As I watched Kyle Orton stand five yards behind Olin Kruetz, survey the field, and then loft a perfect pass between three defenders to Rashied Davis for a touchdown, I saw the future. I saw three and four wide receivers. I saw Greg Olsen in the slot. I saw the Bears get their most talented players on the field. Could the Bears and Kyle Orton go all New England Patriots on the NFL? Given the talent gap it’s highly unlikely, but this is nothing if not a copycat league. At a time when there is unprecedented uncertainty for the Bears offense, why not try and change the approach? Ron Turner’s traditionally conservative grind it out/play-action approach has been traditionally void of the shotgun formation during his second stint with the Bears. But given Orton’s experience with it, he played almost exclusively from the shotgun at Purdue, and the strength of our personnel we might be better off seeing it early and often.

Now trying to equate a spread-style offense with the Bears is about as difficult fitting a square peg in a round hole, but hey Caleb Hanie could do it! Lest “we never forget the way you thrilled the nation with your T-formation”. For as long as any of us has been alive the Bears have been associated with running the football. So how and why should we buck all that tradition and start flinging the ball around like it’s the 21st century? Well mostly because it makes sense. Ask yourselves, what are the strengths of the current offensive personnel on the Bears? Orton is accurate and makes good decisions (or so we are told). Devin Hester, Brandon Lloyd and Mark Bradley can provide a consistent deep threat on the outside with their speed (note: no Marty Booker there). Rashied Davis versus a nickel corner is a mismatch in the Bears favor. Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark can expose linebackers and safeties. And all three projected running backs, Matt Forte, Kevin Jones and Adrian Peterson, can catch the ball well out of the backfield… how does that now scream for a more wide open approach?

So my basic premise is this: Hester/Bradley and Lloyd out wide, Davis in the slot, Olsen/Clark next to John St. Clair (who will likely need blocking assistance), and Forte/Jones next to Orton in the shotgun. Opposing teams would be forced to keep both safeties deep to protect from Hester or Lloyd simply running past their corners which means Davis and Olsen/Clark will be left one-on-one with a nickel-back or linebacker. Now, all that sounds a lot better than it would probably work on an every down basis, but gaining yards on first down will be key for this offense and they will need to avoid the predictability of simply lining up with two TEs and banging straight ahead. Spreading out the opposing defense and hitting Davis or Olsen for 5 yards on first down would make everything from that point on a lot easier.

But alas, that’s just my two cents. As stunned as I was to see any shotgun from Ron Turner this preseason it would be asking WAY too much for him to do something as daring as run it on first down during a real game. Not to mention my suggested formation means he can’t run his beloved play-action pass to the fullback in the flat for 2 yards. How could the Bears live without that play? So I guess I’ve finally come back down to earth, but imaging the Bears with a real passing attack was pretty nice while it lasted.

Sitting in section 207 of Soldier Field’s United Club is certainly a vantage point I’ve never seen a game before. And afterward I think I need to get my eyes checked because what I saw as the Bears lost 37-30 to the San Francisco 49ers was almost inexplicable. Touchdown passes, big plays, consistent movement from the offense. All balanced by poor tackling, constant over pursuit, and general lethargy by the defense. It felt like I was in the freaking Twilight Zone.

One thing merely confirming that feeling was Kyle “Neckbeard” Orton looking like a real bona fide NFL QB. His first TD pass to Rashied Davis (for which Davis ran an outstanding route) was the kind of thing we haven’t seen much in Chicago. Orton finished the game 10/17 for 147 yds and two TDs behind a vastly improved pass blocking performance by our offensive line. He even had a third TD pass dropped. My potential shame of having my own neckbeard is diminishing by the day (now the only problem will be how it plays with the ladies). Toss in some solid runs from Matt Forte, an impressive debut by Kevin Jones, and even a Mark Bradley sighting and I dare say we may have ourselves an offense.

Unfortunately much of that glee was stolen from me by a pathetic performance by the Bears defense. I haven’t seen them look that bad since they were Urlacher-less in 2004. They were overmatched by misdirection, constantly over pursuing and being beat to the back side, and giving up in coverage as mobile QBs created extra time and beat lazy DBs. Seriously, we were getting lit up by J.T. O’Sullivan! I am going to let this slide because it’s the preseason, but it was hard to watch.

Finally we get to the guys fighting for roster spots. Marty Booker was a no-show and I gotta figure he’s not making the team. Garrett Wolfe fumbled a kickoff and was unimpressive outside of that. Without the ability to carry four RBs his days in Chicago are probably numbered. After making a brief reappearance Sunday, Ricky Manning Jr. was once again nowhere to be seen and we can all wave good-bye to him. Michael Okwo was likely saved by Rod Wilson’s broken forearm; he should send him a card. And finally Dan Bauzin continues to look unimpressive and with the versatility of Israel Idonije (get on the I-train) is probably out of a job.

There is one final spot I’d like to highlight and that was the play of Rex Grossman and Caleb Hanie. Rex looked like a defeated man as he completed only one pass and was constantly booed. He lacked any kind of focus or bounce in his step and it’s obvious he took the decision hard. Hanie on the other hand is pretty impressive close up. He’s obviously got a long way to go but he showed mobility, arm strength, and good presence as San Fran came after him pretty hard. I was joking at the end of that game that we should all live our lives by asking: What would Caleb Hanie do? (WWCHD?) And he answered at the end of the game by throwing a 51-yd Hail Mary TD to Brandon Rideau. But after watching both Rex and Caleb play I am wondering if WWCHD? next isn’t take Rex’s roster spot…

After two pre-season games Kyle Orton has been declared the winner of the Bears QB battle royale. The Neckbeard will be the Bears starting QB tonight against San Francisco, and September 7th in Indianapolis, but if you ask me Rex Grossman never really had a chance.

