Are you buying Harris' backtrack?

They hate him secretly and who wouldn't. He is a company mascot and has cost them a ship. Its hard to get to the superbowl and to get there and not compete is a HUGE letdown. After awhile it take it toll on your effort and psyche. You really think they are up for going through another season like last year. I wouldn't be up for it. I would stop caring about winning since we are NOT taking it seriously. Someone would ask me to bust my hump, and I would say "as soon as HE does". Ship aint going nowhere without the captain.

Tommie was joking, like all comedians, but just like them, there is always a lot of truth in what they were saying. It was meant to hurt, and I don't blame Tommie one bit!

I hate referring to our last SB team but this is getting eerily similar. Back then, we didn't have a QB who could play 3 consecutive games...these days, we don't have one who can play well 3 consecutive games.
Don't be so hard on Rex, Keith...the D was BRUTAL in the SB also. I still have nightmares of Briggs running down their RB after a 9 yard gain or the CB nowhere near Mannings desparation throw downfield for a TD. This team is getting ready for a huge letdown this year and it won't be only Rex' fault this time.

Harris is way out of line. I think he’s flat out lying. You don’t say something that disrespectful of your teammate that many times when you know it will be covered by the media unless you really feel that way and you have the authority to make such comments. If it was just a joke then it was very stupid and very childish. So stupid in fact that I don’t believe anyone that claims to be a man can be that stupid. I say he’s lying about it being a joke. Guess what Tommie, the joke is on you. You have shown everyone what a dumb a$$ you are.

Now, if anyone anywhere wants to blame Rex for losing the SB then you need to rewatch it. He played as well as anyone that day. He has the most difficult job on the team. None of the mouthy players on the team could do that job. Not one of them. If you think Rex does not play well enough to be the no. 1 QB then you must blame Lovie not Rex. It is Lovie’s job... no one else’s... to decide which players play. If Lovie decided to make me the QB I would suit up and do it as long as he let me. I know I can’t play QB at that level and don’t belong there but you can’t blame me if I’m given the opportunity. It is Lovie’s job to establish the team philosophy, culture etc. I think that’s another area where he’s done a poor job.

Where I do support Lovie, is his decision to start Rex. That is the right choice. Like I’ve stated many times for a long time, the real problems are poor coaching, game plans, other personnel choices etc. If I were the head coach and there were any players on the team that started to dog it (like Keith would) because they don’t agree with my QB choice, then I would find them and tell them to do exactly what I want to the best of their ability or they will ride the bench until I figure out the best way to get rid of them. They will do it or the next guy in line will.

Roman responds: Rex played as well as anyone? Two fumbled snaps? Two interceptions, including one for the game-deciding touchdown? He was absolutely awful. In case you don't remember, read this: http://www.superbowl.com/news/story/9974973
And don't believe for a second Harris is the only one who thinks that way. And behind every joke is some truth. He wasn't joking.

I think all of us got a view into the what's really going on inside the Bears. Tommie Harris said what I think the vast majority of players believe - Grossman will never help them win a championship. No one should be surprised at this.

I have heard (second hand) that many Bears players believe that Grossman is the starting quarterback due to coaches/management fiat rather than his ability - and he will never lose his job, regardless of his play on the field.

This explains a lot about why the Bears failed last year and why they will continue to fall short with Grossman at the helm.

It takes a lotta nerve for someone who barely played a game last season, to talk smack about a QB that took his team to the SUPERBOWL in only what amounted to his first FULL SEASON!

TOMMIE SHOULD SHOULD GIVE UP THE COMEDY AND TAKE UP A MORE TEAM FRIENDLY HOBBY, LIKE PLAYING WITH GUNS OR SOMETHING.

I have read four different versions of what Tommy Harris said (including this blog). Does anyone know where there is an actual quote? Or are we getting wrapped up in more journalistic spin since very few can write anything original these days?
If what Harris said mirrors this blog, at least Rex showed up to play for the Super Bowl. Tommy was sitting on the sidelines, so was as effective at helping Da Bears as I was at home watching the game on my big screen. By the way, McNabb wasn't helping his team either since he was injured too.
In the end, I feel that Tommy was right that if Donovan started for Chicago, then the Bears would have won. What do people expect? It was Rex's first full season. How many years has McNabb had to become a great NFL Quarterback? Apples and oranges you media hacks.

Fumbled snaps are not always the QBs fault. The C has to take some of that responsibility. The second int was Muhammad's fault for not going for the ball strong enough, not preventing the int and not tackling the guy after the int was made. It was a bad play call too. I've seen Olin's snap on occasion and I've seen him just throw the ball to the QBs hands. I had the same problem a few seasons ago and fixed it right away by having the C follow through till the ball hits the QBs hands. Never had that problem again. Btw, many players did not play very well either. Like the entire defense.

Roman responds: Not sure where to start with this one. Rex said the ball was wet, and that was the problem. I don't remember any other Bears QB - and there have been many, and they have been horrible - having that problem.
Yes, other Bears played badly in the SB, but none as bad as Rex.

The ball may have been wet but that was not the problem. The problem was not adjusting for that situation. Poor coaching!

Roman responds: Triple B, you're changing the discussion. The topic is your favorite QB stunk it up in the big game. He shouldn't have thrown the ball to Moose, or should have thrown it where it couldn't be picked and run back for a TD. And he should have held onto the snaps. Like John Madden said, "That should NEVER happen.'' And that was during the regular season when your boy was laying them down.

BBB where did/do you play? You seem like you are an insider. Are you Kyle Orton?

