Forte the key to Grossman's success

Q. What are you expecting from Rex Grossman, and can he play as well as Kyle Orton did before his injury?

A. Grossman knows exactly what coordinator Ron Turner wants from this offense. That means coveting the ball, reading coverage, throwing to the open receiver, making the right checks at the line and handing the ball off to Matt Forte. The expectation for a veteran quarterback like Grossman is to play winning football.

Understandably, Grossman has to knock some rust off on the deep routes and find the right rhythm with his receivers. When Grossman played well in 2006, he had a running game and a good offensive line to lean on. Do not underestimate the impact Forte will have on Grossman's performance. He has to utilize Forte in the passing game as well. The Bears' screen game has been outstanding with Orton, and if Grossman can find the same success, the Bears can slow down and spread out the Titans' defense.

Q. The Bears had trouble running against the Vikings because of Pat Williams and Kevin Williams. How does Albert Haynesworth and the Titans' defensive line compare?

A. Two great run-stuffers are better than one, so I believe the Vikings' run defense is better than the Titans'. Haynesworth is a great player, but I still believe Kevin Williams is the best defensive tackle in the game. He does more.

Haynesworth is a beast and will be a significant challenge for left guard Josh Beekman and center Olin Kreutz. Haynesworth works exclusively over the left side of the line, and the Titans do not do a lot of stunts up front. The Bears will know where Haynesworth is at all times. Keeping Haynesworth on the move is probably the best way to attack him. He can get fatigued.

The Bears should work the edges and stay out of Haynesworth's zip code.

Q. What can the defense do with schemes and personnel to stop the Titans' run game?

A. This game plan will no doubt mirror the one used to hogtie Atlanta's Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood and Tampa's Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn. At various times, they have used an extra linebacker or safety to stop the run. Last week Mike Brown played a lot of strong safety, working him in the box, and he made some tackles as the unblocked defender in the run game. In addition, they do a good job of rotating defensive linemen in an effort to keep the front four fresh.

Q. What is wrong with Devin Hester in the return game?

A. You can't say it's all Hester. His frustration is borne out of trying to hard to hit a home run coupled with new blockers virtually every week, and being schemed by opposing coordinators.

Hester's success has created a different world in the return game. On kickoffs, only Joshua Cribbs, Darren Sproles and Felix Jones have touchdowns this season. On punts, 8 have been taken back for touchdowns, including 3 by Reggie Bush. You have to give credit to the coaching around the league.

Hester does not look like the same guy returning kicks, no question, but I think the combination of factors has affected his performance. I am not ready to say playing receiver has affected Hester's returns. The Bears are still getting good field position from Hester's presence. He must do a better job of protecting the ball. Over his career, he has had more than a few fumbles.

Q. What individuals on the O-line have exceeded expectations and how has the group been able to exceed the sum of its parts?

A. On the left side, tackle John St. Clair and guard Josh Beekman have done a terrific job for never having played next to each other.

But you have to complement the entire offensive scheme. From the protections called, to Matt Forte using his blocks, to Kyle Orton getting rid of the football in a timely manner, to Orton's movement in the pocket to buy extra time.

It all matters. This starting five led by the Pro Bowler Olin Kreutz has allowed the offense to take a major step in the right direction.