Quarterback controversies are as much a part of Bears mini-camps as warm Junes.
That’s what makes this weekend so unusual.
Coach Lovie Smith has reiterated the depth chart so often it could be sung as a chorus. All together now: Rex Grossman is the starter. Brian Griese is the backup. Kyle Orton is No. 3.
Just know this: Griese has won previous quarterback competitions in Miami and Tampa Bay. And while a running back battle has allowed him to skate out of the spotlight’s glare thus far, eventually his pushing of Grossman could become news.
“I’ve always looked at myself as a starting quarterback,” Griese said Saturday. “The times I wasn’t, to me it was just a matter of time and working hard to get back on the field.”
If that comment sounds controversial, it wasn’t delivered as such. More accurately, it’s a reflection of the mind-set and moxie that has defined Griese’s solid, eight-year NFL career.
Griese probably would prefer talking about last year’s knee surgery than himself, which is why the media pack moving elsewhere Friday was fine by him. But when asked Saturday about the history of his performance earning him playing time, he allowed himself a brief moment of satisfaction.
“I’ve really had to create and work hard for everything I have in my career,” Griese said. “It’s just a matter of hard work. It’s a cliche, but it’s true.”
This, too, is true: In six of the last eight seasons, the Bears have used at least three starting quarterbacks, four in 2004.
If Grossman stays healthy and plays well, that’s just history. But even Grossman acknowledged Griese’s presence this weekend, albeit indirectly.
“I’d like to think of myself as a self-starter, but anytime you have added pressure you have to turn your game up,” Grossman said.
For his part, Griese is focused more on his knee than the need to push for playing time in June. Seven months removed from surgery that repaired two torn ligaments in his left knee, Griese is pleased at the limited swelling he encountered following practices this weekend.
The on-the-field transition seems to be progressing as well as the off-the-field-one, as Griese becomes acquainted with Grossman, Orton and offensive coordinator Ron Turner.
“Hopefully, I can bring some things to the table from my experiences that can help them and help this offense in general,” Griese said. “I’m continuing to learn the system. A lot of the things they do are similar to things I’ve done in the past.
“[Turner and I have] had an open dialogue. He’s interested in things that I’ve done. I’m interested in why he does the things that he does. That open communication is key for a quarterback and a play caller.”
Griese has entered training camps both as the incumbent and the challenger, and there is little he hasn’t seen or experienced. That includes a surprising exit from Tampa Bay, where he went 5-1 before suffering his knee injury and becoming a salary-cap casualty.
“It wasn’t a performance issue,” he reminded.
Smith didn’t need reminding.
“What he has done in the league speaks for itself,” Smith said. “This is as strong as we’ve been at the quarterback position in a long time.”
And for those who, out of habit and history, are used to quarterback controversies, it’s Grossman, Griese and Orton–in that order.
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kcjohnson@tribune.com
