Kyle Orton-What are the local talk radio shows saying? (1 Viewer)

[Ministry of Pain]

This guy has thrown for 300 yds in every game but 1 where he missed it by 5 yards opening week. 8 TDs vs 3 Int, 60% completion or better each week, over 70% twice, QB rating of 97.8 right now. What are the local sports radio hosts saying about him and what are the local fans calling in and reacting to this? Granted the Broncos stunk last week but Orton continues to produce. Is he the QB for the next 3-5 years despite Tebow being drafted in the 1st round?

I have to think teams would trade a possible 1st for this guy. He is polished, been in the league long enough, has tons of quality starts now under his belt. Seems like a perfect teammate but I have no idea what his real leadership skills are which is where I would imagine Tebow could eventually get the upper hand.

What say the locals?

 

[snellman]

As a Vikings fan, if the Broncos fans don't want him, we will gladly take him.

 

[kneeunthaface]

It amazes me the lack of respect that Orton gets here from Broncos fans. The way he has absorbed McDaniels system in less than 2 full years and the way he is performing now is something special. If #7 performed the way Orton did in Tennessee and lead the team to victory he would be the talk of the town. Not so much for Orton. The Broncos did sign him to that extension earlier in the year and know that Tebow won't be ready to take the reigns full time until at least 2012. It will be interesting to see if they get any offers for Orton in the near future.

 

[_lurker_]

Zero chance that he'll be traded unless a functional QB (better than Quinn) was sent in return.

The game plan all along was to acquire Quinn to hold the job down next year while Orton went on to FA and Tebow continued to develop. The extension Orton got was simply that McD wants a QB holding the job that's better than Quinn. The moment that Tebow is #2 worthy, Quinn's gone.

Also, the fans and media have softened. Everyone in Denver realizes that he's the only reason that the offense doesn't suck. I think Orton is good enough and after 4-5 games next season, I predict Orton gets another extension (multi-year) unless Tebow really convinces McD that he's incredibly special.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

Amazing stat about Orton's first 5 games...

He would have to suffer a 40.5% drop in production over the course of his final 11 games (yardage wise) to not throw for 4000 yards this season. Honestly, I think alot of folks don't digest production in real time. They struggle to assimilate game-by-game production that occurs every week until the mob concurs with a sea change relating to a certain player.

 

[az_prof]

I can't believe that Orton is not the guy. They wouldn't have any interest in trading him. If anything, I could imagine them pimping Tebow next preseason and trying to trade him. It's hard to imagine that Orton could do any better. He proved me wrong: I did not believe in him.

 

[pizzatyme]

Why would they trade Orton at this point? He is playing lights-out. I know they want to look smart with Tebow, but come on.

 

[shredhead]

Colorado local, Bronco fan:

I haven't listened to much sports radio, but in my opinion Orton is our only hope to even have a chance at 8-8. We aren't going to the playoffs this year (Playoffs?) If Orton gets hurt, I'm not sure the Broncos are capable of winning another game. Orton will be the starting QB barring injury for all of this year and next. After that, it all depends on Tebow's developement, I could definitely see another extension for Orton, but it's not going to be as cheap to sign him this time. I don't know how the potential lockout will effect all of this, but it can't be good for Tebow's developement.

 

[az_prof]

Colorado local, Bronco fan:I haven't listened to much sports radio, but in my opinion Orton is our only hope to even have a chance at 8-8. We aren't going to the playoffs this year (Playoffs?) If Orton gets hurt, I'm not sure the Broncos are capable of winning another game. Orton will be the starting QB barring injury for all of this year and next. After that, it all depends on Tebow's developement, I could definitely see another extension for Orton, but it's not going to be as cheap to sign him this time. I don't know how the potential lockout will effect all of this, but it can't be good for Tebow's developement.

This makes a lot of sense. But isn't Orton going to want a big pay day soon? Would he sign another "extension" that didn't include top 10 type money? He is playing like a top 10 QB and should be paid accordingly I would think. He has been a good soldier. Follows orders. Keeps his mouth shut. Didn't complain about the team signing Tebow. He just goes out and performs.

