2007 Outlook

The patience of the Chicago coaching staff paid off last year when Rex Grossman finally remained healthy for the entire season and ended with 3193 yards and 23 touchdowns – only six quarterbacks had more passing scores. The Bears advanced to the Super Bowl so there is absolutely no question this year as to who the quarterback will be.

On the downside though, Grossman threw 20 interceptions which ranked third in the league behind only Kitna (22) and Roethlisberger (23). And he averaged 231 yards over the first 8 games but only managed 187 yards in the second half of the season (excluding week 17). Grossman started the season out on a hot streak with his first four games totaling eight touchdowns and averaging 265 yards per game with only three interceptions. But Grossman’s performance down the stretch diminished significantly, propped up only by 339 yard game he had against the Buccaneers in week 15. That was the only game in the final seven weeks where he topped 200 passing yards.

Grossman gets the benefit of playing one of the softest passing schedules in the NFL this year but with a dominating defense and what promises to be no less than adequate rushing game, his outlook remains only average this year. The addition of top rookie tight end Greg Olsen should help, but likely more in future years than in 2007. And his injury history did not haunt him in 2006 but cannot be ignored.

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