Titans may not be Grossman's only headache

Bears quarterback and lightning rod Rex Grossman hopes the only opponents he'll face today will be wearing Tennessee Titans uniforms.

That's more than enough of a challenge. But a poor start will mean Grossman has to contend with his many Soldier Field critics in addition to massive defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, linebacker and leading tackler Keith Bulluck, along with cornerback Cortland Finnegan and safety Michael Griffin, who each have 4 interceptions.

Grossman said he doesn't know if the crowd will be behind him.

"I'm not sure. They haven't been," he said. "But you know, I love the fans. Like Sammy Sosa (says), "I 'luh duh' fans."

At least Grossman hasn't lost his sense of humor.

He has lost some of his personal fan base, but he knows how to get them back.

"They definitely cheer when good things happen," he said, "so I'm going to try to make good things happen."

Easier said than done, especially against a defense that has allowed the fewest points in the NFL. But Grossman says he's trying to dwell on more important issues than fan reaction.

"I'm focused on my job," he said. "That aspect of my career is kind of on the back burner as far as Chicago is concerned, so I'm trying to make the Bears the best team (today). That's all I'm worried about."

There's also Grossman's future, which probably isn't in Chicago beyond this season. He's playing for his current employer today but may be auditioning for his next job. If Orton returns quickly, as expected, and plays as well as he did before spraining his ankle, Grossman will no doubt look for an opportunity to compete for a starting job somewhere else after the season, when he becomes a free agent.

"Every time you step out there people watch it and make judgments about it," Grossman said. "So this is important because this might be one of the only chances I get."

Unlike every other week this season, the six-year veteran took almost every practice snap with the first team this week, giving him a chance to get in sync with his receivers. He says that should be all it takes.

"We split reps in training camp, and in '06 I played 19 games," Grossman said. "So this is not that big of a transition."