Rex Grossman doesn’t want to jinx his belief in this Bears offense, saying he would rather not talk about it, other than in cliche of course.
“I just want to let sleeping dogs lie,” Grossman said.
The problem is, the topic is an 800-pound gorilla, waving its arms in the end zone, wide open, demanding to be seen if not thrown to.
So Grossman is asked about it, again and again, almost as often as whether or not he can stay healthy for an entire season.
Grossman chooses his words as carefully as he has his receivers during an impressive, accurate training camp. But asked if the topics go hand-in-hand–in other words, if he stays healthy, will the offense produce?–Grossman fires a bullet.
“There’s no doubt,” he said. “Because I know what I can do and I know what the guys around me can do. I like this offense, and I have a greater understanding of this offense. I know I have the ability to get it done.”
That offense finally will be on display against an opponent Friday night in San Francisco, albeit for roughly 20 snaps or a quarter. The game plan, too, mostly will be vanilla because the Bears face the 49ers Oct. 29 at Soldier Field and don’t want to show their full hand.
With Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson out, Muhammad playing on a tender groin and Bernard Berrian a game-time decision also because of a sore groin, not all the weapons will be in Grossman’s arsenal.
Bears at San Francisco
9 p.m. Friday, NBC
– – –
5 Bears to watch
The spotlight will shine brightest on these five offensive players Friday:
Mark Bradley
16, WR
Has looked recovered from and tentative because of last season’s knee injury.
Rashied Davis
81, WR
Discovered playing in Arena League; needs to continue displaying toughness.
Brian Griese
14, QB
First crack to prove his knee is healthy and his knowledge of offense is sound.
P.J. Pope
36, RB
Should finish with most rushing attempts in bid to land on practice squad.
J.D. Runnels
48, RB
Has been lauded for knowing playbook better than most rookies.
