Courtesy NFL.com

Analyzing the chicago bears

Throughout September and October of 2006, Rex Grossman appeared to be every bit the franchise quarterback the Chicago Bears believed him to be, when they selected him out of Florida in 2003.

In those two months, Grossman threw for more than 1,600 yards, 13 touchdowns and just 7 interceptions, while leading the Bears to a 7-0 start. Few people even noticed the blip on Grossman's radar, a horrible four-interception performance in a one-point October win at Arizona.

Grossman and Chicago appeared to be invincible.

Then, November and December came, and Grossman's passer rating dropped to 57 and 64 percent, respectively.

Grossman did lead Chicago to the Super Bowl, though, even though many observers might say it was the ferocious Bears defense that contributed most to the NFC championship.

So, the biggest question for Chicago is which Rex Grossman will show up for the 2007 season.

If Grossman returns to early 2006 form, the Bears offense should have another very solid year. Cedric Benson takes over as the full-time tailback, after the departure of Thomas Jones in the offseason. Benson is a big, strong runner, who, if he remains healthy, should have a big year.

There are a few question marks about the defense - namely the injury to star tackle Tommie Harris and the loss of defensive coordinator Ron Rivera.

The key, still, is Grossman. If the fifth-year quarterback has a more consistent season, there's no reason to believe that the Bears can't return to the NFC championship game.