Bad Rex

Everyone was wondering when he would rear his ugly head again. He was bound to reappear again, but why, for Papa Bear's sake, did it have to be during the Super Bowl? Bad Rex once again resurfaced, taking (and sometimes fumbling) the snaps behind center.

Much of the Bears' uninspiring 29-17 loss in the Super Bowl can be blamed on Grossman, a loss that was not as close as the score indicates. Although his numbers don't look too miserable on paper (20 of 28 passing, 165 yards, one touchdown), he was never able to get Chicago's offense in a rhythm. The offense went 3 of 10 in third down conversion opportunities, with a measly 11 first downs and a 38:04 to 21:56 disadvantage in time of possession. Grossman was responsible for three of Chicago's five turnovers, including two HUGE interceptions in the second half, one resulting in the backbreaking interception return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter by Kelvin Hayden (interesting note: Hayden grew up in Chicago as a Bears fan and played football for the University of Illinois).

Grossman did very little to silence his critics today, and the quarterback controversy continues in Chicago. Who knows who will be the starting QB in Chicago next year? Grossman undoubtedly lost any opportunity to obtain an extension on his contract, which ends after next season. Barring a miraculous turnaround next year, he may be looking for a new job in 2008.

Personally, I say good riddance. This is a team that should have won this game, and the leader of the offense could not get it done when it matter the most. What a heartbreaking loss.