Orton Getting Job Done at QB

During the preseason, it seemed like the Bears had a normal but grueling season ahead of them.  The defense would hold their opponents to low scores, and if the offense could put any decent points on the board, it would equal a win. Now seven games into the season, the opposite seems to be true. Counting two touchdowns by special teams, the Bears scored 48 points against the Minnesota Vikings last week while the defense allowed 41 points.  Even the injuries on the defense’s secondary were negligible as the fill-ins managed to get four interceptions. What changed from the preseason until now?  Kyle Orton.

Orton spent most of his career as either the Bears’ third string quarterback or as the backup to the “star” Rex Grossman.  This season, however, the Bears decided to see what Orton could do not just as the offense’s manager but as an actual quarterback.  Turns out, he is pretty darn good.  He has managed to spread the ball around and made the Bears a passing threat for the first time in years. While the coaching staff seemed hesitant to start bragging about his skill, teammates did not show similar restraint.  Guard Roberto Garza said, “He was an instant leader, and he’s giving us our direction.”

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