Griese, Hester Not Answers For Bears Offense

The backup quarterback is always popular, but I expressed concerns about viewing Brian Griese as a savior earlier this year. Many people forget this is the same Brian Griese who has yet to play a 16 game season in the NFL, was bumped out of three other cities due to inconsistent play, and has durability problems – particular with past shoulder problems.

Griese is being counted on to provide the stability that Rex Grossman failed to provide at the quarterback position. While Griese has had his moments earlier in his career, he never has shown he can protect the football on a consistent basis. He doesn’t see the field well and makes questionable decisions with the football. And now the passing game also has more limitations with Griese at quarterback. He lacks ideal arm strength and has trouble pushing the ball downfield.

This was evident on Sunday in Detroit. But what puzzles me is how the Bears put the ball in the air 52 times. If you have to throw the ball 52 times with Brian Griese at quarterback, there’s trouble.

Is Devin Hester seeing more snaps on offense the answer?

No.

Hester is certainly an asset and will make big plays if they can design some plays for him, but the Bears need to find their identity again on the offensive side of the ball to find consistency.

Cedric Benson has yet to establish any consistency on the ground. Despite the presence of Cory Redding and Shaun Rogers for the Lions on Sunday, they have to work harder to create a presence on the ground. Benson just hasn’t shown the same veteran intangibles that Thomas Jones gave the Bears on the ground last season.

If we can cut Benson some slack, we should also talk about the offensive line. The line was a source of stability for the Bears the past few years, but this unit has begun to age. This is one area I discussed during the summer as a warning sign. They have some age upfront. They are a banged up unit right now. John St. Clair may have to step in at left tackle this week against Green Bay. St. Clair will struggle trying to contain Cullen Jenkins and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila this week. Benson won’t help much either in helping pick up some of the pass rush the Packers will bring.

Expect the Packers to come aggressively after Griese to force turnovers. Griese lacks the feet to escape the rush and will struggle to protect the ball under pressure.

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