike
Still Go bears
February 18, 2008
#34 Jimbo said . . .Yep, two good moves to get rolling...
February 18, 2008
#35 Shady said . . .I think we're all on the same page here.
Shady wants competition and not just an out and out handing of the keys to Rex. I couldn't agree more, with one caveat... this may not be the best year to make that happen. See post #7.
P.O.'ed, while undoubtedly the biggest Rex fan on the board, also recognizes our options are limited, which I think we all have concluded. If not Rex, who? There is NOBODY we can plug in immediately and expect to make a run with. Arguably, even if we were to trade up and grab Matt Ryan, IMO we would still want/need Rex for 2008.
If the price is right, Rex is the man right now. For better or worse.
February 18, 2008
#36 bdubl77 said . . .For better or for worse... Exactly what I've been trying to say (Post #2) :
http://www.dabearsblog.com/2008/01/offseason_analysis_the_guy_who_takes_the_snaps.php
February 19, 2008
#37 DelMar said . . .Rex is the best Qb we have available. Trade for an old often injured qb (McNabb) or a flash in the pan (anderson) not much left....Leftwich ? No.. trade for Losman... No. Todd Collins ? No thanks. Give Grossman Faneca to protect his back side, draft a young tackle, shit can grieseball and prey for good Rex a solid run game, blocking up front and defensive intensity (including tackling the ball carrier) and we all go home happy
February 19, 2008
I think we are all on the same page here. Its obvious that Lovie and Angelo will never admit that Grossman was a bust. I'll give him credit for trying hard, but he is not the answer and never will be. Maybe if he grows 3" and learns to hold on to the ball. If they are planning on keeping him long-term, then lets finnally get a running game going on here. I dont like to hear that they want an OT in the first round. There are so many other later rounds they can get at OT and use the 1st round pick for a playmaker. The Bears are lacking excitement on offense, there is just nothing exciting and motivating on offense, the game is only fun to watch when they are on defense or Hester is getting a punt. Once again, its obvious that they drafted someone at RB that plays only for the contract. Why not go for Felix Jones? Then get Zbikowski in the 2nd (another postion we need help at since Brown is done and Archuletta is a waste of space). The Bears need to actually use some of that $30 million that they have under the salary cap and get something going here instead of just WAITING for players to come around and get someone that will have an immediate impact.
February 19, 2008
Here at DaBearsBlog, you are free to kill us or the Bears as you so wish. You are not free, however, to be an asshole. So if you spew racism or ill-meaning foul language (cursing about football is just fine) or anything of that ilk, your comments ain't gonna last long, jerk.