It’s far too early to tell. All I can tell you is that Orton has become what Grossman used to represent for the franchise–a quarterback management feels can develop into the long-term answer.
But who’s to say what can happen? Obviously, if Orton has six more five-interception games–a large if, I might add–they’d have to change their thinking. I think the reasoning to keep Grossman active has less to do with how they feel about Orton and more to do with how much they respect Grossman. Let’s face it: The guy has suffered two fairly freak injuries and with the way he rehabbed from the first one, it’d be somewhat cruel to put him on injured reserve right away.
K.C., what has happened to Tommie Harris and Alex Brown? Brown got big money and an extension and has not produced a sack all season. I don’t even hear his name called. And as for Harris, I don’t hear his name called either. Why are they not getting any penetration? – Craig Yokoyama, Chicago
You’re not the only one asking that question. The coaching staff probably is, too. Harris was critical of himself following the Washington game but acted incredulous when asked about his lack of results following the Cincinnati game. Both players obviously need to produce more because that will help the secondary.
Why is Charles Tillman not very good? All the hype around him and he has never really been good and this year it really has shown. Aren’t you supposed to get better after your third year in the league? — Chris, Kenosha, Wis.
That All-Pro talk coming out of Bourbonnais has subsided a bit, hasn’t it? One thing I like about Tillman is that he doesn’t back down from criticism. He doesn’t make excuses or point the finger elsewhere. But he knows and the coaching staff knows that he can’t allow big plays. I see Tillman rebounding and playing well the next few weeks.
We all heard the hype about our great-to-be defensive line. What is your honest opinion of these self-proclaimed great linemen? — Thomas Bartos, Granite Bay, Calif.
I think Ogunleye and Ian Scott have played well. As the answer to the previous question said, Tommie Harris and Alex Brown have to produce more. So much of the Bears’ defensive plan hinges on them getting consistent pressure up front. They don’t rely on a lot of blitzes, so they simply need to get better pressure up front.
Although this may be premature, if the Bears did decide to pick up another kicker, how hard would this be? Who is available? And, more importantly, how long would it take them to learn to kick at Soldier Field? — Will Daniels, Evanston
Signing Tyler Jones to the practice squad shows that your questions aren’t premature, they’re prescient. As for your other question, I’m not sure anyone ever completely learns to kick at Soldier Field. With the swirling wind conditions, it’s clearly one of the tougher places to kick. Doug Brien’s back–he’s listed as probable on this week’s injury report—and accuracy better improve or he won’t be getting more chances to kick there.
Thanks for your questions. Talk to you next week,
K.C.
