Chicago Bears: Set At Quarterback or Do They Need an Upgrade?

After the first six games of the 2007 season, many thought that Kyle Orton would be the answer at quarterback, but it now appears that he is a great manager of the offense, but may not have the skill set or the mental toughness to be a franchise quarterback.  Although the jury is out on him, we will kind of watch his progress until or if the Bears become eliminated from playoff contention. 

What I do know about Orton is that he is not going to put up 300 yards and two to four TD's per game.  He is not going to buy time with his feet and make a spectacular throw downfield on the run to win the game.  He is a safe quarterback, who has been at times able to make the throws down-field. He has improved in this area since his rookie year. 

My problem with Kyle Orton is that I see him missing way too many touch throws down-field, where if the ball was placed in the right spot (somwhere near the receivers hands), it is a touchdown. And in a league where many games come down to a touchdown or less (four of the Bears' six losses), this will not do. 

I believe that Rex Grossman is not, and will never be the answer at quarterback for the Chicago Bears.  He never seemed to get past the mental errors it takes to be a consistent NFL quarterback.  There may be a small possibility (microscopic) that on the right team, under the right tutelage, he could reemerge as a NFL starter somewhere, but not with the Bears, and I highly doubt anywhere else.   

I think the Bears need to take a look in what they have in Caleb Hanie, the undrafted rookie from Colorado State, who is currently their third string option before they begin looking in the draft or free agency, unless Tim Tebow falls into their lap.  If I was to have my way, he would already be getting reps if the Bears are up in a game, down in a game, or out of the playoffs. Look at the momentum Orton carried into this season from his last three starts of the 2007-2008 season.

Yes, the Bears are 7-6 under Kyle Orton, but that isn't all on him. The defense holds a large portion of the blame for the record they have this year.  The defense has all the talent they need, they just need to play better.

The Bears are in a much better place than they were in 2007 because they do have a quarterback who can manage the offense in Kyle Orton. I am not certain he is a franchise quarterback, but I think between him, Caleb Hanie, and a three-six round draft pick in 2009, their are at least average at that position.  The Bears could improve decidedly in 2009 by upgrading the offensive line and adding a big time No. 1 receiver. I am not sure at this point if they have a legitimate No. 2.

One potential quarterback that the Bears could take in the draft is Tim Tebow (no way he will be around when the Bears select). He would be the only QB the Bears should waste a high pick in this draft. 

They most likely will go for a late round prospect, such as Rhett Bomar out of Sam Houston State or Chase Holbrook of New Mexico State, or Todd Boekman out of Ohio State.  Another possibility is Matt Cassel if the Patriots believe Tom Brady will recover for next season. Cassel will be an unrestricted free agent in 2009 and looks to be an upgrade over Kyle Orton.