Todd Collins (right) knows Mike Martz's system, making him a good backup for Jay Cutler (left).(Chris Sweda/Tribune)
By Brad Biggs
If there was any doubt who will serve as the backup to Jay Cutler for Sunday's season opener against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field, that was likely removed when the depth chart was released this week.
Todd Collins is listed behind Cutler with Caleb Hanie in the third position. Hanie has been practicing but said he is still restricted. He's close to making a full return from the sprained AC joint in his right shoulder that he suffered in the preseason opener at San Diego.
But for now the Bears will be more comfortable with a healthy option, and offensive coordinator Mike Martz had lobbied openly for a veteran who was familiar with the scheme. Collins' experience in the same offense in Kansas City has allowed him to pick things up quickly.
The 38-year-old looked steady at the controls in the preseason finale at
Cleveland last Thursday. He completed 10-of-15 passes for 139 yards and
hit tight end Greg Olsen for a 15-yard touchdown. Could he be effective
if called on against the Lions?
"I believe so," Collins said. "The number combinations are the same. You can get as basic as you want with the offense or you can take it to whatever limit you can go to. That's the nice thing about this offense.
"From week to week there is some new learning for everyone, not just me. The basics are the basics. I feel good where I am."
Check back later for more from Cutler, who will meet the media at noon.
"I believe so," Collins said. "The number combinations are the same. You can get as basic as you want with the offense or you can take it to whatever limit you can go to. That's the nice thing about this offense.
"From week to week there is some new learning for everyone, not just me. The basics are the basics. I feel good where I am."
Check back later for more from Cutler, who will meet the media at noon.
Collins is a capable backup, I have no worries there, it's all the draft pick QB's they drafted the last few years and then dropped when they shoulda drafted a Olineman with at least 2 of those QB's dropped like rocks....
If Tice makes mountains out of these Oline molehills - he will deserve to be the President of the Bears!
Why is a professional golfer posting on this site?
Stick with golf, VJ
VJ on September 8, 2010 11:07 AM
JV on September 8, 2010 10:11 AM
Who wouldn't want to back up the dumbest QB in football?
This comment makes no sense at all. Get back to work.....if you even have a job.
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It makes perfect sense to me, I'm not sure how anyone could be so confused by it.
Who wouldn't want to back up the dumbest QB in football?