Friday, August 08, 2008

The First Pre-Season Game And The Same Old Questions


“Won’t you help me now, I’m falling…”
--Ray Davies of the Kinks

I know, first pre-season game does not mean much; HOWEVER, the former starting QB named Rex Grossman now deserves to be the former QB—period. The quote above was for him.



Kyle Orton seemed much more at ease running the Bears offense. He remained poised (except for a lousy fumble as he scrambled) and he seemed more confident.

Less than Sexy Rexy overshot Marty Booker on an otherwise terrific route for big yardage. That said, Grossman was almost last seen walking off the field yelling at himself.

Perhaps the most telling evidence of who will be leading the team was when Orton was seen during the third quarter talking to offensive lineman. Rex, on the other hand, was sitting with the defense. Now perhaps I am reading too much into that, but Rex seems likely to be regulated to second string because I think the offense privately values Orton more.

Further, when Caleb Hanie (who played a fine game--see picture above) was at the helm, it was Rex signaling in the plays—a job for the second stringer.

I think it is a foregone conclusion that the Bears realize that Grossman simply does not have it. Erik Kramer was doing the announcing for the Bears network last evening and made patronizing comments about “what Rex needs to learn.” Sorry but four years of league experience and working on his fifth, REX SHOULD ALREADY KNOW. He should be much ahead of the curve at this point. Sadly, I mistakenly thought Rex had something, but I think I need to reassess those thoughts. Rex showed me nothing, and even though he had the highest QB rating last night (seriously) it was less to do with him and more to do with Garrett Wolfe’s running ability.

The first string defense looked horrid on the opening drive, but a Hunter Hillenmeyer-less Defense who was also missing some intensity and Dusty Divorchek. I guess they do not grow too keyed up on the first pre-season game. Kind of a fault of Lovie to be honest, but I digress.

Nice tackle from Anthony Adams on a sack; great rushing from Alex Brown and Mark Anderson. Let’s see who wins that spot.

Garrett Wolfe shows some glimpses of speed and skill. Matt Forte looked good in his debut. It was nice to see Mike Brown out there as well.

Unfortunately the receiving corps did not look too solid, as Bradley dropped an easy one and the rest all caught a pass for mid-range yards.

Truman McBride after two penalties and blown coverage will not make the roster; nor will Ricky Manning Junior and Danielle Manning just looked awful.

Football season is just starting and I am keyed up. I only wisht he Bears were.

3 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Eric,
What happened to Sweet's prediction #2 "Rex Grossman will have a career season...".

How can any of your other predictions even come close if you are willing to abandon ship after one preseason game?

Peter

4:04 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

(High-pitched voice)"Hey Eric. Where's your Boyfriend?"

Keith

9:20 AM  
Blogger Eric Sweetwood said...

Peter, you should have seen him. I know, I know, but Lord, I have to re-evaluate this one.

Keith,
Mister Hillenmeyer was injured. And...uh...he's not my boyfriend. I just admire his ability to play..I think.

10:09 AM  

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