Walter Brzeski, Bears Superfan

Some fans have been asking why Rex Grossman isn't in the 'Shotgun' on certain passing situations. And, I'm one of them.

The advantages of the 'Shotgun' are the passer has more time to set up in the pocket which gives him a second or two to locate open receivers and standing further back from the line before the snap gives the quarterback a better "look" at the defensive alignment.

Maybe, the disadvantages are the real reason, especially with regular C/QB exchanges already a problem for Rex. The disadvantages are the defense knows a pass is more than likely coming up (although some running plays can be run effectively from the shotgun) and there is a higher risk of a botched snap than in a simple center/quarterback exchange.

In my personal experience, from playing center at Eastern Illinois Univesity with Sean Payton (New Orleans Saints Head Coach) as the QB, the 'Shotgun' was first utilized at EIU in 1985 and had immediate results. The passing attack flourished and the number of sacks and 'knocked-down' and deflected passes were cut in half from the previous year. And, Payton became one of the all-time leading collegiate passers.

The game against the Chargers would be ideal for the 'Shotgun', but, it's highly unlikely the Bears will use it; since they didn't use it in pre-season games and barely used it in training camp. But, Sunday's game might bring about a change in the use of the 'Shotgun' in the Bears offensive package.