GAME 15
REDSKINS AT BEARS
Noon Sunday at Soldier Field
TV: WFLD-Ch. 32 * Radio: WBBM-AM 780
Last meeting: BEARS 20, Redskins 15 on Dec. 21, 2001, at Washington
(Redskins): Record: 5-9 (3rd place) NFC East
(Bears): Record: 6-8 (3rd place) NFC North
Sunday’s game against Washington could be Dick Jauron’s last in Chicago as coach of the Bears.
But one thing is certain: It will be Rex Grossman’s second as their quarterback. And his mission is to improve on his encouraging performance in his debut last week, when the Bears beat Minnesota 13-10 at Soldier Field.
He’ll do it as his college coach, Steve Spurrier, watches from the opposing sideline.
Grossman completed 13-of-30 passes in his first start but didn’t throw an interception. There’s room for improvement in one of the things he does best.
“He missed some deep balls that he rarely misses,” offensive coordinator John Shoop said.
“I missed a few opportunities,” Grossman said. “That disappoints me a little, but I know I can make those throws. I could have had a huge day. We won, and that’s all that matters, but I can see myself getting better. I was a little hesitant because I didn’t want to screw up.
“I feel a lot more comfortable going into this game, and hopefully even more comfortable the more playing time I get.”
The Bears will be pleased if Grossman does not play a deciding role. Anthony Thomas is No. 1 on the Redskins’ hit list.
“First and foremost, we need to stop the run,” Washington defensive end Bruce Smith said. “Hopefully, we’ll get them in a lot of passing situations, and hopefully that will be in our favor.”
Spurrier concentrates on offense, but certainly he has warned his players about Grossman’s arm strength. That’s what separates Grossman from other former Florida quarterbacks, such as ex-Bears Shane Matthews and Danny Wuerffel.
“He has a little more arm strength than the others we had down there,” Spurrier said. “He can zing it in there, make all the throws.”
The Redskins are 5-9 in Spurrier’s second season, and owner Dan Snyder has said he will return next season.
Jauron has received no such assurances as his fifth season winds down. Two straight wins and an 8-8 finish might not even save him. And winning next week at Kansas City (12-3), which may need the game to maintain its playoff positioning and has not lost at home, will be difficult.
TWO TO WATCH
RB Anthony Thomas
Thomas hasn’t had a 100-yard rushing day since getting 111 vs. San Diego on Nov. 2. But here come the Redskins, who haven’t held an opponent’s top back under 92 yards in the last eight games. In five of those games, they allowed at least 100 yards.
WR Laveranues Coles
Coles disclosed last week he has been playing with a stress fracture in his right foot since the third week of September. He didn’t catch a pass vs. Dallas last week but remains the Redskins’ biggest offensive threat.
WHO HAS THE EDGE?
Offensive line: Redskins expect T Chris Samuels to return. Bears again juggling injuries.
Quarterbacks: Rex Grossman’s arm and savvy win out. It’s only fourth start for Redskins’ Tim Hasselbeck.
Receivers: Laveranues Coles and Rod Gardner have 124 catches, 9 TDs. TE Desmond Clark has injured toe.
Running backs: Anthony Thomas should improve 4.2-yard average. Redskins may reply with committee.
Defensive line: Redskins’ line hasn’t been a factor all year, giving big advantage to improving Bears.
Linebackers: LaVar Arrington (5 sacks) and Jessie Armstead (61/2) lead an aggressive Washington group.
Secondary: Charles Tillman has been playing tough. Redskins CB Champ Bailey among the best.
Special teams: Kicking games even; Jerry Azumah’s KO returns could be the difference.
Coaching: Jauron has Bears playing hard; Redskins were blown out by archrival Cowboys last week.
