As you might expect, this created a contrast of sorts when Grossman (one of the SEC’s all-time passing leaders) first arrived on the Chicago scene.  Then Bears coach Dick Jauron sat Grossman the majority of his rookie season, somehow believing that Kordell Stewart gave the team a better chance to win.  Grossman finally took the field the final three weeks of the 2003 season, leading the team to victories over Minnesota and Washington, before bowing out of the Kansas City game after breaking a finger on his throwing hand.

The next season Grossman picked up where he left off, leading the Bears to an exciting victory (Week 2 at Green Bay).  Those of us who understood what big time NFL football was all about had seen enough: the Bears future with Grossman was as bright as the x-ray machine that was shining down on him after week three when he shredded his knee on a touchdown dive at the Metrodome.

Grossman’s 2005 season seemed over before it started, after he broke his ankle in the preseason.  Though the injury looked painful, it was nowhere near as gruesome as the 14- game Kyle Orton era that followed.  Thankfully Grossman returned in time to lead the Bears over Green Bay, as well as play decently in the disappointing playoff loss to the Panthers.

Somewhere along the way, Bears fans have landed in a number of camps in regards to Grossman.  The main group sees him as a brittle letdown and is all but anointing journeyman Brian Griese as the quarterback of the future.  Another group looks at the nine and a half games the Bears won last season with Kyle Orton, and somehow feels that he should remain the starter.  Another faction thinks that the Bears should bring back Jim Harbaugh and re-hire Mike Ditka (sadly, I’m only half kidding).  And I think anyone who advocates these options has a gross misunderstanding of what the Chicago Bears most need from the position.

Lets look at the numbers.  In 2005 the Bears offense scored ten or more points 60% of the halves in which Grossman took the snaps.  In the 29 halves that someone other than Grossman was under center, the offense scored ten points or more points less than 30% of the time. 

Griese is an excellent backup, but just as injury prone – and inconsistent – as Grossman, despite having twice as many seasons to prove himself otherwise.  Orton posted a decent record as a starter in 2005, but displayed the poise, maturity, and beard of a college freshman in the process. 

As for Grossman, I don’t know what to tell you if you can’t see it.  He has one of the strongest arms in the league, great accuracy, the confidence of a Daley on Election Day, and great field vision.  He might not be a household name (yet) and I’ll grant that he is not surrounded by a lot of offensive talent.  But he is the best quarterback the Bears have had in my lifetime, and he gives this current team its best chance to win.  I’ll grant you that he is as injury prone as Jim McMahon, but he is also every bit as competitive and charismatic.  If the Bears stick with him and his body sticks together, Grossman will be playing in a few Pro Bowls before too long. 

Go ahead, call me crazy.  I’ll close with another children’s sayings: sticks and stones might break my bones but names will never hurt me.  But be careful.  They might break Rex’s bones.  And the Bears really need him.