Jeff George

Coach · 11-27-2004, 10:32 PM

Anyone remember this clown?

Veteran signs deal; Hutchinson likely starter

Having already gone through three starting quarterbacks this season, Bears coach Lovie Smith said after his team's Thanksgiving Day loss at Dallas that he still had "some options," and that likely means Chicago will turn to third-year veteran Chad Hutchinson in Week 12.

It apparently also meant, however, that the Bears would sign a more experienced quarterback who might add some playmaking skills to a woeful passing game that statistically ranks dead last in the league.

On Saturday evening, Chicago did just that.

Free agent Jeff George signed a one-year contract to return to the NFL, ESPN.com has learned. Financial details were not immediately available, but it is anticipated that the contract is for the league minimum of $760,000, prorated over the final five games of this season. The deal came after George huddled much of Saturday with Bears coaches and team officials.

The Bears are expected to announce the signing Monday.

A 12-year veteran, George is expected to begin his Bears tenure third on the depth chart. Given the team's tenuous situation at the position, though, he could well play before the end of the season. The team also will view his time in Chicago as an audition toward potentially signing him for 2005.

George, 36, has not played since early in the 2001 season, when he started the first two games for the Washington Redskins before being benched and subsequently released by coach Marty Schottenheimer. George has been attempting, though, to revive his career, and there has been considerable and ongoing dialogue between him and Bears officials through much of this season.

Several weeks ago, George voluntarily drove to Chicago to meet with Bears quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson. The two played together with the Oakland Raiders in '98 and have kept in touch.

In an interview earlier this month with ESPN.com, which became the subject of a lengthy "Tip Sheet" item, George reiterated his strong desire to play again. He noted then that he would play any role with a team and that he preferred that his career end on his terms. George has been working out regularly in Indianapolis in the hopes that some team would afford him an opportunity to play.

Ironically, the chance to resurrect his career comes at a time when George was beginning to consider alternative options in football. Last week, he told ESPN.com that he might have the opportunity to interview for a coaching job in the college ranks. That was before the Bears phoned him on Friday evening and requested that he make the Saturday visit.

The first overall pick in the 1990 draft, George has played previously for Indianapolis (1990-93), Atlanta (1994-96), Oakland (1997-98), Minnesota (1999) and Washington (2000-2001). In 131 appearances (124 starts), he was 2,298 of 3,967 for 27,602 yards, with 154 touchdown passes, 113 interceptions, and a passer rating of 80.4.

He threw for more than 2,500 yards on six occasions and his best season statistically was in 1995, when he threw for 4,143 yards playing in Atlanta's "run and shoot" design. He also led the Vikings to the playoffs in '99 after replacing Randall Cunningham as the starter.

The Bears, 4-7 following their loss at Dallas, have struggled at quarterback since starter Rex Grossman suffered a season-ending knee injury in the third game. Backup Jonathan Quinn proved ineffective and, even though rookie Craig Krenzel posted a three-game winning streak at one point, his play was sporadic at best.

Since the injury to Grossman, the Bears have had only one 200-yard passing performance. Five times in the last seven games, Chicago's starter threw for less than 150 yards, and three times the starter was under 70 yards.

Krenzel, who has started the past five games, and had 13 turnovers, on Thursday suffered a high ankle sprain. The injury isn't as serious as originally believed, but team officials apparently feel it might be time, no matter Krenzel's status, to add a more experienced quarterback to the mix.

The guess is that the Bears will turn to Hutchinson, who has yet to see action this year, for their Dec. 5 home game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Hutchinson, 27, was signed early this season after the Cowboys released him. He started nine game for Dallas in 2002, but has been slow to absorb the Chicago offense.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/column...len&id=1933215

tk13 · 11-27-2004, 10:33 PM

He's instantly their best QB, by far.

teedubya · 11-27-2004, 10:34 PM

Fatlock is gonna splooge.

**BigMeatballDave** · 11-27-2004, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ali Chi3fs

Fatlock is gonna splooge.

Damn, you beat me to it...

RJ · 11-27-2004, 10:38 PM

Grbac would have been a better choice. Him or Jay Schroeder.

dtebbe · 11-27-2004, 10:40 PM

Grbackup must KNOW he sucks now.. Jeff George gets a contract!

