When Rex Grossman is on he ranks among the league’s highest-rated passers. When he's off he stinks. That's what Bears coach Lovie Smith must concern himself with now that he doesn't have to worry about answering questions about his team going undefeated.

As dominant as the Bears' defense is and as good as his special teams are, those units are not good enough to overcome a quarterback programmed to self-destruct. Grossman has played poorly in three games this year. It took a timely fumble for the Bears to beat the Vikings. It took a near miracle for them to rally to beat Arizona and they were unable to overcome Grossman's three interceptions in Sunday's loss to the Dolphins.

Grossman is far from an experienced quarterback. He has only made 15 starts. Keep that in mind. His inability to stop the bleeding shows his immaturity. He only compounds his mistakes by becoming more reckless — hence, more mistakes.  He has to find some middle ground if the Bears are to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. All quarterbacks have off days. The key is limiting the damage. That he has not yet learned that lesson is a grave concern for the Bears. 

He throws off his back foot. He rushes throws. He tries to shoehorn passes between two defenders. He worse he plays the bolder he gets. Good God, man, just manage the game and let the defense and special teams carry the day.

Grossman will have to win some games if the Bears are to advance the Super Bowl. But it's just as important that he quits losing them.

Here are 10 more random observations at the midway point:

10. The Cowboys’ inconsistency

NFL What’s on tap for Week 15’s matchups?

They have been so up and down and have made so many mistakes that you forget they're coached by Bill Parcells. They could still make the playoffs. Tony Romo is playing great. If they don't, however, they'll look back on Sunday's loss to the Redskins with a profound sense of dread.

9. Drew Brees was great, but...
He was the best free-agent acquisition of the offseason. But that doesn't mean the Chargers were wrong to let him go. Philip Rivers has proven to be every bit as good as advertised. When was the last time a team let a player of Brees' caliber go and it turned out to be a win-win?

8. Nothing like a great QB

Special feature Rosenthal: Award winners, losers, more Grading all 32 teams  |    Silva’s All-Pro team Handing out fantasy football hardware

After watching Tom Brady and Peyton Manning it's difficult not to conclude that the Patriots and Colts aren't the best two teams in the league. A great quarterback can overcome other shortcomings easier than a team that excels in other areas can overcome an inferior quarterback. 

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