Also, am I the only one who saw the Dallas game with Tono Romosexual's fumbled snap? That was bad! Rex's fumble coulda happended to anyone on any play. It just happened in the Superbowl, thats all. I like BBB's breakdown. Makes sense. I don't love Rex, im sure there are a few better out there, but who? Also, he does have flashes of greatness. I didnt see any of that from Little Manning or Rivers, they were solid, but they never looked GREAT. Rex had a game or 3 where he looked GREAT. Occasionally, he reminds me of a young Favre, with some of the throws he makes, those little dinks and ducks, and then when he airs it out, he airs it out. He has a gun. Think about how many BIG PLAYS he and Berrian or Davis made last year. Those throws were huge.

Anyways, until I hear of a better solution. He is our guy, and we should support him. The same people who diss rex, probably voted for John F'ing Kerry too!!!

BBB where did/do you play? You seem like you are an insider. Are you Kyle Orton?

Also, am I the only one who saw the Dallas game with Tono Romos's fumbled snap? That was bad! Rex's fumble coulda happended to anyone on any play. It just happened in the Superbowl, thats all. I like BBB's breakdown. Makes sense. I don't love Rex, im sure there are a few better out there, but who? Also, he does have flashes of greatness. I didnt see any of that from Little Manning or Rivers, they were solid, but they never looked GREAT. Rex had a game or 3 where he looked GREAT. Occasionally, he reminds me of a young Favre, with some of the throws he makes, those little dinks and ducks, and then when he airs it out, he airs it out. He has a gun. Think about how many BIG PLAYS he and Berrian or Davis made last year. Those throws were huge.

Anyways, until I hear of a better solution. He is our guy, and we should support him. The same people who diss rex, probably voted for John Kerry too!!!

Roman responds: I love it, you just lumped Rex backers in with Bush backers. That's about right, equal approval ratings. Helluva job Culzie.

Romo, come on, do you really put much validity in what any of these guys say?? They will say what just about anything in the moment.

Roman responds: Do I think Tommie Harris would rather have McNabb on his team rather than Grossman? Absolutely. You?

Roman:

As you can see, the number of responses to Bears-related topics always dwarfs any other topic from any other sport.

PLEASE!!....no more topics other than Bears-related. It takes me too much time to wade through all of the other nonsense to find the Bears ones. It should be obvious by now that when other teams are the subject, and you get 10 responses in two weeks - while anything Bears gets a dozen in 1/2 a day - that all other sports should rightly be banned!

JohnF

Roman responds: Bears and Cubs. They're the biggies.

Actually the Rex bashers and Kerry supporters were grouped together. Both are wrong.

Roman responds: Yeah, things are going real well with Rex and W.

Much better than with the alternatives.

I saw that game, and watched it again a few more times.

Roman is right ... Grossman played poorly; he looked like a deer in the headlights for the entire 60 minutes.

That said; at that juncture, I don't think it would have been fair to throw Brian Griese into the fray with virtually no practice reps, and barely a few game snaps during the entire season.

Lovie made his bed, and as they say, "Ya dance with the one who brung ya."

They danced with Rex, and he he did nothing but step on their toes.

He's done little to earn the right to be the uncontested starter for this team, and should compete for his position like every other player on the roster.

Just handing him the job is insane.

Cubs don't deserve any topics unless, and until, they make it to the World Series....I have had too many dissapointments of almost getting there. Due to past flops, Cubs should be embargoed until then.

Umm, ...

Roman responds: Ok, ok, this isn't a political blog, so I'm not going to let you draw the wrath of an angry nation by putting up your entire post. Heck of a job, though.

I wonder how many people thought that the BEARS would win more with Rex sitting down compared to when Tommie had to sit? One was considered an MVP and the other was considered the opposite. The correlation between the two is thoughtful. No one had to make excuses for Tommie like they did Rex. Sure, everything going through your offense goes through your QB but Rex never wrestled dissatisfaction away from the fans. People were only dissatisfied with Tommie because he was missed. Who actually thought that the Super bowl would've been won with his abscence more than Rex's? Some will say that we lost because one of them didn't play as much as those who say that we lost because of the way the other did play. It was just dumb of Harris to say what he said. Athletes aren't humanitarians or role models so why shouldn't we expect them to put their feet in their mouth sometimes. Rex told the media that he didn't play well because he was looking forward to New Years. Screw the fans who went to the game looking to celebrate not knowing that the offensive leader cared little that they put hard earned money down for a team led by a malcontent. Stop jumping all over players and defending others just because you like them more. Who earns their check? Who do you expect to play well between Tommie and Rex EVERY game? T.H. isn't that pacified player that gets handed a starting position because the G.M. WANTS it that way. Harris utilizes his talents way better than the other one. I'm tired of FLASHES of brilliances. Will he ever play above flashes? What good is playing great and badly every other game? Yeah, he did have a great first full season compared to most, but who among us thought it could've been better? No Tommie Harris isn't great when he plays but he's better for the team when he does compared to the other guy. He just need to shut up and stop putting his team mate down. Leave that up to the disgruntled fans who pay their hard earned money to see more than flashes of greatness.

I most certainly think Tommie Harris thinks Donovan McNabb could lead the Bears to a Super Bowl victory--he's not an idiot. I also believe him when he says he was kidding around at the golf tournament. Maybe I'm giving Harris a little more credit than he deserves, but it sounds to me like he was riffing on T.O.'s 60 Minutes (I think--it was a news magazine, anyway, or ESPN) interview in which he specifically talks about how he'd love to play with Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, conspicuously leaving McNabb off the list (he was still with the Eagles at the time).

I'd say Rex's image this year among his teammates is going to be a very, very big deal unless Rex puts up the numbers people expect from him against quality opponents. The team's non-division schedule this year is pretty tough. Rex isn't known for his poise under pressure, but I doubt we'll know his true status until the Chargers game--especially now, management's probably going to guard him like he were diamonds.

It sounds like we all agree that Rex isnt our dream candidate for next year & we cant say he did a great job in Super Bowl, but nobody has suggested who would be better, other than a guy who did'nt even play 1/8 th of the season. Ask yourselves this, wouldnt you be a little pissed if you brought your team to the final game of the year and you were being talked of like you were a Henry Burris. Come on people. You just love to hate. Thats all there is too it.

