Questions loom for Bears backup QB Blanchard

**Riczaj01** · 08-15-2012, 01:23 PM

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...,3046127.story
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Questions loom for Bears backup QB Blanchard

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Chicago Bears quarterbacks Matt Blanchard (from left), Jason Campbell and Jay Cutler during Thursday's preseason game. (Brian Cassella/Tribune photo / August 15, 2012)

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By Brad Biggs Tribune reporter 12:11 p.m. CDT, August 15, 2012

BOURBONNAIS — It’s premature to speculate whether or not Matt Blanchard will have an opportunity to stick with the Chicago Bears as a fourth quarterback on the practice squad.

But the undrafted rookie free agent from Wisconsin-Whitewater only helped himself in the preseason opener last Thursday against the Denver Broncos. Playing time will likely be harder to come by in the next two exhibitions but he should get ample work in the preseason finale at Cleveland Aug. 30.

Blanchard completed 6 of 7 passes for 53 yards in the loss to the Broncos. He was intercepted once and was sacked three times, the result of holding onto the ball too long. But he showed poise and delivered some nice passes, especially when you consider the reps he’s receiving in training camp have been very limited.

“He handled himself well,” quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates said. “I think the big question mark always with a Division II or III quarterback is how do they handle the center stage? Man, he took it right on. I am very proud of him. He is an athletic, smart quarterback that we are excited about and still has room to grow.

“Being the third and the fourth quarterback, and even the second once the season starts, is taking mental reps. That is part of their job because during the season the No. 1 takes every rep so the No. 2 has to understand how to do it. Obviously, he’s been paying attention and not wandering mentally. He gets in there in practices and the game and shows some good signs. We’re excited.”

The question the Bears have to answer for Blanchard when it comes to the practice squad – and it’s a question for every player for the eight-man developmental squad – is what kind of room for growth does he have? A lot of times spots are reserved for players who are needed for practice – extra linemen or guys to fill spots at positions that might be hit by injuries. There will be almost no work on the field for a fourth quarterback once the season begins.

“Right now, we’re just going to work every day both in the classroom and on the practice field,” Bates said. “We’re trying to get better. Everyone is trying to impress their coaches and teammates and what the young guys have to understand that no matter what, when they get on the field in preseason there are going to be 31 other teams, scouts and general managers that are going to watch the tape.

“As a coach, the numbers game is tough but you want to improve every player that you have and give them that opportunity to put good football on tape.”

bmbiggs@tribune.com

Twitter @BradBiggs

Copyright © 2012, Chicago Tribune

**soulman** · 08-15-2012, 01:31 PM

We could use a young QB in the hopper to develop. It's pretty much a certainty that Campbell will sign somewhere else next year where he has a shot at starting and McCown isn't young or gonna get any better than he is. It would be nice if Blanchard has the goods to step up into a backup role in another year or two.

**Riczaj01** · 08-15-2012, 01:54 PM

I agree soul

**GermansbombedPH** · 08-15-2012, 02:21 PM

not sure about the Campbell part. I don't see many spots open with the chance to become the starter.

**Henry Burris** · 08-15-2012, 02:51 PM

Questions loom for Bears backup QB Blanchard

Do you prefer playing in the Arena league or Canadian league next year?

Will your college degree help you in the "real world"?

Did you get Cutler's autograph?

Do you get to keep the jersey?

**bearsinhouston** · 08-15-2012, 02:54 PM

I don't see a reason to keep McCown with Campbell here. Especially with his lackluster performance. He is older and I'm not sure he would be here next year anyway. Go with Cutler, Campbell and Blanchard and then deal with a #2 next year - as I say, I think McCown wouldn't be here next year anyway. Take advantage of Campbell and free up McCown now.

**MPBears68** · 08-15-2012, 03:54 PM

Originally Posted by GermansbombedPH

not sure about the Campbell part. I don't see many spots open with the chance to become the starter.

There will be some though by next offseason. Always are, whether due to injury, FA loss, retirement, or plain failure. Don't know where yet but for example...

Tenn: Hasselback is at the end of his career. If Locker flops or gets hurt, there will a competition there next year.

Tampa: Freeman hasn't proven himself so is vulnerable to a challenge if he gets hurt or sucks this year.

There are similar situations in Cleveland, Miami, Jax, and Minnesota--where young unproven QBs could have bad years and find a vet invited in to compete with them next TC.

And of course even any established vet starter could suffer a serious career-threatening injury forcing teams to look for a replacement.

Campbell was a starter in Oakland before losing his job in a year ending injury to Palmer. He didn't sign a one year deal with Chicago as his final destiny. He's hoping to show enough that some team will with a need will give him a shot at reclaiming the #1 role next year.

**soulman** · 08-15-2012, 04:18 PM

Originally Posted by bearsinhouston

I don't see a reason to keep McCown with Campbell here. Especially with his lackluster performance. He is older and I'm not sure he would be here next year anyway. Go with Cutler, Campbell and Blanchard and then deal with a #2 next year - as I say, I think McCown wouldn't be here next year anyway. Take advantage of Campbell and free up McCown now.

He has experience and he comes cheap. His cap hit is only a little more than Blanchard's would be. The only negative is that he and Blanchard may have to share reps on the scout team.

There's always some chance that if the Bears don't think the can get Blanchard past waivers and onto the PS that they'll keep him and cut McCown but I think the chances of that happening are slim. It may actually be a good thing to have McCown around to coach him. Bates will be pretty busy with the offense and game plans.

**MPBears68** · 08-15-2012, 04:29 PM

Even if he has a nice PS (Hanie had those too), I gotta believe an undrafted rookie from a Div 3 school is not gonna attract much serious interest on the waiver wire. I can't see him not making the PS If the team wants him too.

McC is nothing more than a journeyman backup but he's cheap insurance and he played decent enough (better than Hanie for sure) to keep around one more year IMO.

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