 

[shredhead]

Colorado local, Bronco fan:

I haven't listened to much sports radio, but in my opinion Orton is our only hope to even have a chance at 8-8. We aren't going to the playoffs this year (Playoffs?) If Orton gets hurt, I'm not sure the Broncos are capable of winning another game. Orton will be the starting QB barring injury for all of this year and next. After that, it all depends on Tebow's developement, I could definitely see another extension for Orton, but it's not going to be as cheap to sign him this time. I don't know how the potential lockout will effect all of this, but it can't be good for Tebow's developement.

This makes a lot of sense. But isn't Orton going to want a big pay day soon? Would he sign another "extension" that didn't include top 10 type money? He is playing like a top 10 QB and should be paid accordingly I would think. He has been a good soldier. Follows orders. Keeps his mouth shut. Didn't complain about the team signing Tebow. He just goes out and performs.

Yes, exactly what I was trying to get at with my bolded part. Denver may want to resign him to an extension, but it may not be that easy next time around. If Orton continues what he's started so far, he will command a decent payday, and Denver won't be able to afford both Tebow and Orton.

 

[Badgers Fan]

This reminds me of another purdue boilermaker's journey. Does anybody remember when Drew Brees was questioned as the starter in San Diego? Then they drafted Phillip Rivers, but Drew caught fire that year and they had to keep playing him (until they thought his shoulder was seriously injured). Now Orton might be a late bloomer, and after drafting Tebow it's looking like they wasted a pick on him. Kyle Orton will never be a "Sexy" name or quarterback but 39 tds, 14 ints in the 2 years prior to this year show that he is definately coming into his own. At only 27, its quite possible that the Broncos has a franchise quarterback in Kyle Orton. With journeyman, youth, and Eddie Royal (i guess i just term him a slot man, well that and youth too) scattered all over the receiving core, its quite amazing how efficient he's been. He's not just a product of throwing alot, 8.1ypa and 66% completion rate are some elite numbers. I am kicking myself for not picking this guy up.

 

[FFCardsFan]

Sell high

 

[THE FANTASY KING]

Orton's play really makes the Tebow pick even worse than it did on draft day.

Regards,

THE FANTASY KING

 

[Cecil Lammey]

A lot of callers and texters into my show on http://877theticket.com still bash Kyle Orton and it's baffling to me.

In my first Denver Post column I said he could be a 4,000 yard passer with 25 TDs and people were up in arms about that prediction.

Brady Quinn was a horrible addition, always has been. Mike Holmgren wanted JAKE DELHOMME more than he wanted Quinn and the Broncos gave up Peyton Hillis to get him. Hillis is more talented than Knowshon Moreno and continues to prove that week in and week out.

Tim Tebow is a project that is going to take at least two years to develop as a pro quarterback. McDaniels is hesitant to put Tebow on the field as a gadget QB, even calling it 'ridiculous' that Tebow could be an option at the goalline.

More quarterbacks need to be like Kyle Orton. He was an RFA but showed up every day in the offseason. They brought in Quinn and Tebow and he never complained. He signs a one-year extension and plays lights out. Orton's the unquestioned leader of the offense yet gets no respect.

Oh yeah. I do a pregame show next to the stadium for every Broncos home game. Most of the time I will see fewer than 5 Orton jerseys walk by during my EIGHT hours on the air on Sundays.

 

[RBM]

A lot of callers and texters into my show on http://877theticket.com still bash Kyle Orton and it's baffling to me.

In my first Denver Post column I said he could be a 4,000 yard passer with 25 TDs and people were up in arms about that prediction.

Brady Quinn was a horrible addition, always has been. Mike Holmgren wanted JAKE DELHOMME more than he wanted Quinn and the Broncos gave up Peyton Hillis to get him. Hillis is more talented than Knowshon Moreno and continues to prove that week in and week out.

Tim Tebow is a project that is going to take at least two years to develop as a pro quarterback. McDaniels is hesitant to put Tebow on the field as a gadget QB, even calling it 'ridiculous' that Tebow could be an option at the goalline.

More quarterbacks need to be like Kyle Orton. He was an RFA but showed up every day in the offseason. They brought in Quinn and Tebow and he never complained. He signs a one-year extension and plays lights out. Orton's the unquestioned leader of the offense yet gets no respect.