!

DT

Spicy McHaggis · 11-27-2004, 10:51 PM

No way. No freakin way. So much for that sad sordid piece Whitlock did about poor George being black balled by the league. Apparently there just wasn't a team with crappy enough QB's before and now there is.

ChiefsCountry · 11-27-2004, 11:53 PM

Now we know what Fatlock 's article tommorrow will be.

Michael Michigan · 11-28-2004, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ali Chi3fs

Fatlock is gonna splooge.

That's like porn to him.

His keys on his keyboard will be sticking as he writes.

Over-Head · 11-28-2004, 06:07 AM

George has a wicked arm! Always did!,,,unfortunatly he crumbles under pressure, and at the first sign of defeat he run's off to the side lines "hurt". If he got rid of his lead feet he could have been an awsome QB.

**Skip Towne** · 11-28-2004, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Over-Head

George has a wicked arm! Always did!,,,unfortunatly he crumbles under pressure, and at the first sign of defeat he run's off to the side lines "hurt". If he got rid of his lead feet he could have been an awsome QB.

The dude really does have a cannon for an arm. It's that ten cent head of his that ruins it for him.

ck_IN · 11-28-2004, 10:37 AM

Wow, have the Monsters of the Midway fallen this far?

That's just sad when you have to turn to this gutless wonder.

Deberg_1990 · 11-28-2004, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Over-Head

George has a wicked arm! Always did!,,,unfortunatly he crumbles under pressure, and at the first sign of defeat he run's off to the side lines "hurt". If he got rid of his lead feet he could have been an awsome QB.

Yep, George had loads of talent. He was one of those "Box score" QB's. If you just looked at box scores you would think he had a great game. If you actually watched the game he would put up good numbers but choke under pressure and throw untimely INT's, fumble at the wrong time or could not make critical throws at important times in the game. Sure he had a cannon for an arm, but so did Ryan Leaf.

**RNR** · 11-28-2004, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Over-Head

George has a wicked arm! Always did!,,,unfortunatly he crumbles under pressure, and at the first sign of defeat he run's off to the side lines "hurt". If he got rid of his lead feet he could have been an awsome QB.

Being aloof, saying things like it is not my job to lead or be friends with my team, were all pros and they know their job. Taking sacks instead of throwing it away as his stats mean more to him than anything else. This guy makes Ricky Williams appear normal.

**Baby Lee** · 11-28-2004, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ali Chi3fs

Fatlock is gonna splooge.

- I saw this thread and my first thought was "fatlock is cleaning his naughty bits with an old tube sock as we speak."

