Bears expected to start Rex Grossman at QB
Grossman: 'I would be shocked not to' start Sunday against Titans
By Vaughn McClure
11:03 PM CST, November 7, 2008
Hours after most of his teammates had disappeared from Halas Hall this week, Rex Grossman remained in the quarterbacks meeting room dissecting film of the Tennessee Titans.
"This week, it's a big week for me," Grossman said Friday. "I was making sure that I've solidified everything."
You can bet Grossman didn't put in the extra time to sit on the bench. With Kyle Orton nursing a high right ankle sprain, Grossman is expected to start for the Bears on Sunday for the first time since Dec. 6 of last season.
Coach Lovie Smith refused to name Grossman the starter even with Orton listed as doubtful on the final injury report.
Orton's most extensive action of the week was walking onto the practice field in cleats Friday, which apparently constituted limited participation.
"Kyle was able to do a few things, so he's making progress," Smith said. "Beyond that, don't know."
Grossman is confident about his status.
"They didn't tell me anything, but in my mind, I'm playing," he said. "I would be shocked not to."
Grossman talked about having that "sense of urgency" he hasn't felt since last season. But that doesn't mean his mind wandered as he stood on the sideline the first eight games.
"People can think what they want," Grossman said. "That's fine, but this is my job. I've been into it. I'm here from 7:30 in the morning until 4:30 working on exactly what I'm supposed to do. And now this week, I've been going home for an hour, then coming back until about 8, 8:30 p.m."
In the extra cramming he saw a Titans team capable of knocking even the best offense off stride. Grossman took note of how disruptive they were against Peyton Manning and the Colts when the Titans won that AFC South showdown 31-21 two weeks ago.
"They played some coverages they normally haven't played, but they still showed the ability to get to the quarterback," Grossman said. "They'll do that rushing four guys.
"Going into a game like this, you always respect the opponent, but I never fear them because I know we're rolling with an offense that's playing at a high level. If we can establish the running game and get some play-action plays, stay ahead of the chains, we'll be fine."
One other element is key for Grossman. He's fully aware the Titans are tied for the league lead with 13 interceptions, led by cornerback Cortland Finnegan and safety Vincent Fuller with four apiece.
"My thought process doesn't change at all," Grossman said. "I just have to take care of the football. I have to be right. I can't be wrong. I have to be smart in reading my coverages and be decisive in going through my progressions. And that won't ever change."
Extra points: Cornerback Charles Tillman was downgraded from full participation to limited with shoulder issues. Tillman is questionable for Sunday's game. Safety Mike Brown (calf), receiver Brandon Lloyd (knee), linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer (thumb) and safety Danieal Manning (hamstring) are listed as probable. … For the Titans, linebacker Keith Bulluck (chest) and end Kyle Vanden Bosch (groin) missed their third straight day of practice and are listed as questionable. Return specialist Chris Carr (shoulder) had full participation Friday and is questionable, as is linebacker Colin Allred (groin). …
Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher was excused from Friday's practice to attend to a family matter. … End Adewale Ogunleye was not fined for an unnecessary-roughness penalty against Detroit, and neither was Lions center Dominic Raiola, who allegedly kicked Ogunleye in the chest. … The league did fine Kalvin Pearson of the Lions $7,500 for a horse-collar tackle on Devin Hester in the fourth quarter. Pearson picked up a personal foul on the play.
vmcclure@tribune.com
