Lovie: Bears Stand Behind Hanie
(WBBM) First-time starter Caleb Hanie wasn't able to land his first victory as a starter, but Bears head coach Lovie Smith said there were positive things to build on.
Hanie completed 18-of-36 passes for 254 yards with two touchdowns, but his three costly interceptions proved to be the difference as the Bears lost, 25-20, in Oakland.
"Caleb would like to have a couple of passes back," Smith told WBBM's Josh Liss on Monday morning. "I like the way he progressed during the course of the game. (He) got us back into position with the long throw to Johnny (Knox.) It's just unfortunate we couldn't finish it on that last drive."
LISTEN: Lovie Smith with WBBM's Josh Liss
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Smith said the Bears will remain with Hanie at the helm until an injured Jay Cutler returns after having thumb surgery.
"That was the starting spot," Smith said. "He set the bar yesterday. We have a big game against Kansas City coming up this week. We just don't want a guy to make the same mistakes and just improve his overall game."