11-27-2004, 10:32 PM
Coach Champs! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $5888476	Jeff George Anyone remember this clown? Veteran signs deal; Hutchinson likely starter Having already gone through three starting quarterbacks this season, Bears coach Lovie Smith said after his team's Thanksgiving Day loss at Dallas that he still had "some options," and that likely means Chicago will turn to third-year veteran Chad Hutchinson in Week 12. It apparently also meant, however, that the Bears would sign a more experienced quarterback who might add some playmaking skills to a woeful passing game that statistically ranks dead last in the league. On Saturday evening, Chicago did just that. Free agent Jeff George signed a one-year contract to return to the NFL, ESPN.com has learned. Financial details were not immediately available, but it is anticipated that the contract is for the league minimum of $760,000, prorated over the final five games of this season. The deal came after George huddled much of Saturday with Bears coaches and team officials. The Bears are expected to announce the signing Monday. A 12-year veteran, George is expected to begin his Bears tenure third on the depth chart. Given the team's tenuous situation at the position, though, he could well play before the end of the season. The team also will view his time in Chicago as an audition toward potentially signing him for 2005. George, 36, has not played since early in the 2001 season, when he started the first two games for the Washington Redskins before being benched and subsequently released by coach Marty Schottenheimer. George has been attempting, though, to revive his career, and there has been considerable and ongoing dialogue between him and Bears officials through much of this season. Several weeks ago, George voluntarily drove to Chicago to meet with Bears quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson. The two played together with the Oakland Raiders in '98 and have kept in touch. In an interview earlier this month with ESPN.com, which became the subject of a lengthy "Tip Sheet" item, George reiterated his strong desire to play again. He noted then that he would play any role with a team and that he preferred that his career end on his terms. George has been working out regularly in Indianapolis in the hopes that some team would afford him an opportunity to play. Ironically, the chance to resurrect his career comes at a time when George was beginning to consider alternative options in football. Last week, he told ESPN.com that he might have the opportunity to interview for a coaching job in the college ranks. That was before the Bears phoned him on Friday evening and requested that he make the Saturday visit. The first overall pick in the 1990 draft, George has played previously for Indianapolis (1990-93), Atlanta (1994-96), Oakland (1997-98), Minnesota (1999) and Washington (2000-2001). In 131 appearances (124 starts), he was 2,298 of 3,967 for 27,602 yards, with 154 touchdown passes, 113 interceptions, and a passer rating of 80.4. He threw for more than 2,500 yards on six occasions and his best season statistically was in 1995, when he threw for 4,143 yards playing in Atlanta's "run and shoot" design. He also led the Vikings to the playoffs in '99 after replacing Randall Cunningham as the starter. The Bears, 4-7 following their loss at Dallas, have struggled at quarterback since starter Rex Grossman suffered a season-ending knee injury in the third game. Backup Jonathan Quinn proved ineffective and, even though rookie Craig Krenzel posted a three-game winning streak at one point, his play was sporadic at best. Since the injury to Grossman, the Bears have had only one 200-yard passing performance. Five times in the last seven games, Chicago's starter threw for less than 150 yards, and three times the starter was under 70 yards. Krenzel, who has started the past five games, and had 13 turnovers, on Thursday suffered a high ankle sprain. The injury isn't as serious as originally believed, but team officials apparently feel it might be time, no matter Krenzel's status, to add a more experienced quarterback to the mix. The guess is that the Bears will turn to Hutchinson, who has yet to see action this year, for their Dec. 5 home game against the Minnesota Vikings. Hutchinson, 27, was signed early this season after the Cowboys released him. He started nine game for Dallas in 2002, but has been slow to absorb the Chicago offense. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/column...len&id=1933215
Posts: 53,216

11-27-2004, 10:33 PM	#2
tk13 ... Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $1862500	He's instantly their best QB, by far.
Posts: 54,969

11-27-2004, 10:34 PM	#3
teedubya Most Valuable Poster Join Date: Oct 2003 Casino cash: $9480002	Fatlock is gonna splooge.
Posts: 36,652

11-27-2004, 10:38 PM	#5
RJ Supporter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: In a shotgun shack Casino cash: $9965202	Grbac would have been a better choice. Him or Jay Schroeder.
Posts: 14,931

11-27-2004, 10:40 PM	#6
dtebbe 3M TA3 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: SoFlo Casino cash: $9993039	Grbackup must KNOW he sucks now.. Jeff George gets a contract! ! DT
Posts: 4,305

11-27-2004, 10:51 PM	#7
Spicy McHaggis Keep 'er Movin' Join Date: Sep 2004 Casino cash: $9905359	No way. No freakin way. So much for that sad sordid piece Whitlock did about poor George being black balled by the league. Apparently there just wasn't a team with crappy enough QB's before and now there is. __________________ “We want players who are big, strong, smart, fast, tough and disciplined,” Pioli said, finally bringing an end to the era of Chiefs executives who searched desperately for players who are small, weak, stupid, slow, fragile and unruly.
Posts: 4,963

11-27-2004, 11:53 PM	#8
ChiefsCountry The Insider Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Lake of the Ozarks Casino cash: $2198752	Now we know what Fatlock 's article tommorrow will be.
Posts: 49,690

11-28-2004, 06:07 AM	#10
Over-Head Boom, Boom , Crash Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: In my shed Casino cash: $9995760	George has a wicked arm! Always did!,,,unfortunatly he crumbles under pressure, and at the first sign of defeat he run's off to the side lines "hurt". If he got rid of his lead feet he could have been an awsome QB. __________________ ...Illegitimus non Carborundum est...
Posts: 12,040

11-28-2004, 10:37 AM	#12
ck_IN Feels so good. Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $10004900	Wow, have the Monsters of the Midway fallen this far? That's just sad when you have to turn to this gutless wonder. __________________ As sweet as Tupelo Honey
Posts: 2,718