Now I’m bitter about this for a number of reasons, not the least of which was a pledge to grow a neckbeard of my own if Orton won the battle. But perhaps the biggest reason is after the game in Seattle it’s pretty obvious Rex never had a shot. Granted Rex’s performance in the American Northwest wasn’t fantastic (9/15, 74yrds, 1INT), but given the constant duress he was under I think it was pretty good. Then Orton comes in for a 3 ‘n out, a 2 minute drill that results in a FG, and he’s declared the winner. Tell me THAT doesn’t smell a little fishy.

This decision was made long ago, but they had to string Rex along so he wouldn’t feel like an idiot for signing that contract (you think he couldn’t have had a better chance in some place like Atlanta or Miami?). The Bears have decided to transport us all back to 2005 and pray a dominant defense and outstanding special teams can carry us to victories. Listen, I’ve got nothing against Kyle Orton, but I’ve never seen anything from him that seems to demonstrate he can be effective. But he brings the allure of the unknown. They always say the back-up QB is the most popular man in town and now as Bears fans we get to reap those words.

I’ll have the opportunity to see Kyle Orton with the #1 group tonight from the United Club in Soldier Field. And hopefully afterward I’ll have a lot better feeling about all of this. I’m by no means saying the Bears season is already over, although the recent O-Line play may suggest otherwise, but I am saying this supposed “QB Competition” was never a fair fight.

If I had known all it took to get this kind of fame was light up the Chief’s 3rd string defense then I would’ve thrown my hat in that ring a long time ago. If you listen to people talk in this town Rex and Kyle should be cut immediately. This is Caleb Hanie’s team now and he will lead us to glory starting September 7th when he makes Peyton Manning look like yesterday’s news… yeah right.

I admit to being excited by what Hanie did against the Chiefs. In this Quarterback starved town anything that even remotely resembles competence should be noted and celebrated. That’s why we singled him out on Bearscast, but if you’ve visited message boards any time recently you know a lot of people feel a lot more strongly than Herman and I did. Fans have started chanting his name at practice and he recently signed AUTOGRAPHS FOR 30 MINUTES! Unless those people all got confused by the #12 and thought it was Eric Kramer, that’s absurd. He’s an undrafted free agent threw 16 passes to and against players who’ll likely be cut in a week. And while he shows some promise I think Mr. Haine has the right approach, “I know. The coaches said I showed some poise, showed some courage in there, but I realize I have to keep improving if I want to be around.”

Maybe in two or three years after taking time to develop on the practice squad and run with the 2nd or 3rd team offense there might be a chance. He just might be our very own Tony Romo. But in the mean time there’s no way he’s competing with Rex or Orton this year, and if he see’s the field during the regular season then 2008 has been an immeasurable disaster. In the mean time though, I’ve written a small Ode to Caleb Hanie.

Well, with one preseason game in the books we have a slightly better idea of how this season is going to look. After the 24-20 loss some questions seem to be getting answered but others loom even larger than ever before. So let’s take a moment and do a quick overview:

The QB Derby: Neither Kyle Orton (7/10, 56 yds) or Rex Grossman (4/8, 44 yds, TD) were particularly impressive in their debuts. Orton fumbled while attempting to scramble, Rex was tripped while dropping back to pass, and neither moved the offense well. It says a lot that rookie undrafted free agent Caleb Hanie was by far the most impressive QB against the Chiefs.

RB Committee: We got our first look at Matt Forte and it was solid if not spectacular. He showed solid vision, good hands, but just wasn’t given much room to run. Garrett Wolfe did everything he could in fighting for a roster spot with a 42-yd run and also scampering for a 25-yd TD reception off a screen pass from Rex. He looked like the ideal 3rd-down back. However, Kevin Jones has been cleared to practice this week and his potential as a starter, coupled with Forte’s ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, could still leave Wolfe out of a job even with the impressive showing.

Ohhhh! Line: This is where things came apart for the Bears last year and prospects aren’t looking much better. Chris Williams is now out for half the season after having surgery for a herniated disc, and the Bears are now so desperate for depth they are considering bring back turnstile Fred Miller. On a positive note John St. Clair looked serviceable and I was extremely encouraged by the effort of 2nd-yr LG Josh Beekman. But this “solid” performance was against a D-line without a single difference maker, so it’s safe to say this is still a work in progress.

The D: The first unit struggled to get off the field during KC’s first drive but followed that up with three consecutive 3 and outs. Overall they looked pretty solid and it was good to see Mike Brown back on the field. The biggest questions left for this unit is whether or not Brandon McGowan can hold down the job at SS and who’s going to start next to Tommie Harris. If healthy they should be back to being a top 5 unit, that’s if the offense could ever stay on the field.

Hands Up: By far and away the most disappointing group against the Chiefs was the Bear’s wide receivers. Rookie’s Earl Bennett and Marcus Monk both made huge drops on the final drive. No WR caught more than one pass and Devin Hester, who needs more work than anyone, barely got on the field. Brandon Lloyd caught a nice pass from Grossman and then disappeared. And there was even a drop from the ultra-reliable Marty Booker. I’d say odds are right now a TE is going to lead this team in receptions if not yards as well.