Its like that book the secret. What you think about, you manifest. If all we think about is how much we DONT want a bad QB, the universe doesnt hear the DONT part. It only sends you back the BAD QB part. We need to start thinking positive and talking positive, and sure....try not to let the center step on your toes after the snap.....but...come on. Kruetz does have a funny snap!

Roman responds: Yeah, Kreutz stepped on his toes and threw the snaps at him, and Moose missed the pass that was intercepted. That poor Rex, that was happening all season. What's the matter with us haters? He had sub-50 QB ratings in five games, but that was the fault of his teammates.

I hear ya, and thanks for the liberal censorship. Typical.

Can you email it back to me though..i forgot what i wrote? Id like to see it again..if possible.
Thanks Bud. Brian

WREKCS HEXMAN SUCKS and if we as fans had a choice between Wrecks or McNabb as our starting QB we would all choose McNabb.

WREKCS HEXMAN SUCKS and if we as fans had a choice between Wrecks or McNabb as our starting QB we would all choose McNabb.

Of this list, who should we have suplant Rex W. Bush with?

D.McNabb ,Bust last season
D.Culpepper , Bust last season
Mike McMahon - is he still in the league?
Drew Bledsoe,RATING: 69.2
Aaron Brooks RATING: 61.7
Joey Harrington, 68.2
Patrick Ramsey? I think he just moved in with Todd Marijaunavich downin SoHo.

Here's an eye opener for some of you.....regarding the REAL FACTS of last year.

1 Tony Romo DAL 89.6 (played half the season)
2 Drew Brees NO 88.3 - Career Year
3 Eli Manning NYG 85.6 - surrounded by ALL STAR OFFENSE
4 Jeff Garcia PHI 83.6 -
5 Chad Pennington NYJ 79.2 - cant stay healthy.
6 Tom Brady NE 76.5 - Disloyal loser who wears a yankees hat while playing for a Boston team, but, id take um.

7 Rex Grossman CHI 73.2 - >>>>???? Has numbers better than Peyton, McNair, Hasselback and Rivers!

8 Peyton Manning IND 70.5
9 Matt Hasselbeck SEA 68.2
10 Philip Rivers SD 55.5
11 Steve McNair BAL 49.9
12 Trent Green 48.4

RETORT THIS U HATERS!

Roman responds: BCulz, what are you talking about? Even for a Bush backer, your spin is out of control. Rex finished with the 24th best (aka 7th worst) rating in the league at 73.9. Peyton was 101.0. It's on here: http://www.nfl.com/stats/leaders/NFL/PRAT/2006/regular

Roman, you guys want to replace Grossman, an inconsistent quarterback who doesn't have the full support of his teammates with McNabb, an inconsistent quarterback in his own right who also doesn't have the full support of his teammates. Man, that makes sense. And so much is made of Grossman's play in Superbowl 41 (hell, I admit he sucked too), but McNabb didn't exactly tear it up against the Patriots in the Superbowl two years ago. Just like Grossman, he played like a chump(and acted like one, throwing up in crunch time) and his team also came out on the losing end.

Who still wants McNabb??

All I have to say about the SuperBowl is the Entire Bears Team played horrible in the Superbowl. Not just Rex. I think Roman is just on this Rex Bashing Frenzy the Media has been on since the Superbowl. How we all forget about the many good games the guy has played. As much as I seem to always disagree with BBB a lot, I have to agree with him about the Coaching in the SB. With all the rain coming down, why did we continue to pass? Thomas Jones was gashing the Colts Defense with almost every run. That ultimately falls on Lovies shoulders. But enough about the Superbowl. Tommie Harris did mean what he said, or he wouldn't have said it. All I can do is shake my head about that. Leave it up to the Bears to enter training camp with mad drama! We all have seen Rex play really well, and we've seen him play really bad. Its not only fundamentals thats causing him to play bad sometimes. He needs to get over his fear of getting hit also. You can tell sometimes he is scared to death of getting hit. Like the one play in the SB, he had a wide open lane to run. You could see Thomas Jones (who was right in front of him in a pass pattern) motioning Rex to run while he block. Instead Rex chose to throw to a double covered Desmond Clark and almost got intercepted. The Bears had to settle for a field goal. If he had ran, he might've scored. He surely would've gotten a first down.

I for one am looking forward to seeing how rex plays next season. I've always supported him because dispite his maddening play at times, he's still the best Bears QB we've seen in a long, long time. And I think we all can admit that. So we need to support him as long as he continue to improve.

Roman responds: Funny you should mention that play Jermaine. I was sitting in the end zone seats and I could see this huge space Grossman had to run. And Jones was motioning for him to run, but he just threw a horrible pass. How could anybody blame anybody but him for that.
As far as the running, absolutely no doubt that falls on Lovie.
And look, this is the NFL. There's no sympathy about bruised feelings in this league. Mark Anderson plays better than Alex Brown? Start Anderson. Don't worry about Brown's feelings. Having said that, I still say they should stick with Grossman. But it doesn't mean you can't be critical.

I got my figures from CBS.sportsline.com My bad, duped by another thing CBS just made up. The other thing being that little small footnote in history that cost Dan Rather his illustrius career. I shouldve known better. Either way, my question is... WHO ELSE WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE NEXT YEAR?

Roman responds: You start Grossman, but you can criticize him when he stumbles.
And those numbers were from the postseason. Not sure if that's what you intended, but still helps prove your case.

for the record, i think the only person who would choose rex grossman over donovan mcnabb is steve spurrier.

just sayin'.

Roman,

He deserved most of the criticism. I do think some people go a little over board though with the bashing. The reason I mention that play is becuase I think that play would have changed the game had he ran instead of throwing that stupid pass. They were driving and the score was still close dispite the horrible performances.

