The much anticipated quarterback change became official today when the defending NFC champions announced Griese would start this week at Detroit.

At 1-2 and with the league's 30th-ranked offense, something needed to change for the Bears. So they turned to Griese, a Pro Bowl pick with Denver in 2000.

Whether this is the end for Grossman in Chicago or just a temporary switch after several rough outings remains to be seen. He has six interceptions and one touchdown this season and got picked off three times in last week's 34-10 loss to Dallas.

Grossman's contract expires after this season.

The 27-year-old Grossman has struggled with consistency even before last February's Super Bowl, when he threw two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. This year, he ranks 23rd in the league with 500 yards, has a 45.2 rating and is 47-of-89 (52.8 percent) with six interceptions and just one touchdown.

Griese, a 10-year veteran, is 32. He has passed for 16,564 yards, but has also been released three times — by the Broncos, Miami and Tampa Bay.

"First and foremost, as an offense we have to step up," Griese said. "I think that playing offense is an attitude, and I think since I've been here, the offense has been kind of second-class citizens. Hopefully I can bring a little bit of energy and enthusiasm to our huddle and to our game.