Jimmy Clausen Earning Bears' Confidence, But Sunday Will Present Different Challenge
By Chris Emma—
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) – Jimmy Clausen is doing everything desired of a starting quarterback. He's taken a leadership role, communicated well with teammates and worked to gain a grasp of coordinator Adam Gase's offense.
Because of this, Clausen has garnered praise from his Bears teammates as they ready to play the defending NFC champion Seahawks in Seattle on Sunday afternoon.
"He's been that type of quarterback where he knows he's one play away," running back Matt Forte said. "He's prepared for this."
Practicing in the pleasant environment of Lake Forest is different than that of CenturyLink Field. Crowd noise is simulated through speakers, and the drills are designed for learning. It's a different animal when the crowd noise is coming from 67,000 screaming Seahawks fans – "The 12th Man," as they're known – and the opponent is extremely talented.
Clausen has little margin for error in his second start with the Bears, but he's embracing the task.
"It's a good challenge," Clausen said. "It's going to be a fun time on Sunday. Got to go out, execute the game plan and just have fun with the whole thing.
Consider Clausen among the very few who would describe playing in Seattle as "fun." The Seahawks boast an intimidating defensive identity, with stars like Richard Sherman, Michael Bennett and Kam Chancellor -- who ended his holdout this week, just in time to play the Bears.
Meanwhile, Chicago is entering Sunday with Clausen leading the charge because they're almost certain to be without the services of Jay Cutler – who suffered a strained hamstring against Arizona. The Bears may also be without receivers Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) and Eddie Royal (hip), who are each question marks for the game.
Gase sees a positive of this tough situation in how Clausen can manage his personnel.
"He's done a really good job of making sure he's on the same page as other guys any time he goes in," Gase said of Clausen. "The preseason was impressive – you're playing with a bunch of guys that probably aren't going to make the team. He got those guys got up really quick."
Clausen enters Sunday's start with a 1-10 record as an NFL starter, though much of that came during his rookie season of 2010, when he led a young Carolina team then coached by John Fox that finished 2-14. Fox was later fired by the Panthers.
This time around, Clausen is being thrown into the fire with a greater feel for what he needs to be successful.
"I've learned so much since then, and I've grown in every way possible," Clausen said. "I feel so much more comfortable."
Preparation for the Seahawks has gone smoothly for the Bears, with Clausen leading the charge and Cutler observing from the sidelines. There's confidence in what Clausen can do – that, of course, from the serene setting of Halas Hall.
On Sunday in Seattle, it will feel anything but easy for Clausen.
"Jimmy's been in big spots before," Fox said. "I think he'll handle it just fine."
Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.