But back to Tommie Harris. My father always told me where there is smoke, there's fire. Harris "joke" to me is the smoke. I believe there is fire under the rug. You know what I mean? Rex Grossman has the most pressure for any player I've seen in a long time. But this is ain't his show though.This is B-Lac and that Defense's show. He don't have to be Montana or steve young. Just limit the Turnovers and he'll be fine. If he throws for 3000 yrds, 20 tds and 10 ints, we're going back to the SB.

Come on Roman. What we're saying is that other players and poor coaching contribute significantly to the problems. It's not all the fault of the QB. Look at all the problems we had at that position when Rex was injured. Most of those problems were due to poor coaching. The players were not properly prepared, and the scheme and play calling were awful. Same thing last season. Probably this season too. Yes, Rex had some problems with his game. Why didn't the coaches fix that? I'll tell you why. The coaches either don't know what to do or they just aren't doing it for some reason. It’s an easy fix, it really is. Lovie gets to coach grown men that have tons of experience and are being paid millions and has an army of coaches to do the work for him. If you can’t get professional players to do their jobs precisely then you either don’t have a clue, you’re lazy as heck or a coward. Another thing, there's no discipline on this team. Harris' stupid comments are proof of that. This is what a soft head coach gets you.

Roman responds: Lovie's made mistakes, no question. Not running more in the SB was the worst, especially with that QB. But when you said last season, if they win it's despite him, and if they lose it's because of him, that means it's personal. Let's not dance this dance again. So you must think Andy Reid and Bill Parcells are soft because they couldn't muzzle TO.

It's funny, but whenever I recall Ditkas' "dumber than a grapefruit" tribute to Mr. Mann, I picture some of todays' players with it, and Tommie Harris' face is one that comes up. He's a PLAYER no doubt, but he's also one of those guys that opens up his mouth and the sh** just flows without thought. As much as I would LOVE to see Donovan behind center, you don't step on a teammates foot, ever. Leave that to us. Rex is too short
(had to have led the nation in batted balls per attempt, from pee-wee to Pros), and he still is very gun shy under pressure (visions of injuries dance through his head). Until he learns to slip forward in the pocket better, and grow some REAL MAN KAHUNAS, I just don't see him leading us to the Promised Land. As for Tommie, he should be concentrating on stretching his hamstrings and quads, not his mouth.

Roman responds: The fact Rex doesn't roll out of the pocket very well magnifies his height issues. At least Flutie could scramble.

Well TO is an extreme case, but yes. And its not personal. Why don't we stop that dance.

I'm glad Tommie said it! Rex needs to work in a hostile environment this season - regardless of what management thinks. By accepting Rex's futility the brass (indirectly) said to the Defense - we didn't appreciate your efforts.

The players were probably cheering for Tommie - who cleverly spoke to Rex and management - through the media. Their message: Rex's performance was unexceptable last year, if Donovan McNabb is available - get him in here. We don't like busting our humps for second place.

I know I heard them loud and clear.

Keith -- that last post made me smile, nod my head, and exclaim loudly "THANK YOU!"

Considering I'm sitting in my cubicle at work right now, people looked at me funny.

Roman--I'm not sure what to make of your "Bears should have run more in the Super Bowl" position--on one hand, I agree with you, at least in retrospect based on Grossman's play, but on the other, I felt like the Colts' success against the run necessitated some quick offense. Personally, I think the Bears decided to put the fate of the game in Grossman's hands, which was a mistake, for sure, but a mistake they made when they drafted him in the first place. I didn't see anything in Thomas Jones' performance that suggested he could have maintained the momentum he picked up on those couple drives in the middle of the game.

I dunno--maybe you're right. I'll have to go back and watch the game again.

Did you see the interview? Did you see the smile is his eyes? Did you really think he was serious? Does anyone out there have a sense of humor? Pleeeze.

Roman responds: He was either at least halfway serious or he's not that bright thinking it wouldn't have consequences.

Okay Rex sucked in the super bowl. It was a choke job on his part. All there where other parts that didn't help blown coverages. I think the bears have far worse problems than Rex. Like a number 2 running back or even a number 1 for that matter. Benson hasn't proven anything to me yet. Jones was steady and healthy. Benson two seasons to injuries. The defense. The jury is still out on that. Most of the back up line is gone. Briggs can sit and cry all he wants. If he wants to take my job ill play for 7 million, heck ill play for 3.5 million. As far as Mcnabb he has been hurt and beaten but he is a good QB, if you could get a deal for him for say Briggs and a 3 or 4th round pick then go for it otherwise it isn't worth it. The bears should take a lesson from the cubs that money can't buy wins.

Hmmm,

A comment like that coming from a player who couldn't play in the biggest game of his life because of an injury is out of line. In jest or not. One could eaily have said (and many did) that if Harris hadn't gotten hurt the defense would have played a lot better than it did. And it isn't like McNabb has ring or anything. Not a smart thing to say in general and even less so from a guy who didn't even play in the game. Not the reason Rex played so poorly, but at least Rex played. Keep quiet until you play in a superbowl and see how easy it is to play in the biggest game of your life before spouting off.

To answer your Question Roman, How big of a problem is Rex's image among his teammates going to be this season? Of course it will be a big problem, because now there is a seed of doubt planted in Rex's mind. With Rex it is about his mental strength. Anything that weakens his mental toughness is going to cause a problem that will manifest itself in his onfield performances. It can polarize an already polarized team. Some may stick up for Rex others may think that their lack of a SB ring had more to do with Rex than their own poor performance and start to agree with the sentiment that a change should be made at QB. Finger pointing which has already happened in the past etc... How Rex handles it is going to be scrutinized by his teamamtes. Is he going to say something stupid in retaliatory manner if he starts the season playing well? Will he crack and say something equally stupid under the stress of the scrutiny? Yes it has made an already touchy situation more volatile. Harris should have kept his mouth shut.

