Chicago Bears: These quarterbacks have made us who we are

This is where I’m going to black out. For some reason, maybe due to Kramer’s injury problems the year before but still only two seasons removed from throwing for nearly 4,000 yards, Wannstedt got it in his head he had to find someone new and it had to be Rick Mirer.

Mirer had already nearly sent the entire city of Seattle into the Puget Sound, but Wanny was convinced a “fresh start” would change things. He gave up a first-rounder for the privilege. From the very first practice, Bears reporters were amazed at how much Mirer’s throws resembled a drunken ferret hurled by a toddler. It never got any better.

When Bears fans appear to have PTSD about their quarterbacks, I assure you that Mirer is what they’re thinking of. Usually when you trade for a quarterback, and give up a 1st-rounder for him, at least one faction of the fandom is excited. Or hopeful. Or wild-eyed optimistic just for the sake of it simply to not feel existential dread 24/7.

None of that happened with Mirer. From the moment the deal was rumored, every fan made a noise akin to trying to cough up some accidentally swallowed tobacco. Everyone knew it was a disaster to be, and yet the Bears did it anyway.