NFL: September 2008 Archives

What's in the water down there in Austin, Texas?

First there was Ricky Williams going from stud running back in college to pot smoking has-been in the pros. Then Cedric Benson followed a somewhat similar path, going from standout running back to full-blown disaster here in Chicago. Now, Vince Young goes from being the hero of the Horns' national championship a few years back to being a mental mess with the Titans.

Off the top of my head I can't think of too many Texas products who have struck it big in the pros lately. So remind me to never let my future kid go play football for Mack Brown and the Longhorns. That is, unless I want that kid to some day get wrapped up in some bizarre episode off the field.

By Chris Pummer
Staff Writer

The great NFL quarterback class of 1999 lost another member with Daunte Culpepper deciding to hang it up.

Of course everyone uses the word "great" with sarcasm because of the five QBs picked in the first round, only Culpepper and Donovan McNabb had nice careers. So it was a fine collection of busts, including the bozo the Bears took with the 12th overall pick.

Now only McNabb is still playing.

Here's how these guys stacked up in their careers:

And if you want to add it to the stat line, McNown also stole Couch's girlfriend. Just one of the little things that don't show up in the box score.

By Chris Pummer
Staff Writer

So Kyle Orton will open the season as the Bears starting quarterback. Rex Grossman is still around and Caleb Hanie will stick around as the third-stringer.

While that's the current pecking order, the Bears probably need to keep searching. Here's a look at some of the options that are out there:

Gary Busey

Pros: After watching his fight scene with Mel Gibson in the movie Lethal Weapon, Bears QB coach Pep Hamilton thinks Busey has the footwork to escape from the pocket. That's a big plus behind this Bears offensive line. Busey also demonstrated leadership skills when he was on Celebrity Fit Club 2.

Cons: Long philosophical deliberations could keep Busey from making quick decisions when faced with pressure from blitzing teams. Vocal, long-winded leadership style could wear thin in the locker room.

Bozo the Clown

Pros: As a clown, he'd fit in with a lot of guys the Bears have put under center since Sid Luckman hung it up. A beloved Chicago icon, he wouldn't be booed until at least his third interception.

Cons: Easily sacked by defenders, in part because of oversized shoes. And he's dead.

Carlos Zambrano

Pros: Has the height (6-foot-5) and arm strength you want to see from a QB. Pitches with a football player's mentality. Maybe that would translate over to an actual football field. And one-time pitcher Chad Hutchinson worked out so .... uhhh.. move that down to the con side.

Cons: Not available to play for the Bears until the Cubs' season is over. Even if the Cubs miss the playoffs, the Bears might be finished by October, too.