Harris didn't even play in the superbowl and he is mouthing off. If I were Rex I would be steamed. I hope this blows over, but I don't think it will.

========================================================
But this is ain't his [rex's] show though.This is B-Lac and the Defense's show. He don't have to be Montana or steve young. Just limit the Turnovers and he'll be fine. If he throws for 3000 yrds, 20 tds and 10 ints, we're going back to the SB.

Posted by: Jermaine | June 20, 2007 05:10 AM
=========================================================
THIS POST NAILED IT!

Other than Being...

Too Short
Too Gunslinggy
Too NYE Partyee
Too Glib in his interviews
Too comfortable costing us games
Too Daddys boy
Too Scared to get hurt
Too wussbag to be pissed at Tommy Harris
Too erratic
& Too Dimplee - I mean come on Rex, grow a GD goatee or wear some sunglasses or something you look like Teddy Rexpin, cuddly and smiley.

Rex needst o toughen up his image a little. Maybe Rex can get some pitbulls and a scar on his chin or something. Stubble would even be an improvement. Dude looks like Leave it to Beaver.

Also, since I am coming clean, one thing that has really always irked me about Rex was when he threw one of his first touchdowns early in the season last year, Rex jumped into the arms of another player. I forget who it was, but he looked like a little kid jumping into daddys arms. The reason this sticks out to me so much, is because another memory I have is of Favre throwing a touchdown..and running down the field and he picked up his reciever.

Two very similar plays, but two totally different images after the play.

REX NEEDS TO HAVE THE PAPA BEAR IMAGE. NOT A BABY BEAR TEDDY REXPIN IMAGE!

REX is the only one who can change this!

He is perfect!

Roman responds: And another thing to my Rex apologists (BCulz, I thought you were one until this post), what about that Packers finale when he said he was distracted by New Years Eve and a meaningless game? Was that Kreutz's fault or Lovie's? Wasn't that the O.0 game? Then he tries calling two timeouts in a row in the playoffs. Yeah, heady stuff. Btw Brian, I don't know if you saw, but those stats you gave were from the postseason. So they kinda supported your argument.

I saw, thanks for the props on that.

I want to clear up any apparhent flip flopping. I think my feelings sum up what most of us are experiencing with Rex. Its like you really really want to root for him and he is likeable and has glimpses (and I emphasise GLIMPSES) of greatness, but then two seconds later he makes a super bone head play or says something so stupid like his NYE comments (romo didnt you see my reference to the 'Too NYE partyee'??).

I think his own team feels the same way, they really really want him to succeed and they see his upside, and they take into account that he has only one full season under his belt.

He must be pretty dazzling in practice to gain the respect of Lovie and Angelo

I also note that he is the only difference between the 1 & and done 2005 Bears and the 2006 Superbowl bound Bears.

Unlike Bush, I think most of the criticism of Rex is fair. But like Bush, sometimes doesnt help himself and is his own worst enemy.

I do not see things as clear cut as most people. There is always room for rethinking and reevaluating your position.

I do not think we should give Rex a blank check, and not open the position up for competition, but as long as he is under Center, we should give him 100% support.

Rex is exactly like you said,bculz: he's maddening at times and who can gaurantee that he's going to flip a switch and become a solid player every game? You got any money you want to chance losing betting that it will happen next year? The thing about fans is that they really want him to do well and they have a tendency to blame everyone for Rex's faults but Rex. Only so many INTs and dropped snaps will be blamed on anyone but him. But some people refuse to blame him and that's not fair. He and Urlacher are the only guys who are shoo-ins to start every game. Olin, too. I don't see where we've drafted or signed a center because maybe Olin is the problem with the snaps. No one with any sense is blaming anyone for that happening so frequently but Rex. All the announcers of every game he make these mistakes in doesn't blame anyone but Rex,so fans need to get their head out of the sand on that. And anyone that sides with T.O. making a dig against McNabb can't exactly use his words as a barometer to gauge how McNabb's teammates actually feel about him. T.O. is an ass, and the only thing he has in common with just about anyone else in the world is that he eat,sleep and need air to breath. Why does Rex get a pass for doing and saying stupid things and other players are villified for being just as dumb. Who do we have better than Tommie Harris? Who wants to sit him down when he is ready to do his job? Rex has a pretty tough job but Harris takes on two blockers EVERY play and ripped up more on that one play than Rex did in the 3 other years we were waiting for him. Which one is the tough guy? Chicagoans are supposed to love those grunts and the guys in the trenches, not some glamour position scared to get his jersey dirty. That's why Jimmy Mac is still a legend and he was hurt more than I change underwear. At least he was playing his heart out and up to his ability. No one gives the Mac many excuses,why give Rex any?

As a Rex supporter and apologist I have to stick up for him here.
For those who point out the NYE Packers game as examples of why Rex needs to go, I can pick out examples of other games claming he should stay. Rex played really well and kept the Bears in the St Louis game, a game that the defense looked like it was trying to give away. The Seattle game, the Detroit game, the Buffalo game.. And the Giant game was one where he started off really poorly and jumpstarted the comeback and ultimately the win with that TD drive at the end of the half. Ended with a QB rating over 100 when he had one near single digits in the first half. So he can come back from a poor start, he just needs to do that more often or stop starting so poorly all together. ;-)

Bottom line is that Rex did a lot of good last year along with the bad. He may have "lost" the Superbowl, but I doubt they make it there without him starting. Is he hopeless? I don't know how you can make that conclusion with the limited data we have to work with. Are there beter QB's out in the NFL right now? Of course, and McNabb is one of them, recent injury problems or not. But the more salient question is are there better QB's on the Bears roster right now? I say most emphaticaly, NO! There is a reason why Griese was not starting for the Bears. Talk to Denver and Miami and Tampa to find out why he isn't a starter anymore. If he couldn't make it in those QB starved towns, why should he be given the keys to the ranch here in Chicago? Orton? People could not wait to replace Orton with Rex two years ago (many of the same voices now yelling for Rex to be replaced now,) so I don't even want to hear about Orton.

