Grossman expects Bears offense to take flight
By Larry Mayer
June 12, 2006
LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Improving a passing game that ranked 31st in the NFL last season is a major objective for quarterback Rex Grossman and the rest of the Bears offense.
"I feel like not only is it a challenge, but it's our job as quarterbacks and wide receivers and tight ends and running backs to step it up in the passing game," Grossman said.
Quarterback Rex Grossman has looked sharp operating the offense during offseason workouts.
"We've got the line to block for us. Me staying healthy and getting into a rhythm and being out there, for me it's going to be great.
"We know we can get it done. It's not an issue of talent. It's an issue of getting some experience in the offense and playing well and getting into a rhythm."
The Bears will continue to fine-tine their passing game Monday when they conduct their seventh of 14 organized team activity practices at Halas Hall. The first session was held May 24 prior to the team's full squad minicamp with the final OTA slated for June 22.
With a sound body and an uncluttered mind, Grossman has looked sharp in offseason workouts. A year ago, the 2003 first-round draft pick was rehabilitating a torn knee ligament and learning his fifth different offense in as many years dating back to his days at Florida.
Grossman then broke his left ankle in a preseason loss in St. Louis and was sidelined for four months. He made a triumphant return Dec. 18 against Atlanta, replacing Kyle Orton at halftime and leading the Bears to a 16-3 Sunday night victory at Soldier Field.
A week later in his only regular-season start, Grossman guided the Bears to a 24-17 division-clinching win over the rival Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
Grossman heads into the 2006 season in the same offensive system for the second straight year for the first time since his sophomore year at Florida when he finished second in Heisman Trophy voting after passing for 3,896 yards and 34 touchdowns.
"It makes a big difference for me, just my comfort level of being in the huddle, spitting out the play," Grossman said. "Everything comes quicker to you in your head; your thoughts, your reads, where everyone is. You don't have to think about where they are.
"You just kind of instinctively know where all your guys are whenever a play is called. When you're in a brand new system, you're constantly thinking, 'OK, where is this guy? Where is that guy?' Now you just kind of know it. Everything is muscle memory now."
Grossman's return isn't the only reason that the Bears expect to have an improved passing game. They solidified the quarterback position by signing veteran backup Brian Griese and boast a trio of promising young receivers in Mark Bradley, Bernard Berrian and Airese Currie.
But perhaps the greatest reason for optimism is that the entire unit figures to benefit from playing in coordinator Ron Turner's offense for the second straight season.
"Having the chance to come into our second year for the first time in a while with this same scheme is going to be a huge help for us," Grossman said.
"The core of our offensive skill position players is set. We just have to play a lot better and get into a rhythm and get in sync with this offense."
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Grossman expects Bears offense to take flight
More training camp fodder. Just like every other organization has their own spin doctor in the media. For the Lions it's Killer. What do you expect them to say to try and sell tickets? "This team looks like ****. Why anybody would come to watch this poor excuse of an offensive exhibition is beyond me."
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