Chicago Bears 2006 Quarterback: Who Was It?

The Chicago Bears had a memorable 2006 season, reaching Super Bowl XLI. A key component of any successful football team is, of course, the quarterback. So, who was the Bears' starting quarterback during that Super Bowl run? The answer is Rex Grossman.

Rex Grossman: Leading the Bears in 2006

Rex Grossman, nicknamed "Sexy Rexy" by some fans, was the Bears' primary starting quarterback in 2006. Grossman's career with the Bears was marked by both flashes of brilliance and periods of inconsistency. Drafted in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft, he faced numerous injuries and struggled to maintain a consistent level of performance. Despite these challenges, Coach Lovie Smith stuck with Grossman, and in 2006, he led the Bears to a 13-3 regular-season record and a NFC Championship.

Grossman's 2006 season was a rollercoaster. While he showed potential with his strong arm and ability to make big plays, he also battled turnovers and accuracy issues. In the regular season, Grossman threw for 3,193 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions. His performance was enough to get the Bears into the playoffs, but his inconsistency remained a concern as the team entered the postseason. Lovie Smith's decision to stick with Grossman was often questioned, but Smith showed faith in his quarterback. He believed that Grossman's potential outweighed his mistakes. This faith paid off as the Bears made their Super Bowl run.

The Road to Super Bowl XLI

In the playoffs, Grossman's performance was up and down. In the Divisional Round against the Seattle Seahawks, he struggled, completing just 9 of 19 passes for 141 yards and one interception. However, the Bears' defense and running game carried the team to victory. The NFC Championship Game against the New Orleans Saints was a different story. Grossman played much better, throwing for 270 yards and one touchdown, leading the Bears to a 39-14 win and a Super Bowl berth. Despite the win, questions lingered about whether Grossman could perform well enough to win the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl XLI Performance

Super Bowl XLI against the Indianapolis Colts was a disappointing game for Grossman and the Bears. He completed 20 of 36 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Grossman also lost a fumble. The Colts' defense pressured him throughout the game, and he struggled to make accurate throws. The Bears lost the game 29-17. Grossman's performance in the Super Bowl was heavily criticized. Many felt that his struggles were a major reason why the Bears lost.

Other Quarterbacks on the 2006 Bears Roster

While Rex Grossman was the primary starter, other quarterbacks were on the Bears' roster in 2006. These included Brian Griese and Kyle Orton.

Brian Griese

Brian Griese served as the Bears' backup quarterback in 2006. Griese was a veteran quarterback with experience playing for the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bears signed him to provide a reliable backup option in case Grossman got injured or struggled. Griese didn't see much playing time in 2006, but his presence provided valuable experience and leadership to the quarterback room. He was seen as a steady influence and a valuable resource for Grossman. In his NFL career, Griese was known as a smart and accurate quarterback who could manage the game effectively.

Kyle Orton

Kyle Orton was also on the Bears' roster in 2006, although he did not play that season. Orton had been the Bears' primary starter in 2005 but lost the job to Grossman in 2006. He remained with the team as a third-string quarterback. Orton was known for his toughness and ability to make tough throws. He eventually went on to have a long career with several other teams after leaving the Bears.

The 2006 Bears: More Than Just the Quarterback

While the quarterback position is always a focal point, the 2006 Bears team was more than just Rex Grossman. The team had a dominant defense, led by players like Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, and Charles Tillman. The Bears' defense was one of the best in the league, consistently shutting down opposing offenses and creating turnovers. Their strong defense often took the pressure off Grossman and the offense, allowing them to make mistakes without costing the team the game.

The Bears also had a strong running game, led by Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson. Jones rushed for over 1,200 yards in 2006, providing a consistent ground attack that helped control the clock and keep the opposing defense on the field. Benson added another dimension to the running game with his power and ability to break tackles. The combination of a strong defense and running game allowed the Bears to win games even when Grossman struggled. This balanced approach was a key factor in their success that season.

Lovie Smith's Coaching

Lovie Smith was the head coach of the Bears in 2006, and his leadership was instrumental in the team's success. Smith instilled a disciplined and focused culture within the team, emphasizing hard work and attention to detail. He was known for his calm demeanor and ability to keep the team focused, even in the face of adversity. Smith's coaching philosophy was centered around defense and running the football, which perfectly suited the strengths of the 2006 Bears team. His ability to motivate and manage the team was a key factor in their Super Bowl run. Lovie Smith's impact on the Bears extended beyond just coaching; he created a team environment that fostered success.

In Conclusion

The Chicago Bears' 2006 season was a memorable one, and Rex Grossman was the quarterback who led them to Super Bowl XLI. While his performance was inconsistent at times, he played a significant role in the team's success. Other quarterbacks like Brian Griese and Kyle Orton were also part of the team, providing depth and experience. However, the 2006 Bears were more than just their quarterback. A dominant defense, a strong running game, and excellent coaching were all crucial components of their success. Although they didn't win the Super Bowl, the 2006 Bears remain a memorable team in franchise history.