Yes Rex has deficiencies and he has not proven that he can overcome them consistently. But it took Manning how many years to make it to a Superbowl? How many rings does McNabb have? Brady hasn't been back in a number of years, Favre has one ring in two trips to the Superbowl in his hall of fame career. It's not easy to get there much less win it. Rex made it to the Superbowl in his first full season playing. Not too shabby, though I conceed the defense and special teams had more than a lot to do with that. I agree that the stakes and expectations are and should be much higher this year than last. I will agree that the team can't afford a repeat of last year; Rex simply has to be better and more consistent, now. But I don't agree with the Bashers that Rex is not able to do it.

The Bears lost the Superbowl. Rex had a lot to do with that. But the Bears made it to the Superbowl before they lost it and Again, Rex also had a lot to do with that. I'm not sure how you can quantify his value to the team over the course of the year, but I would argue that even though Rex hurt their chance of winning a SB, I wonder if they even make it to the big game if Rex didn't start and play every game last year. Think about how dominant the Bears were coming out of the gate. That killer defense, crazy good special teams and a QB that was having an MVP season stomping on the competition. It set a tone. You think that same tone would have been set if Rex doesn't start and Griese dinks and dunks or Orton is throwing his weak armed ducks? No, It would be 2005 all over again. A dominant defense and an offense that is waiting to find itself. Rex found that offense, the problem was that he lost it a few too many times as well. But that start to last season made a statement that the Bears were for real, right now. Not so much to anyone else but themselves. They beleived. When the playoffs came you could see that belief in themselves tranlate into wins that previous Bears playoff teams would have lost. They lose to the Panthers in '05, because that tone was never set on that team. That team was expecting to lose. Not so this year, they are a dominant team wit ha QB who is having a little growing pains is all, the can make it to the SuperBowl. They beleive that they can make it ot the Superbowl (And that inconsistent QB that helped get them there, tipped the scales into a loss that could have been a win.) But I don't think the Bears even get that far with Griese or Orton starting instead of Rex. The arguement that "all they Bears need was a caretaker for the offense with a defense that good" is simply flawed. '05 proved that the Bears needed more than a low risk low reward option at QB to win.

Bottom line, Rex did more good than harm last year and doesn't deaerve the amount of negative comments he gets. he's the best QB the Bears have had in a long time, and there is no reason to think he can't get better. I agree that he might not get better, that he may not overcome his deficiencies. But he has more than earned the right to prove that he is and should continue to be the BEars starting QB. Unless the Bears can swap him straight up for someone like Manning or Brady, Or Palmer or Rivers or even McNabb, stow the Rex dumping.

Ok I'm done with the Rex Grossman Defense Manifesto. Sorry for the long read.

William, I appreciate the respect, but I have to say you lost me with your last couple lines buddy...If I may, i would like to address you

"Why does Rex get a pass for doing and saying stupid things and other players are vilified for being just as dumb?

- Correct me if im wrong, but the last half of the year, any conversation, on any MAJOR Sports show, that had anything to do with the Bears, was ALWAYS = WILL REX BLOW IT? Name one other news story from last years team that ever made it to national press ( other than Tanks end of the year fiasco)?

"Who do we have better than Tommie Harris? Who wants to sit him down when he is ready to do his job?"
- Who said anything about sitting Harris? You cant just throw out random defenses of things that were never suggested.

"Rex has a pretty tough job but Harris takes on two blockers EVERY play"
- Not last year he didn’t!!!!

"...and ripped up more on that one play than Rex did in the 3 other years we were waiting for him."
- Rex was the guy who got hurt stretching himself out for first downs, and trying to make extra hustle plays. But, in actuality, this line, just flat out doesn’t make sense"

"Which one is the tough guy?"
- Again, who is comparing Harris' to Grossmans' Toughness barometers?

"Chicagoans are supposed to love those grunts and the guys in the trenches, not some glamour position scared to get his jersey dirty."
- We love Toughness and trench warfare yes, but we also like the Theatre and some of the more finer fare as well. You see, unlike you in Minnesota or wherever you from, we are well rounded people. We can hang out and have a beer at the tail gate and chow down a few brat's, and then turn around and take in a Monet' exhibit at the Art Museum before taking an architectural boat tour down the Chicago river. You see my friend, we are Renaissance people. We are the lifeblood of the country. Chicago is the heartbeat that never stops.....where was I?

"That's why Jimmy Mac is still a legend and he was hurt more than I change underwear."
- Did you really just say this?

" At least he was playing his heart out and up to his ability. No one gives the Mac many excuses, why give Rex any? "
- I am totally mystified at this point. I thought I was a flip flopper!

Oh and Miroslav, you must be a lawyer! Man o Man, can you type!

I think tommie was speaking for players on the team who don't like how briggs has been treated and don't like how rex has been coddled in comparison. The lil fellar will be protected again all through training camp and preseason and then when the season starts and he faces real opposition he'll falter again.

I think he'll be on a short leash this time because unlike last year, both angelo and lovie have long term contracts and don't have to worry about looking bad by benching their annointed boy.

Also, it may have been a one time event that he made it through the season without injury. With benson and the rookie tight end blocking for him, and the ageing o line, may be hard to keep an undersized, immobile, fumble prone qb on the field. If the team gets really disgusted with him, someone might just miss a block...

Note to Tommie Harris: Do whatever you can to stay healthy all season long and leave personnel decisions to the GM.

