Orton named starting QB

Rookie quarterback Kyle Orton, whose inconsistent performance last season at Purdue dropped him into the fourth round of the draft, will be the Chicago Bears starter for the regular-season opener, the team announced on Sunday.

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The elevation of Orton to the No. 1 spot on the depth chart was not totally unexpected following a poor performance by starter Chad Hutchinson in Friday night's preseason game. Hutchinson registered a 0.0 passer rating in the game and, for the preseason, his rating is an anemic 23.1.

On the flip side, Orton has generally performed well in preseason, albeit against backup players from the opposition defenses he has faced. The former Purdue star, who was just the seventh quarterback chosen in this year's draft and the 106th prospect taken overall, has completed 27 of 42 passes for 409 yards, with two touchdown passes and a pair of interceptions, for a passer rating of 92.3.

Chicago veterans were largely complimentary of Orton following Friday's game. Said center Olin Kreutz: "You think about that 'it,' and whatever that is, he's got it."

The Bears lost their projected starter, former first-round draft choice Rex Grossman, two weeks ago to a broken ankle that could sideline him the entire 2005 season. Grossman was able to start only three games in 2004 before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

In a major shakeup on the depth chart, Hutchinson plummeted off the depth chart Sunday, with veteran Jeff Blake, signed after the injury to Grossman, moving into the No. 2 slot. Kurt Kittner is No. 3 in the playing rotation.

"I'm not scared at all about being a rookie quarterback," Orton said Sunday. "I think I'm where I need to be. ... I have a lot of improvement I can make. Now I've got to quicken that process."

Orton, 22, entered the 2004 college season considered as one of the frontrunners for the Heisman Trophy, started the year strong, then saw his play deteriorate after the first four games of the year. In 44 appearances at Purdue, including 35 starts, Orton completed 786 of 1,336 passes for 9,337 yards, with 63 touchdown passes and 28 interceptions. For his career, he averaged 219.39 yards per game in total offense. Regarded as a bit of a steal in the fourth round, Orton signed a four-year, $1.84 million contract that included a $458,000 signing bonus.


3 or 4 wins for DA Bears this season.

My Lions future play is looking stronger and stronger as the season approaches.

I can think of another low round draft pick QB that has done O.K. for himself in the NFL. Can anyone say Tom Brady. 199th pick.

Not at all compairing the 2, just saying that Orton should've been named the starter as soon as Grossman went down. He has preformed pretty well so far in the preseason.

bears season relies on defense anyway.. old rex dog never really proved himself as a starting qb... bears still win 6 or 7.. with that said i still like det to win the division im with you woofdaddy

No brainer decision on Orton.

I find it interesting that the Week 1 line hasn't budged off Wash -6.5 at most spots. It actually went from +6+105 to +6+112 since last I saw it at Pinny.

Is Washington really a better football team than Chicago? With Orton at QB and given the defenses, I got these teams at right about even. Throw in homefield and I don't really see why this game should be lined much more than Wash -3. Given the Bears solid D, getting 6.5, maybe +7 with a buy, looks pretty solid.

Thomas Jones isn't a great running back plus you gotta know Washington and that D is going to blitz the hell out of Orton which he hasn't seen much of in the pre season since coaches don't wanna give away their plays. Just offering another side I tend to think its alittle high myself consider either of Wash QB's don't get the job done.

Thomas Jones is adequate, but not special. He's had a decent preseason though. If he gets the holes he can hit em and doesn't make too many mistakes. I think it'll be a low scoring, 13-10 type football game. If getting a full 7 points is available it's hard not to like those points.

Thomas Jones = better than people think...has the build to bowl people over, but quick too, if they had any passing game last year the bears could have been a diff. story...gotta pull for Orton though, so much fun watching that guy play (up until the Wisconsin game last year...ouch)

I agree that the Bears are a play at +7 at Washington. They need much better OL play however.

Hutchingson may not make the Bears team. Depth chart now stands:

Orton/Blake/Kittner

Hutchinson either needs to work on his slider or get a real estate agent license.

D2bets said:

Hutchinson either needs to work on his slider or get a real estate agent license.

Click to expand...

I'm for the latter, but will be hard with Jonathan Quinn still in the league.

Bears D will be banged up a quarter into the season from being on the field too long. Just another year around these parts.

Orton is indeed the best player in the long run, but remember he is a very green rookie.

How many first year QBs looked great in their first game, even their first season.

I like Orton, but I see the Bears getting their ass handed to them in Washington.

The Bears D is looking good and most of the Preseason injuries are to LBs and Guard. With the signing of Benson, and Jones pulling his weight(whom I give more credit to than most) I'm liking it!

Orton has looked god, But, he has NOT played against a #1 defensive unit yet this preseason. All of his duty has been AFTER the opposing teams starting Defensive has been on the bench.

Beware Bear Fans.

A rookie QB, on the road for his first start, against a defense which will blitz every down is not where I can put any money down. Greg Williams will send everyone player + there mothers in this situation.

I am a homer so I could be wrong but I have 0 faith on Orton moving the ball.