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.
I think he had to sit out a season before he played again. His very name is anathema to us.
If there's ever someone I can think of with so much talent and and penchant for blowing a good thing, Jeff George is that man. He will go down in flames.
By this time next year Tim Couch will be back.
We would love to play you early in 2005.
George probably still has that cannon of a thowing arm, but he was basically immobile in the pocket at 35. These days he might as well be nailed to the turf.
To put it mildly, the Bears aren't the best pass protection unit in the NFL. Who will they sign when George inevitably goes down?
What team do you like?
Only if it is one of those 'Reality TV' shows with hidden cameras.
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