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Bears expect Grossman to blossom
By K.C. Johnson
Tribune staff reporter
July 25, 2006, 8:13 PM CDT
Whatever Bears fans think of Steve Spurrier's failed foray into pro football, they also recognize the significant role he played in the growth of a certain quarterback.
Spurrier is the last offensive coordinator Rex Grossman worked with in successive seasons -- Grossman's wildly successful redshirt freshman and sophomore years at Florida.
But that was four seasons and four systems ago.
That's why, as the Bears report to training camp in Bourbonnais on Wednesday in advance of Thursday's first practice, you might see Grossman and offensive coordinator Ron Turner smiling.
As with a high school romance, Grossman and Turner are brashly optimistic their partnership is about to blossom. Turner saw signs during Grossman's off-season work on the field and in the classroom.
"Last year at this time, I could call a play and I could see him thinking about everything, 'This guy is here, that guy is there, we're in this protection,"' Turner said recently. "Now that is starting to come naturally. He knows where guys are. He knows the protection schemes. He knows how we're trying to attack the defense.
"That allows him to just react. When you're thinking, you're going to be late in reacting."
Of course, being able to read a blitz doesn't mean much if you're not on the field. And the start of training camp means the start of another Grossman watch.
Beyond the annual injury questions, Grossman also must deal with the arrival of Brian Griese, far and away his most bona fide backup. That's because Griese actually is a starter.
But Grossman isn't worried, for reasons that stretch beyond his comfort with Turner's system.
"I'm not trying to be the best quarterback on my team," Grossman said. "I'm trying to be the best quarterback in the league."
Turner, who has 29 years of coaching experience, believes his pupil could be on target again.
"I think he can be one of the best players in the league, I really do," Turner said. "He can accomplish anything he wants. He just has to stay healthy.
"Last year at this time, he had a real good understanding of the offense and was playing with real confidence. Then he got hurt (during preseason). He can be a great, great player."
Their shared confidence goes beyond the continuity of using the same system. Turner and Grossman spent hours this off-season poring over game film, analyzing what worked and what didn't, adding new wrinkles to what did and tweaking what didn't.
That Turner sounds prepared to expand the playbook, while acknowledging last year's limitations with Kyle Orton, has to please Grossman.
"We have to use everybody," Turner said. "We have to use our tight end more. Our backs have to get more involved. That's one of the biggest changes from a year ago. Everything was so protection-oriented. Rex is going to get rid of the ball quickly. So we don't have to worry about that."
What the Bears do have to worry about is keeping Grossman healthy and trying to improve a passing attack that finished a dismal next to last in the NFL in yardage last season.
Grossman is convinced both will happen.
"It's all of our jobs to step it up in the passing game," Grossman said. "We've got the line to block for us. Me staying healthy and getting into a rhythm is going to be great. I know we can get it done. It's not an issue of talent. It's an issue of getting experience in the offense."
That offense, finally, is the same one for Grossman this season.
Copyright © 2006, The Chicago Tribune
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Bears expect Grossman to blossom
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