Posted on 11/27/2004 9:43:53 PM PST by Dan from Michigan
Source: Bears intend to sign QB George
11/28/2004, 12:03 a.m. ET
By RICK GANO
The Associated Press
CHICAGO (AP) Struggling desperately at quarterback, the Chicago Bears intend to sign veteran Jeff George, a team source said Saturday night.
The Bears will sign George on Monday, the source said on the condition of anonymity.
The 36-year-old George is a 12-year veteran who has not played since he was released by the Washington Redskins in 2001.
Chicago's quarterback woes began in the third week of the season when starter Rex Grossman sustained a season-ending knee injury. Backup Jonathan Quinn struggled and was replaced by rookie Craig Krenzel.
The Bears went on a three-game winning streak with Krenzel as a starter, but he was shaky and turnover prone as Chicago lost its last two games. Krenzel was knocked out of Thursday's loss to Dallas with a sprained ankle, and Quinn was ineffective again as his replacement.
The Bears (4-7) are expected to turn to third-stringer Chad Hutchinson on Monday and give him the start on Dec. 5 against the Minnesota Vikings. Hutchinson is a former major league pitcher with the St. Louis Cardinals who started nine games as a rookie with the Cowboys in 2002.
Earlier this season, the Bears gave a tryout to former Browns and Packers quarterback Tim Couch before deciding not to sign him.
George, who played college football at Illinois, entered the NFL in 1990 with the Colts. He also played with the Falcons, Raiders, Vikings and Redskins. He completed 58 percent of his passes during a 131-game career, throwing for 154 touchdowns with 113 interceptions.
ESPN.com first reported the signing late Saturday.
That's about as shocking as a Detroit Lions loss.
Maybe we'll win one now!!!!!! He'll cost the team a game or two.
I hear George Blanda's available.
damn,, if Miami had of just moved a lil faster they could have gotten George,,, is Blanda available?
The Bears are welcome to try it. Hiring the retired veteran or even the grizzled warhorse never seems to really work out in the end though.
I hope for a backup they get Ryan Leaf, and put George and Leaf together as room-mates.
Jeff George comes back more than bad shrimp at a buffet.
So how does a pro football team go about rebuilding itself? It seems that, given the salaries starters command, most solutions are about finding a star to plug the breach.
If there are characters that have earned the nickname of "Mr. Me" out there, can players be found that want nothing more than to win as part of a team?
Is it up to the coach to build a team? Or management? Or the owner(s)? Or is it really up to the personalities on a team to effect a turnaround?
What are the prevelant styles of organization?
It's not that hard to rebuild. It takes some time, but with some smart moves it can be done.
They'd be better off with Phyllis George.
You forgot Chris Chandler (aka "Crystal Chandalier"), a true backup's backup.
George and Leaf roommates? There isn't a hotel room big enough for those two heads.
When Leaf was picked second in the Draft (you'll recall Manning was first), Leaf said in his press conference that there really was no second pick that year - in his view, he and Manning were "1-A and 1-B". I laughed my ass off and predicted then and there he was going DOWN.
Nobody believed me (I guess 'cause I'm a girl). Heheheh.
A Spinal Tap drummer!! Love it! ROTFLMAO!!!
"---As a Packer fan, I will say this is a great move. ---
Finally, a Viking and a Packer fan that can agree on something.
Jeff George whined his way out of what could have been a Superbowl contending year with the Vikings in 2000 when he wanted money the Vikings didn't have. I'm looking forward to when the Vikes play the Bears, seeing that fraud get pounded into the grass of that stadium turned UFO called Soldier's Feild.
BRING BACK DITKA AND McMAHON!
As someone said this guy can throw. But it was my imderstanding that George was a head case.
I never could understand why he couldn't stick with a team with his obvious ability. I guess since the Bears are so lousy, they couldn't get any worse. So this is a choice between worse and worser.
I want Marinovich!
No, wait, sign Art Schlicter.
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