Quote:
Originally Posted by Sandy K
I think Bears fans have to realize what Grossman is capable of. He's a quarterback, if given time and a great running game, who can attack defenses and play great.
In games that Thomas Jones runs for 95+ yards:
11 TD, 1 INT for Grossman
Grossman does not have the ability to take over a game, and needs a running game to complement his passing.
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Agreed.
This is true, I think, of the vast majority of NFL QBs. Even guys who have the ability to consistently keep their teams competitive without a ground game would probably prefer it was not so.
It is not an insult to Grossman to suggest that he needs to play off the running attack or that when his surrounding cast falters, he stinks it up. There are Hall of Fame passers who were of similar design. I think he's an ideal fit for a team that can consistently run the ball where his aggressive, gambling, style serves to keep defenses honest.
I think the Bears have been exposed, though, as a team with a somewhat erratic running game. And if you can slam the door on that, Grossman hasn't proven that he can carry the offense -- he presses and makes mistakes. Poor line play and receiving gaffes only serve to exacerbate Grossman's ineffectiveness.
In a lot of ways I'm reminded of Boomer Esiason, to me the classic case of a QB who relied on the running game. When Cincinnati had a great line and a punishing two-back rushing attack, Esiason thrived. His unmatched ability to work the play-action fake and big arm were perfect compliments to a team that could dominate the line and run the ball at will. Hell, fitting so neatly into such a system earned him an MVP. When the running game dried up and the line deteriorated, Esiason could still throw the ball, but the mistakes were multiplied and the statistical decline was relatively sharp.
So, bottom line, I think you're exactly right. If the Bears support Grossman by establishing a consistent running game and provide him good protection, I think he's capable of lighting any defense up. He's just not Dan Marino or Dan Fouts. He can't carry a team alone. :shrugs: And that doesn't mean he is a bad NFL QB. I wouldn't classify him as a "game manager", but he is probably something of a "system" QB at this stage.
