Rex to Return This Sunday? To What Role?

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Nov 23, 2005 8:50PM

Last season, a Rex Grossman injury resulted in one of the most painful displays of offensive ineptitude in the history of the NFL. GM Jerry Angelo didn't sign any of the veteran QB free agents on the market this past off season, so when Rex Grossman went down with a broken ankle on August 12th during a preseason game, many feared a similar debacle this year.

Not at all confident with Chad Hutchinson, we stated

Chicagoist would like to see what Orton can do. The media in town has already signed off on the Rex Grossman era in Chicago, so do the Bears look to see whether Orton's the QB of the future? Best case scenario, maybe we have this year's Ben Roethlisberger. Worst case scenario, he can't get the job done and the Bears horrible season means they can draft Matt Leinart in the 2006 draft.

The Bears quickly realized what we did about Hutchinson, cut him and placed the offense in the hands of Kyle Orton -- a rookie 4th round draft pick. Has he been as good as Roethlisberger? Not quite, but the Bears are 7-3 right now. He has managed the offense well enough that, with one more win he'll join Dan Marino and Roethlisberger as the only rookies to start and win 8 games. Not bad company! He's learning, he's showing progress and maybe he will be the Bears future at the QB position.

Rex Grossman may beg to differ, having been annointed "QB of the future" before last years, but probably won't have the opportunity to win back the job this year. For the first time since he was carted off the field in August, we may see him in uniform on the sideline
this weekend. But even if suited up, he'll be the third QB on the depth chart. Coach Lovie Smith has repeatedly come out and stated that this team is Orton's team for the rest of the season.

This team is developing a nice chemistry that could carry them into the playoffs and Smith's not likely to mess with success. But if Grossman looks good in practice, can he resist the temptation? If he thinks Grossman is the missing piece for a trip to Detroit, will he change course? Under what circumstances would such a change be justified? If Orton continues to progress, it may be a non-issue. However, even a bad half could get the fans and media begging for Grossman. Chicagoist was never sold on Grossman so you won't hear it from us, though...