If Lovie Smith’s brief tenure as Bears head coach has revealed anything about the man, it is his comfort level with change. Call it Tough Lovie. When Smith has made personnel moves that didn’t work out, he changed them. When injuries hit, as they have for Sunday’s game in Pittsburgh against the Steelers, he’s quick to react. He has not stuck with players out of ego, stubbornness, reputation, draft position or money. In fact, he has stuck with players when his gut and assistants told him to do so. “I had a bad game [against Cincinnati] and everyone was down on me but he stuck with me,” cornerback Charles Tillman said. “But he really doesn’t get stuck on anyone. If you’re bad, you’re coming out and he’ll get somebody else who can play.” General manager Jerry Angelo mostly stays out of the way on playing time. “Ultimately it’s their decision on what’s for the good of the team,” Angelo declared. “The coaches live with the players. They know what’s best. Do I have an opinion from time to time? Yes, and I share it with them. But it is their decision.”
Quarterback quandaries
From September 2004 to August 2005, Smith changed quarterbacks five times. Twice it was because of injuries, to Rex Grossman and Craig Krenzel in ’04. Twice it was because of the incompetent play of Jonathan Quinn, the project of Terry Shea, Smith’s initial choice as offensive coordinator.
After Grossman was hurt this year, Smith went to Chad Hutchinson. When Hutchinson ran aground, Kyle Orton was in.
“We’ve won nine games with him,” Angelo said, echoing a Smith sentiment about Orton. “He’s playing within the concept of what we’re trying to do on offense for the most part. He’s a rookie too. Maybe there’s a little bit of that going on too.”
Chris Harris for Mike Green
This season was one week old and Green, a three-year starter signed to a contract extension in March 2004, was displaced by a rookie sixth-rounder. A message sent and received? That was the last time an opponent gained 300 yards before Brett Favre and the Packers put up 358 with their 58 passes last weekend. When Harris was hurt, Smith went to Todd Johnson instead of Green.
Mark Bradley for Justin Gage
Gage was the starter opposite Muhsin Muhammad through training camp and for the first three games. But Smith began playing Bradley extensively in the opener. After Gage caught only three passes in three games, he went to Bradley.
Robbie Gould for Doug Brien
Brien was given guaranteed money and a job to replace Paul Edinger. After three weeks and three misses in four attempts, the veteran who had been one of the NFL’s most accurate active kickers was gone in favor of an undrafted rookie.
Rashied Davis for Bobby Wade for Davis
Wade was given chances to return punts even after his fumbles against San Francisco. Davis replaced him, and when Davis fumbled on against Green Bay, Wade was back. And if Wade can’t secure the ball . . .
Nathan Vasher for Jerry Azumah
Azumah was the starter from 2002-04. During training camp this season he needed minor hip surgery, missed the exhibitions and was a backup when the season opened, ostensibly during his recovery.
But while Azumah mended, Vasher made plays for one of the NFL’s top defenses. When Azumah was ready to return, he didn’t resume his job.
Vasher leads the NFC in interceptions, and Smith has stayed with him. For now.
“That’s the way it should be,” Vasher said. “I don’t feel like there’s security.
“You have to go out and perform. If you’re not doing that, you’ll get replaced. That’s something he always harps on.”
Bryan Johnson for Marc Edwards
Johnson was the No. 1 fullback before injuring his foot and missing the last four games last season.
Edwards was signed in training camp while Johnson and Jason McKie (chest injury) were laid up and held the job through eight weeks.
But when Johnson was healthy, the starting job was his as Edwards went from starter to unemployed in a day.
Marc Colombo for Qasim Mitchell
Mitchell was promoted to starting left tackle at the beginning of 2004 and signed to an extension in November 2004. A month later he was replaced by Colombo and has been inactive for seven of this season’s 12 games.
Jerry Azumah for R.W. McQuarters
Injuries forced some changes in the secondary last season, but the ultimate loser was longtime starter McQuarters, a former No. 1 draft choice of the 49ers. He moved to safety late in the season and was gone in 2005.
Hunter Hillenmeyer for Joe Odom
Odom got his shot when Marcus Reese was injured and was the No. 1 strong-side linebacker early last season before slipping. Hillenmeyer filled in well at middle linebacker. When Brian Urlacher came back from injury, Smith moved Hillenmeyer over and Odom out.
Steve Edwards for Rex Tucker
Tucker was a Pro Bowl alternate in ’01, suffered devastating injuries and was never the same player. When he faltered, Pro Bowl or not, Smith benched him.
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jmullin@tribune.com
