Seizing an opportunity to attempt to redeem his son’s abysmal quarterbacking record with the Chicago Bears, Rex Grossman’s dad, Dan Grossman, has stepped up to the plate to defend Jay Cutler. He told the Chicago Tribune,

“It’s a self-perpetuating problem that is not Jay Cutler’s fault.  It’s not Rex Grossman’s fault. It’s not Kyle Orton’s fault. It’s not every other quarterback who has been through that system’s fault. It’s the fault of the organization for not understanding what a quarterback needs.”

Hmm…what does a quarterback need?  A daddy who sticks up for him?  Some skills, perhaps?  The ability not to trip over oneself?

Actually, I agree with Dan Grossman–to a point.  There is definitely a pattern of mismanagement of quarterbacks in the Chicago system.   That being said, it doesn’t “redeem” Rex Grossman.  Grossman was a streaky mess.  He had an arm, but lacked accuracy and mobility outside of the pocket.  Jay Cutler has all of those things.  Grossman also had better receivers than Cutler, and Cutler is still outperforming him by a long shot.

Papa Rex’s comments are a thinly veiled attempt to defend his son’s honor.  He may have some sympathy for Jay Cutler and  his family, but that’s not why he’s speaking up.  He’s making an implicit argument that his son would have been a good quarterback if it weren’t for the Chicago Bears.  And I disagree with that.  At most, he would have been “less bad”.  Cutler, on the other hand, has the potential to be great.  He is tough as nails and can throw bullets.  The Bears are squelching his talent, and it’s a shame. 

Yeah they were both first round draft picks, but Jay Cutler and Rex Grossman don’t belong in the same category of quarterbacks.  Sorry, Papa Rex.