Article on Lovie Smith Interview...

[Pixote]

No Hail Mary here: Hanie in position to be the No. 2 quarterback

 

After Orton returned from his injury I was disappointed he did not regain his earlier form. I thought it was reported he was nearing full recovery from his ankle injury. If that was the case why was his play so bad compared to earlier in the season?

 

In this interview I see he was no where near 100% after returning from the injury. Heck, he is only reported to be about 95% now:

 

"He is working out already. He is on a mission. I loved his leadership throughout. Got a chance to see him in some tough situations. Guys need to go through a little adversity, all quarterbacks do, you need to be able to handle it. He's solid. He'll be able to handle it. He'll come back strong this season.''

 

Smith said Orton's injured right ankle would be "95 percent" or better for minicamp, which is just more than three weeks off.

 

I am pleased he is indicating Hanie will get a chance to be the #2. I know this upsets many, but quite frankly, it excites me. I also think we will draft a QB prospect on day 2.

 

While Bears coach Lovie Smith repeatedly refused to rule anything out at the quarterback position, he also made it quite clear the Bears envision Caleb Hanie in a position to be the backup quarterback this season.

 

"I think sometimes you have to go with young talent,'' Smith said.

 

Young talent would be Hanie, who playing with the No. 3's put up the best numbers of any Bears quarterbacks in the preseason last summer. The undrafted free agent from Colorado State wasn't a lock to make the roster but he really opened some eyes for the Bears and apparently they have not forgotten.

[bowlingtwig]

No Hail Mary here: Hanie in position to be the No. 2 quarterback

 

After Orton returned from his injury I was disappointed he did not regain his earlier form. I thought it was reported he was nearing full recovery from his ankle injury. If that was the case why was his play so bad compared to earlier in the season?

 

In this interview I see he was no where near 100% after returning from the injury. Heck, he is only reported to be about 95% now:

 

 

 

I am pleased he is indicating Hanie will get a chance to be the #2. I know this upsets many, but quite frankly, it excites me. I also think we will draft a QB prospect on day 2.

 

Pix I agree with you like always it seems like. I believe I saw enough of Hanie last preseason to at least give him a shot. Your not losing anything by giving him a shot at #2. Now I think I would be a little scared if were going to hand over the reins to the offense completely over to him but we are not doing that.

[AZ54]

I have no problem letting Hanie compete for the #2 spot but I don't want to rely on that to happen (i.e. don't give it to him). I'd prefer to have a vet with some experience in that mix. If Hanie earns the #2 spot in camp fine give it to him but having a vet who has played the game would be a better fit for the #3 since they won't be getting many reps. Basanez doesn't fit that role at all. My guess is that we wait for our minicamp to see what we've got in Hanie and Basanez and then decide which FA QB to go after.

[madlithuanian]

Agreed on Hanie...

 

I liked his moxie last pre-season. I hope to see some improvement.

 

Pix I agree with you like always it seems like. I believe I saw enough of Hanie last preseason to at least give him a shot. Your not losing anything by giving him a shot at #2. Now I think I would be a little scared if were going to hand over the reins to the offense completely over to him but we are not doing that.