When the Chicago Bears reached Super Bowl XLI at the end of the 2006 NFL season, they did so on the back of one of the most dominant defenses and special teams units in modern football history. Yet, the conversation surrounding that team always loops back to one polarizing figure: quarterback Rex Grossman. Was Grossman the right man to lead the Bears, or was he a glaring liability holding back a championship-caliber roster? To answer that question, we have to look past the box scores, the famous "Good Rex, Bad Rex" dichotomy, and examine how the 2006 Bears were constructed, what head coach Lovie Smith and offensive coordinator Ron Turner asked of their quarterback, and how Grossman performed under immense pressure in a run-first, defense-heavy scheme.
The short answer is nuanced: Grossman was uniquely capable of making the big throws required to win tight games, but his volatility nearly derailed the season multiple times. He was neither a complete bust nor a franchise savior in 2006. Instead, he was a high-variance quarterback operating inside a low-margin offense that relied heavily on field position, takeaways, and running backs Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson.
The Anatomy of the 2006 Chicago Bears Offense
To understand Rex Grossman's role, you have to look at the philosophy of the 2006 Chicago coaching staff. Lovie Smith wanted a conservative, ball-control offense that minimized turnovers and let the legendary Cover 2 defense win the field-position battle. Ron Turner implemented a West Coast scheme infused with traditional power running concepts.
The strategy was straightforward: establish the run with Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson, take deep shots off play-action when defenses stacked the box, and avoid catastrophic mistakes. Grossman possessed a strong arm and was fearless throwing the deep ball to wide receiver Bernard Berrian and veteran Muhsin Muhammad. When the deep ball connected, the Bears' offense looked unstoppable.
However, the offense lacked a high-volume possession receiver or a dominant receiving tight end, putting immense pressure on the vertical passing game. When protection broke down or receivers failed to separate, Grossman often forced throws into tight coverage. This dynamic created the infamous Jekyll-and-Hyde performances that defined his career in Chicago.
The Tale of Two Halves: Good Rex vs. Bad Rex
The 2006 season was a roller coaster for Grossman and Bears fans alike. He started the year on fire, winning NFC Offensive Player of the Month honors for September. During the first four games, Grossman threw for 956 yards, 8 touchdowns, and just 2 interceptions, leading Chicago to a 4-0 start while the offense averaged over 30 points per game.
During this stretch, Grossman looked entirely like the right man for the job. He displayed exceptional poise, delivered accurate deep balls, and capitalized on short fields provided by Devin Hester and the punt return unit.
Then came the mid-season turbulence. As opposing defensive coordinators adjusted, they began playing Cover 2 zones that forced Grossman to make quick, disciplined decisions in the intermediate passing game rather than hunting for deep home-run balls. This is where Grossman struggled. His footwork would break down under pressure, leading to erratic ball placement and a flurry of interceptions.
Notable low points included a dreadful performance against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football—where Grossman turned the ball over six times before the Bears famously rallied to win 24-23—and a four-interception outing against the Minnesota Vikings later in the year. Despite the turnovers, Lovie Smith famously stood by his quarterback, insisting that Grossman gave the team the best chance to win.
Regular Season Statistics and Context
Looking strictly at Grossman's 2006 regular-season numbers reveals a mixed bag:
- Passing Yards: 3,193
- Touchdowns: 23
- Interceptions: 20
- Completion Percentage: 54.6%
- Quarterback Rating: 72.7
While 20 interceptions and a sub-55% completion percentage are alarming by modern standards, the context of the 2006 NFL landscape matters. Passing efficiency across the league was lower, and Chicago's run-heavy approach meant Grossman wasn't airing it out fifty times a game. More importantly, his 23 touchdown passes ranked among the top tier in the NFC that year, proving he could convert red-zone opportunities when the run game stalled.
According to historical data compiled by Pro Football Reference, Grossman's boom-or-bust tendencies were unmatched among starting quarterbacks that season. He led the NFL in both multi-interception games and games with a passer rating over 100, encapsulating the high-risk, high-reward nature of his play.
The Playoff Run and Super Bowl XLI
Grossman's ultimate test came in the postseason. In the Divisional Round against the Seattle Seahawks, he played a clean game, managing the clock and hitting key throws in a 27-24 overtime victory.
In the NFC Championship Game against the New Orleans Saints, Grossman delivered one of the best games of his professional career. On a freezing day at Soldier Field, he threw for 144 yards and two touchdowns, avoiding turnovers and executing the game plan to perfection in a 39-14 blowout that sent Chicago to Super Bowl XLI in Miami.
The Super Bowl itself against the Indianapolis Colts remains a sore spot for Bears fans, though blaming Grossman entirely overlooks external factors. Played in a torrential downpour, the weather severely impacted both offenses. Grossman started the game with an electric 52-yard touchdown pass to Bernard Berrian. However, as the rain intensified, his ability to grip the wet ball diminished. He finished 20-of-28 for 165 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, including a costly pick-six to Kelvin Hayden that sealed the Colts' 29-17 victory.
Was There a Better Alternative on the Roster?
A crucial question when evaluating Grossman is whether the Bears had a better option sitting on the bench. Veteran backup Brian Griese was on the roster, offering a more traditional, West Coast-style approach with a higher completion percentage and fewer turnovers.
However, Griese lacked Grossman's arm strength and mobility. The coaching staff believed Griese's conservative style would cap the offense's ceiling, preventing the explosive plays that Lovie Smith felt were necessary to supplement the defense. Sticking with Grossman was a gamble on upside over safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Rex Grossman play the entire 2006 season as the starter?
Yes. Despite calls from fans and media to bench him during his mid-season slump, Lovie Smith kept Grossman as the primary starter for all 16 regular-season games and three playoff games.
Who was the backup quarterback for the 2006 Chicago Bears?
Veteran quarterback Brian Griese served as the primary backup behind Rex Grossman during the 2006 campaign, bringing extensive starting experience from his time with the Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
How did the Bears defense perform in 2006?
The Bears defense was elite, ranking third in points allowed and fifth in total yards allowed. Combined with Devin Hester's record-setting special teams performance, the unit scored multiple touchdowns and consistently gave the offense short fields.
What happened to Rex Grossman after the 2006 season?
Grossman remained with the Bears through the 2008 season, eventually losing his starting job due to continued inconsistency. He later played for the Houston Texans and enjoyed a brief career resurgence as a starter with the Washington Redskins.
