Todd Collins might want a few Tom Collins after that performance

I will try my hardest to not bash you every week, Lovie Smith.

But why do you have to make it so easy? While the Bears won the game, no one should be proud of a victory over the hapless Panthers that had as many errors as the Bears did.

In post game interviews, Smith said the man he designated to start in place of the injured Jay Cutler, Todd Collins, was “in control early on.” Lovie was right about that. I have never seen such artistic form and grace in his handoffs and pitches to Matt Forte.

Caleb Hanie should have started against Carolina. Collins ended up with four interceptions in just 16 pass attempts and a 6.2 passer rating. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz wanted a veteran quarterback to back up Cutler, but it would help if that veteran had the ability to play in the system that emphasizes timing and accuracy such as his.

And with an offensive line as atrocious as the Bears, the quarterback will have to be mobile. At least Hanie can run for his life faster than Collins could have.