Slick Move In Chi-Town...Brian "Griese"-d In!!!

Listening to Lovie Smith over the past 2 years was starting to not only sound like a broken record, but now something "Saban-like"...

Rex Grossman is our quarterback... Rex Grossman is our quarterback... I am not taking the Alabama job...

I am not comparing the two in the sense of ability although both are talented coaches, it is simply that they had to make a decision that was best for their team... Lovie for the Bears, Nick for the Dolphins.

The news isn't exactly a shock. Rex has faced some sound defenses but his decision-making skills have deminished mostly due to hesitation in the pocket. He had lost the Gunslinger mentality and tried to replace it with game management skills. Unfortunately for Rex, that isn't his forte.

With this in mind comes the changing of the guard as Brian Griese, pro bowler, game manager, will take over the helm in Week 4. Long overdue, it is a decision that 99% of America will agree is the right choice (there are some Rex supporters, mostly with the last name Chapman.)

FANTASY IMPACT: To me this is big... to the offense of Chicago, this is huge! With the tandem of speedy Bernard Berrian and the large presence of Muhsin Muhammad, this team can and should produce more consistancy in the fantasy realm. In addition, the health of Greg Olsen being restored gives Brian an extremely talented check-down receiver (not that Desmond Clark isn't either, but will be used more as a typical TE, blocking and catching but anticipate Lovie to work Olsen like Indy is using Dallas Clark this year, more as a slot receiver.) Cedric Benson will enjoy Griese's game management skills because they won't be playing behind as much as they have, giving the passing offense more respect therefore opening more holes in the line to make some high yardage runs. Lastly, the Chicago Defense just became that much better because they will be able to pin their ears back, crash the offensive line's party and ball-hawk for turnovers, knowing that the offense will at worst be smart and keep them in the game. I still say pick-up a re-emerged Favre before considering Griese, but if you need a back-up, go for him.

Statistocrat