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Bears officially name Griese starter against Detroit

Lake Forest, IL (Sports Network) - Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith officially named Brian Griese his starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions.

Griese, who took the snaps with the first team offense in practice on Wednesday, replaces the ineffective Rex Grossman behind center.

"We believe in our system," said Smith at Wednesday's press conference following practice. "Brian is going to come in and just run our offense. I felt we just needed to make a change based off where we are right now."

The Bears have stumbled to a 1-2 start and in last week's 34-10 loss to Dallas, Grossman was picked off three times. Through the first three games of the season he is 47-for-89 with 500 yards passing, one touchdown and a six interceptions for a 45.2 passer rating.

"Rex Grossman is a good football player, but sometimes you just have to take a step back," explained Smith. "It's easy to blame Rex for everything gone wrong right now, but he is a good football player. For now, he will be our backup."

Griese's last start was on October 16, 2005 in a 27-13 win over the Miami Dolphins when he was a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"Playing offense is an attitude," Griese said. "Hopefully I can bring a little bit of energy and enthusiasm into our huddle. I will tell you one thing, I will be prepared and will work hard."

In six games with the Bears last season, Griese completed 18-of-32 passes for 220 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.

The Bears brought Griese to the team before the start of last season.

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