10 best Chicago Bears backup quarterbacks of all-time

Chicago Bears, Josh McCown
Chicago Bears, Josh McCown / Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
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The Chicago Bears do not have a very rich history at the quarterback position, as we know.

But, as fans, we try and take joy in the little things, sometimes. Whenever a starting quarterback in Chicago would get hurt, fans were anxious to see what the backup could do because, well, most of the time that starter wasn't exactly a Pro Bowl talent.

At the same time, when starters play badly in Chicago, fans clamor for the backup quarterback. it's what we do.

In that spirit, let's take a look back at the 10 best backup quarterbacks in Bears history.

10. Brian Griese

Back in March of 2006, the Bears signed Brian Griese to a 5-year contract.

Yep, that happened.

Griese would go on to play two years in Chicago, primarily backing up Rex Grossman. He would relieve Grossman from time to time, coming in late during the fourth quarter of games. In 2007, though, head coach Lovie Smith made Griese the starter after Grossman struggled the first few weeks of the season.

Griese would end his Bears career throwing for 2,023 yards, 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, owning a passer rating of just 74.1. However, he was a highly-experienced backup who did bring some poise under center.

9. Brian Hoyer

Believe it or not, Brian Hoyer's stint with the Bears owns a part of history. During a loss to the Indianapolis Colts back in 2016, Hoyer threw for a career-best 397 yards, which is the fifth-most ever by a Bears quarterback in a single game. He also became the only Chicago quarterback, ever, to throw for at least 300 yards in three straight games.

During that 2016 season, Hoyer went just 1-4 as a starter, but played pretty well, throwing for 1,445 yards, six touchdowns and zero picks. It might have only been one year in Chicago, but Hoyer's stint with the Bears was quite impressive.