Upside by Will Grant
The Bears were flat out pathetic in the passing department last year. They ranked 29th in passing yards and 31st in yards per attempt. They threw 20 INTs (#20) and only 12 TDs ( #30). Grossman was a small part of those numbers, but the majority of them departed with Kordell Stewart, Chris Chandler and OC John Shoop. This year the Bears hope to install a 'Rams Like' offense that focuses on different formations and a wide open passing game. Grossman will be the direct benefit of this new offense, and could be a surprise QB in 2004.

Grossman was the #3 quarterback last year behind Stewart and Chandler. This year he begins as the undisputed #1. With only Jonathon Quinn and rookie Craig Krenzel as viable backup options, as long as Grossman is conscious, he will be in the game. If Grossman is healthy, he should easily crack the 3000 yard mark, placing him in the top 20 for QBs. If Grossman and the Bears receivers take to this new high-end offense quickly, Grossman could improve even more.

It may be a bit premature to compare Grossman to Kurt Warner or Trent Green, but both of them also posted solid numbers their first year under this style of play. If Grossman is worth the first round pick that the Bears spent to get him, his career is about to take off.

The Bears also have a solid set of receivers for Grossman to throw to. Marty Booker posted 197 catches for over 2250 yards and 14 TDs in 2001-2002. He should return to those impressive numbers under this new system. Second year man Justin Gage showed some solid performances last year, and should also be a great target for Grossman. If David Terrell remains with the team, he will have no more excuses for his underachievement. If the former first round pick can't flourish under this system, he will be cut for sure.

Grossman is set for a solid year in 2004. If the stars align properly, he could turn into a legitimate sleeper pick in many leagues.

Downside by Chase Stuart
The biggest positive I see for Rex Grossman is that he has no competition for the job. Barring injury, he will be the Bears QB for 2004. However, outside of the situations in Miami, New York, San Francisco, San Diego and Dallas, we pretty much know who is going to be the number one QB for every team. What's not to like about Grossman? Well outside of Carson Palmer, he's got less experience than all the other starters in the league. He hasn't proven anything at the NFL level. Unfortunately for him, he won't have much help. How did Bears QBs. fare a season ago?

• 29th in passing yards



• 31st in yards per attempt



• 30th in passing touchdowns

The Bears didn't add one veteran wide receiver in the offseason; five of their first six picks were on the defensive side of the ball; and they added a defensive head coach in the offseason If Thomas Jones, perennial underachiever extraordinaire, is supposed to fix their problems, Chicago's in for a long season.
Outside of Marty Booker, the Bears receivers are very green. No one on the roster has ever recorded a 500-yard season. While Desmond Clark is a talented tight end, he's not going to make people think he's Tony Gonzalez anytime soon.

Chicago has less talent surrounding their QB than most teams in the league. Rex Grossman has no track record, and has to learn a new system in 2004. Grossman's arm isn't great, but the Bears don't really have any game-breakers anyway. I don't see a big reason for optimism in the Windy City this year. Every QB in my top 24 has either has a productive past or a productive supporting cast. Rex Grossman has neither. I don't expect him to finish in the top 24 QBs., in regards to fantasy points per game.