If Harris remains healthy all last year, the stupidity that was the Tank Johnson saga would have been minimized. And who knows what that would have meant in the big picture, other than improving the situation in some unmeasurable way.

Lance riggs, Tank Johnson and Tommy Harris. Guys who prove that you can be a better than average NFL'er and a drama queen at the same time without being a receiver.

Ok seriously... Rex had some very bad games last year. However, he also had amazing games. Didn't he lead the league in games with a 100+ QB rating, or at least 2nd or 3rd? I think alot of the problems he had last year are all fixable things. He will be better this season because the talent around him is better. I don't think that he will have many more terrific games like he did early last season, but I also don't think he will have games that were as bad as he had at some points last year. And this is to everyone... the Super Bowl and the loss against Carolina the year before, the defense was extremely porous. They get the team there... and then falter. Alot of that was due to injury, but they still did not perform like they should have. All this to say... I think the Bears will be back in the Super Bowl this year. I think adding Arch makes up for losing Briggs... and if Tommie Harris can stay healthy and by some random chance Mike Brown stays healthy, the defense will be better than it has in the past.

Roman responds: The Bears were killed in time of possession in XLI. The defense didn't have a chance (although they did miss some tackles). And the Carolina loss was bad coaching, not adjusting to Steve Smith.

Are the Bears focused on winning a Superbowl? Instead we're reading and blogging on this crap. Tommie do all of us Bear fans a favor get your bum hamstring healthy and play at a probowl level. That's all you need to focus on. Not who the Quarterback is or is not.

Rex is aa GREAT QB!!! He will be awesome this year. Cut Harris Now!!!!!! Much easier to find a run of the mill motor mouth Defensive disappointment than to find a pure passer like Rex....just wish he could scramble. I would take Joey Harrington over Brian Griese anytime.....gotta go hide my guns from my kids.

It would be nice if a few of you would realize that not every fumbled snap, int, or sack is the QBs fault. Its comical how some of you blame Rex for everything and when someone points out there are others factors involved that are sometimes to blame then you say we're trying to blame everyone else for the QB problems. The same folks will do exactly what they are criticizing others for by trying to deflect all blame from Lovie when he is clearly at fault. He has made plenty of mistakes in every area but a few of you never talk about it. You only run to his defense when someone else brings it up. I know exactly why you behave that way.

okay, defending Rex by pointing out tommie harris's injury is completly stupid. Harris already has two complete seasons under his belt--one more than rex, as far as i can tell. For that matter, Harris was consistently performing at D.T. for three-fourths of the season before he went down.

i'm not trying to bash rex any more than i already have--i just want to set this all to rest by saying tommie harris has already proven himself to be a valuable, dependable member of the team.

what does everyone think of urlacher wearing briggs jersey?

"and by some random chance Mike Brown stays healthy," (Dan thats hilarious,also sad).

OK

No, he shoulda said...Well actually, we already have a QB, so thanks for the offer, but no thanks.and oh....thanks for the trip and the free golf..Donovan, I cant wait to SACK YOUR ASS OFF next year!

PLLLLLLLLLLease...this is a non-story, that took off. Must've been a slow news day.

What else is going on? How is that kid Payne going to be?
I hear heavy hitter??

First of all, we would have won the Superbowl if we would have blitzed. I watched nearly every one of Peyton Manning's games last year, and he won against every team that didn't put pressure on him, and looked like a god.

When teams put pressure on Manning he often broke down - there was a reason he didn't score any touchdowns against Baltimore. The Bears didn't blitz more than twice in the whole first half, and even then they only brought one extra guy. Lovie should have just handed the ball to Manning and conceded, because Manning can hit a mosquito on the move at 25 yards if you just let him get comfortable in the pocket. Pressure him, and he's no longer Mr. Perfect. The Bears game plan was to drop back and never blitz, which meant they effectively threw the game without even giving the players a chance to make an impact

So it wasn't Rex' fault, but Rex does kind of seem to suck. Who wouldn't prefer Donovan McNabb? Harris should probably just shut up about it though, unless we could actually get McNabb or somebody else good, otherwise he's just shaking the confidence of our starting (gulp) QB.

Bcultz I only complimented you on one line. Not your whole post. I only said that you summed up in one line why so many people don't believe in Rex. I'm a lifelong Chicagoan and anyone who's familiar with this blog is aware of that. Welcome "new guy" but please don't tell me what Chicagoans are about. I grew up on the southside of Chicago and attended Percy Julian in the early 80s. If that's a wine and cheese school please let me know. I'm not defending Lovie because of Rex's deficiencies just like I'm not blaming Olin for Rex dropping snaps. Every other member of this team does their job with mininal mistakes or they are replaced. He just doesn't have to live by that standard. I guess the reason why you believe I defend Lovie is as unshakeable as the reasons I feel some of you dog him. My boss isn't the reason that some of my co-workers are jerks. You have to blame H.R. for hiring them. I guess you can blame my boss for not getting rid of them. Even though the V.P.s nephew is off-limits. But,guess who's the worst worker and the biggest jerk? When I said that Jimmy Mac was hurt and fans forgave him,where was I wrong? He's still the punky QB who everyone wish every QB played like. You guys don't care if a player is hurt playing hard as long as he's playing hard. Who was the MVP of the D before he got hurt? Why would anyone say get rid of him because he said something stupid. I didn't plunk down hundreds of dollars and pass up going out on New Years to see the BEARS in person. Anyone who did would've wanted to string Rex up for saying what he did. Sosa got ran out of town mainly because he didn't bother to stick around for the last game. Everyone forgave him for the corked bat and a lot of silly things but refused to forgive him for not sticking around and being a good teammate. Chicagoans are an unforgiving lot. A fickle bunch and I refuse to jump all over someone as easily as some of you do. All along I've defended Rex AND wondered out loud why he he stinks so much. That's being open-minded. I never came out and said he just sucks and anyone who has read my entries for the past year can attest to that. I was just comparing apples to oranges like someone else said. Some of you just have closed-minds when it comes to some players and some coaches. Quick question: if Brian Urlacher made that joke would he be so wrong? If any of the great players we've had made that joke would they be wrong? Was Butkus sent to his room never to be seen again because he said that Urlacher should play tougher? Was he wrong for saying that? Everyone glossed over it because he is a legend and legends are never wrong. He was a great player and we respect him for being the kind of player we wish more players could be. Who doesn't wish that Rex was better? Why does supporting a player mean you shouldn't bring up his obvious mistakes. If they were rare I can see it but when were his mistakes so rare? Why isn't he ever challenged by a great player? Best QB on the roster:who takes the absolute credit or blame for that? Lovie,of course. You know what,saying that was really easy. Too bad it's just not how I feel. For once I would've agreed with a guy I hardly ever agree with. If my opinion is that Rex is too pacified that's just my opinion.

