Chicago Bears backup QB Jason Campbell adjusting to new role - NFL News
After the disastrous end to the 2011-12 campaign the Chicago Bears are looking to fix their mistakes and come out even stronger in the upcoming 2012-13 regular season.
Last year, the Bears by week 11 were comfortably in line for a playoff wildcard spot as quarterback, Jay Cutler, and running back, Matt Forte, continued to work their magic in offence.
However, all that good work was put in jeopardy when Cutler was forced to undergo surgery on his thumb after week 11.
He was replaced by then backup quarterback, Caleb Hanie, whose performances failed to impress and the Bears went on to lose five games in a row to miss out on the playoffs and end up with a disappointing 8-8 record.
The Bears mistake of not bringing in a much more experienced and better quarterback to replace Cutler turned their entire season on its head which ultimately led to the firing of former general manager, Jerry Angelo.
In the offseason Chicago brought in new general manager, Phil Emery and promptly released Hanie to the Denver Broncos.
Quarterback, Jason Campbell who for seven seasons was a starter for the Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders was signed by the Bears as backup for Cutler so that a situation like last season does not happen again.
After joining his new team, Campbell is currently working out in the team’s organised team activities and is trying to adjust to his new role.
Speaking with the Bears official website he said.
“I’ve been through learning new offenses a couple times, so that part I’ve already adapted to,”
He continued.
“I’m just trying to learn this new role, understanding that a lot of what you do is going to come from the classroom and mental reps more than physically getting reps.”
The quarterback also said that he is not taking things easy now that he is a backup and wants to be ready for any situation that might come up.
“Last year there were nine starting quarterbacks that got hurt in the league, including myself. So it’s just as important as any other position on the field, and I have to approach it that way each and every week. I can’t just get relaxed because you’ve
always got to stay ready.”
Hopefully this year Cutler will remain fine for the entire season although this time Bears fans will be much more relaxed with Campbell as his backup and not Hanie.
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