Expect Bears’ QB Caleb Hanie to Bounce Back Against Kansas City
Published by Jake Perper on December 2, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Despite posting a passer rating of 56.9 and throwing three interceptions, Bears fourth-year quarterback Caleb Hanie showed resilience in his first NFL start.
Since his first start was on the road in a tough place like Oakland, no one expected it to be smooth sailing for Hanie.
Hanie tossed three first-half interceptions and then shook off some of the rust and inexperience to average 9.72 yards per pass in the fourth quarter.
His passer rating in the final quarter was 107.4, but a lot of that had to do with the Raiders playing a more conservative defense.
It was a surprise that the Raiders blitzed only 10 times against the inexperienced quarterback. They were able to bring him down three times.
The major worry for the Bears is Hanie’s decision making.
The plays where he runs out of bounds instead of throwing it away or fake spikes the ball will likely go away soon, but other decisions of his were a bigger concern.
Hanie struggled mightily in the red zone. He was one-of-four passing inside the 20, and one of the passes was picked off by Oakland.
With another week of practice under his belt, Hanie should feel more comfortable in this offense.
Don’t expect him to be the solid quarterback that he was in the fourth quarter, but expect him to be more polished.
Cutler, McCown, offensive coordinator Mike Martz and quarterbacks coach Shane Day all work with Hanie every day in practice—that can only help.
Returning to Chicago could be the perfect remedy for this Bears team.
With Hanie under center another week, don’t expect him to make the same “rookie” mistakes he made a week ago in Oakland.
Perfection isn’t going to happen for any inexperienced quarterback, but Hanie and this Bears offense could make some big improvements.
Things that will only help Hanie are better play-calling from Mike Martz and co. and improved play from the receiving core.
Expect a solid game plan with Matt Forte and Marion Barber running the ball more often than not.
Jake Perper is the owner and head writer for Bearsbacker.com. He is also the Chicago Bears writer for NFLTouchdown.com. Follow him on Twitter, @Bearsbacker and on Facebook for up to the minute news about the Bears.
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