Good Post Bill. I see what your saying.

Also, part of my last post was cut off, in which i was saying how this whole story started when someone asked Tommie Harris ABOUT "what would happen if Donavan was his QB and he said jokingly...uh..we would win the superbowl. What was he suppose to say?

Actually, I re-read your post and I dont understand, are you from Chicago yet, you refer to us "Chicagoans are an unforgiving lot.Fickle"?

i cant figure it out.

If Urlacher would have made those comments it would be even worse because he is the leader of the defense and should respect the coaches decisions and support other players even more than a role player. The way to handle it is to meet with the coach in his office and express your concern. Not to run your big, fat, idiot mouth to the media.

LET ME REPEAT.

Tommy Harris was asked about having DMcNabb as his QB AT a CHARITY GOLF EVENT HOSTED BY DmCNABB, with DMcNabb standing right there. They asked him...

"hey Tommy, what would happen if you had Donovan as your QB next year, and he said in passing..."man..we'd win the the superbowl"

Now, break this down...

He was at Donovans Charity Golf Outing, probably paid for by Donovan, probably flew him out, or paid for his appearance, or some perks for attending. He is not really thinking about bears football, he was there to have a good time and do something for Charity, then..some reporter...just jockying for something to ask...says...How would you do if you had McNabb at QB next year?

What was Harris suppose to say? With McNabb standing RIGHT THERE??

Should he have said....."Uh...we'd lose first round"

I mean...its a total schmooze comment, it means nothing, you make them everyday, you say nice things that you dont mean all day long. You tell your ugly receptionist that her shirt looks nice, or you tell your boss that he looks like he lost a few, or you say that someone is your #1 client, when they are really your #100. Whatever. They are little innocuous (points?) comments.

Anyways...even though this story shouldnt have really made national news, i think were being a little hard on Tommy, and he shouldnt even have apologized, it just made it look worse.

Good Thread though.

Roman, have you seen video of the comment? Its a joke.

Career Stats

WRECKS QB rating 72.4/PCT 54.4/RUSH 38/49 YDS/ave 1.3/TD 27/INT 26

McNabb QB rating 85.2/PCT 58.2/RUSH 447/2726 YDS/ave 6.1/ TD 152 INT 72

Griese QB rating 84.5/PCT 63.0/RUSH 220/555 YDS/ave 6.9/ TD 104 INT 80

WRECKS SUCKS!!! Tommy Harris should stick with what he said instead of calling it a joke. That would do two things, WRECKS will fold under pressure or he will prove Tommy wrong this season but that won't happen. Another year of watching that cocky lil smile after he puts up a QB ratings of 36.8, 23.7, 10.2, 1.3, and the whopping rating of 0.0 is going to be disgusting and pathetic.

I am not sure why people are so upset about the Bears losing in the Superbowl. Surely noone in their right mind actually thought that "this Bears team" minus Harris and Brown who were hurt and being ABSOLUTELY GASHED on running defense was going to stop any AFC team? Come on people, we Chicagoans aren't really that naive. Hell I told everyone from day one that the Bears would make it to the Superbowl last year, but they would lose to the Chargers. I had the wrong team on the other side but I knew they wouldn't win. Cub fans and Bear fans, still waiting for that "Pie in the Sky".

As for the Harris comment......um I don't even like Tommy Harris as he is another one of those loud mouth jerks who the media types flock to in order to get some really good quip. When the Tank Johnson incident happened, the radio shows were interviewing Tommy Harris. Um, can someone tell me why? Tommie Harris is um let's see, 23? Tank Johnson is um 25. What does a 23 year old kid have to say meaningful about a 25 year old. Ugh..... What has he done in his career to even be able to comment on anyone?? He has gotten alot of hype, but until he starts putting up Strahan sack totals, or starts living out those Warren Sapp comparisons he can shut up too! From what I can tell he is a big kid who has pet tarantulas, and wants to be a vet or something. Yeah....that's who we should be listening to on interviews and taking seriously.

You're thinking too much BCulz. Use the force and let it come to you. Why do you have so much time to critique everyone's posts? Get to work young man. When I was unemployed I had time to enter posts every other hour. If I had time to reread them I might see myself as a bit annoying. Chime in any way you like. And when a person criticize his fellow Chicagoans and call them a fickle bunch he couldn't possibly mean every one of them. Just a great percentage of them. And what is a Renaissance man? If he was in the Army could we "ask" him and have him "not tell"?

HEY MR BILL,

I AM A TOP REAL ESTATE AGENT IN ARIZONA, LOOK ME UP IF YOU NEED A HOUSE IN SCOTTSDALE, BUT ONLY IF YOU GOT a MIN of $750K TO SPARE!

AND UMMM..TAKE YOUR OWN ADVICE!

ROMAN, YOU CANT LET THIS POST GO OUT ON BILLS NOTE.

FREE JAMES BROWN!