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**RoyWilliams** · 08-02-2007, 01:07 PM

Orton makes strong bid to be Grossman's backup on ChicagoSports.com

Quote:

is passes haven't been crisp and his movements are a little stiff. But Brian Griese brushes it all off as no big deal.

What else would you expect from a 10-year veteran?

"It hasn't been a frustrating start to camp at all," Griese said Wednesday. "I'm going about my business, doing what I have to do. I know what it takes to get it done."

Griese sat on a water cart midway through practice with fellow quarterback Kyle Orton lingering a few steps behind. It hasn't been the only time Griese has felt Orton breathing down his back.

Make no mistake, Orton has turned some heads with his solid play in camp. He continued to get more work with the second team Wednesday. Yet offensive coordinator Ron Turner contends Griese's status hasn't changed.

"Yeah, oh yeah, he's the backup right now," Turner said of Griese. "Kyle's playing well and he is continuing to compete. But I don't see anything right now where we're looking at doing anything. And Kyle is going to keep putting pressure on."

The pressure is on Griese, despite his cool confidence. Rex Grossman is the established starter and has shown a better understanding of the offense and has made quicker decisions. But the Bears still need a reliable backup who can come in and win games—not simply fill up space—if Grossman goes down or reverts to his old bad habits.

Griese hasn't looked like a veteran in practice. His body language has spoken more like a man going through the motions than someone fighting for a job, although he showed a more enthusiastic, playful side Wednesday. In all fairness to Griese in camp, he hasn't had the luxury of throwing to the first-team receivers on a daily basis.

"You watch practice, you guys see a guy throw a pick, and you think, 'Oh, he shouldn't be No. 2.' I'm trying to go out and compete and make plays," Griese said. "Sometimes they work. Sometimes they don't.

"You're trying to get timing with different guys. You have younger guys who are in there learning. It's all a process of learning for everybody."

Griese, who played in six games as a first-time Bear last season, never showed much despite an outcry from fans begging for Grossman's benching. Griese completed 18 of 32 passes for 220 yards and a 62.0 passer rating.

But the experience element can't be dismissed and remains Griese's strongest asset. He has started 72 games during his four-team career, his most successful years coming while in Denver. And Griese believes he still has a few good years left.

"I've been a starter for eight years in the league, and I know I can go out and play and do that," Griese said. "I'm just going to wait and get myself ready for when my opportunity comes."

**BU54** · 08-06-2007, 03:48 PM

I said it last year and I'll say it again this year. Orton was impressive in '05. Lets give him some game time instead of Grossman all the time.

**Serrated Shadow** · 08-06-2007, 03:49 PM

Lol, it doesn't matter who it is, just as long as it's not Grossman!

**BU54** · 08-06-2007, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serrated Shadow

Lol, it doesn't matter who it is, just as long as it's not Grossman!

Well I still think Grossman still deserves time to improve. He did show signs of greatness but becomes over confident and I think that's his main problem.

**Professor** · 08-06-2007, 10:27 PM

Orten hears a who

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