Posts tagged ‘Hanie’

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…

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.