1. Second string QB: Jimmy Clausen vs Jordan Palmer
This will be the camp battle dominated in the media coverage. After the success and subsequent departure of Josh McCown, the Bears are looking to replicate that production from either 2013 third string QB Jordan Palmer or newly signed, and no doubt eager for a second chance, Jimmy Clausen.
Unfortunately, neither has shown much in terms of positive consistency so far through camp.
Background:
Jordan Palmer:
In four seasons, Palmer has 10 completions out of 15 attempts for 59 yards and two interceptions with no actual games started. He made into a couple games with the Bengals in 2008 and in 2010 with little success and sat on the bench for the Jaguars in 2012 before signing with the Bears during the 2013 season.
He is Carson Palmer's younger brother, we mention that here though as we aren't sure if that is a positive or a negative...
Positives:
- Has experience with the offense and with the offensive system
- Spent all of last year learning from Jay Cutler and McCown
- Started training camp as the second string QB. It is his spot to lose
Negatives:
- Seems to lack the arm strength/accuracy to get the ball deep downfield
- Tendency in camp is to stare down his receivers
- Drafted in 2007 and has yet to make a positive impact in a real game, i.e. Lacks upside
Jimmy Clausen:
Out of his three seasons in the league, Clausen has only played in his rookie season, where he completed 157 out of 299 passes with 3 TDs and 9 INTs for the Carolina Panthers. He was not very highly thought of in the Panthers locker room by all accounts and was relegated to back up after his rookie year when the Panthers drafted Cam Newton with the first overall pick in 2011.
He did sit out the 2013 season while recovering from a torn labrum.
Positives:
- Strong arm, can make all the throws necessary, and while his down field accuracy could be better, he is willing to take shots.
- Not a running QB but does possess enough athleticism to avoid a pass rusher or two.
- Motivation (or desperation) as this will be his last good chance to really save his NFL career.
Negatives:
- Low arm delivery, susceptible to batted balls
- Never really commanded the respect in the huddle, much less the locker room, in Carolina
- Coming off a year where he was not even on a roster, why did no one else want him?
Prediction:
Despite Palmer having a better grasp of the offensive system, Clausen has to be the favorite to win this position just based on talent.