Rex Returns to Lead Bears Over Still-Winless Lions

Bears fans almost witnessed a complete disaster on Sunday. As it turned out, it was only a mild one. As Kyle Orton left the field near the end of the first half against Detroit, the collective hopes for this team left with him. Everyone knew what was coming. Kyle’s injury meant the return of Rex Grossman, otherwise known as the most scrutinized quarterback in NFL history (he also goes by “Sexy Rexy” and ‘Wrecks” Grossman).  

The funny part is that Grossman wasn’t the problem versus the Lions. The defense is the reason the game was so out of hand. They were simply awful in the first half. After two initial Detroit drives that ended in a Mike Brown interception and a three-and-out following a sack, the Bears capitalized with ten quick points, reminiscent of their last meeting. That’s where the similarities stopped, as the Lions tore apart the Bears defense for 23 points in the second quarter. Quarterback Dan Orlovsky found receiver Calvin Johnson six times in the first half, and rookie running back Kevin Smith found the holes in an undisciplined Chicago defensive front. With no pressure in his face, Orlovsky had an easy time going through multiple reads, often getting to his third or fourth option. As bad as the defense was in the first half, they came out in the second and showed the Lions why they’re in first place in the NFC North. 

Chicago didn’t allow any points in the second half, ending drives with timely turnovers. Safety Craig Steltz filled in admirably for Mike Brown, who also left the game at the end of the first half. Steltz intercepted an Orlovsky pass at the goal line early in the fourth, allowing the Bears offense to get back in the lead. A third Lions turnover halted another key drive with around two minutes left to go in the game, as linebacker Lance Briggs forced and recovered a fumble from tight end Michael Gaines. Detroit did manage to get the ball back and drive toward the end zone, but their final play of the game was a deflected pass intended for Calvin Johnson. Johnson was shut down in the second half, being allowed only two more receptions. This was the first real series of halftime adjustments I’ve seen from Lovie Smith’s crew, and it couldn’t have come at a more important juncture. 

The Bears offense found its former identity thanks to a rested Matt Forte. The rookie tailback carried 22 times for 126 yards, his best numbers all season. His production took the pressure off the incoming Grossman, allowing him to ease into the flow of the game and not force anything early. To be successful, coordinator Ron Turner must continue that strategy and put Rex in the best position to win. He and Orton are almost polar opposite at quarterback, and each requires a vastly different offensive game plan. Look for the field to be stretched further with Grossman, but less of the tight sideline routes will be called. It will be interesting to see how this unit responds to losing one of its captains and most dependable contributor. 

This ugly Bears win was complemented by ugly Bears injuries. Mike Brown suffered a calf injury, which Lovie Smith has judged as “not a season ending injury.” That would certainly be a nice change of pace for Brown, who has found himself on injured reserve the past two seasons. If he is to miss any game-time, Craig Steltz should be a more than able replacement. The key injury is on the other side of the ball. Kyle Orton is reported to have a high ankle sprain which is estimated to sideline him for a month. It’s a huge setback for an offense that has carried the team this season, unlike Chicago teams of the past. Hopefully Rex Grossman can limit his bad plays while making smarter decisions under center. 

You had to feel sorry for Rex during his performance. Despite leading his team on two touchdown drives in the second half to win the game, Grossman was booed after every single mistake, of which there were a few. He had a couple of passes get away from him, overthrowing open receivers. Another pass, tipped at the line of scrimmage, fell into a defender’s hands for the interception. We’re all aware that Grossman isn’t the second coming of Brett Favre, but what’s the point of mercilessly booing the back-up? Rex will need all the support he can get, as he’s about to go through a grinder of a four-game stretch that pits him against the unbeaten Titans, the rival Packers, Rams, and Vikings.  I for one will revive my Grossman jersey from the confines of my closet and cheer for my quarterback, back-up or not. Real Bears fans should do the same.