Oh yeah. I do a pregame show next to the stadium for every Broncos home game. Most of the time I will see fewer than 5 Orton jerseys walk by during my EIGHT hours on the air on Sundays.

How many Tebow jerseys do you see in that time?

 

[Stockwell]

Now that Orton uses the whole field, I'm all in. Don't care what the local media says, the Broncos would be foolish to look elsewhere for a QB to build around. If Tebow turns out to be a gamer, when has it ever been a bad thing to have depth at QB (unless you're saddled with huge contracts)? The Cutler jersey was burned long ago, I'm a believer and am ready to sport the #8 jersey on gamedays at Invesco.

I would be shocked if Orton doesn't get a huge ovation on Sunday, he's the man. Just imagine what he could do if the Broncos could actually execute play-action that was believable.

Now if we could just do something about those AWFUL draft day decisions. That alone has doomed this franchise for the most part of the past decade.

 

[bryan215]

Imagine if Den had drafted JBest instead of Tebow.

McDaniels is a solid coach but has to be one of the worst GMs ever.

5 1st round picks in 2 years and 0 studs or even above average players as a result

Orton should be there for the next 3 years minimum. It is highly doubtful Tebow will ever develop into the type of QB that Orton is right now.

 

[moleculo]

Imagine if Den had drafted JBest instead of Tebow.

McDaniels is a solid coach but has to be one of the worst GMs ever.

5 1st round picks in 2 years and 0 studs or even above average players as a result

...

sorry, this is not accurate.
[*]Ayers has turned out to be a stud. His stats might not show it, but he's done a fine job. He's the only Bronco able to get any pressure, and he has done a good job of setting the edge and funneling running plays back to the middle.

[*]Moreno - underwhelming, but I place that on the OL struggles and injuries, more than anything.

[*]1st traded to Sea to draft Alphonso - that was a wasted pick, no positive spin here.

[*]Demaryius Thomas - book is open. Has flashed greatness in his limited opportunities.

[*]Tebow - project QB, allegedly developing faster than anyone expected. book is open here as well.

Re: Denver running game and/or Best: keep in mind that the OL has been starting 3 rookies and two guys coming off of injury. The center, in particular, is a rookie and he is the one who makes the line calls. There's a lot of struggling and a lot of growing pains here - it would be tough for any back to succeed when the DL: relocates the LOS 2 yards back on every play.

The poor line play, BTW, is something I put on McD. IMO it was reckless to head into the start of the season with that little experience.

 

[switz]

Imagine if Den had drafted JBest instead of Tebow.

McDaniels is a solid coach but has to be one of the worst GMs ever.

5 1st round picks in 2 years and 0 studs or even above average players as a result

Orton should be there for the next 3 years minimum. It is highly doubtful Tebow will ever develop into the type of QB that Orton is right now.

Is McDaniels the GM there? To be honest, I didn't think he had ultimate say over personnel decisions, even though a lot of flack has been thrown in his direction for the Cassel/Cutler move etc. but I thought Brian Xanders was brought in to oversee personnel. Not that I don't think McDaniels has any input, I'm sure he tells Xanders what he's looking for in players, and what he feels the teams needs are, but I think too much blame is given to McDaniels, and people seem to totally ignore Xanders role.BTW, I'm pretty sure Ayers and Thomas both grade out as above average players. And I thought they only had four 1st rounders (Moreno, Ayers, Thomas, Tebow). Moreno is an unknown, I'm not ready to write him off, and Tebow was known to be a developmental pick.

 

[Mile High]

Imagine if Den had drafted JBest instead of Tebow.

McDaniels is a solid coach but has to be one of the worst GMs ever.

5 1st round picks in 2 years and 0 studs or even above average players as a result

Orton should be there for the next 3 years minimum. It is highly doubtful Tebow will ever develop into the type of QB that Orton is right now.

Is McDaniels the GM there? To be honest, I didn't think he had ultimate say over personnel decisions, even though a lot of flack has been thrown in his direction for the Cassel/Cutler move etc. but I thought Brian Xanders was brought in to oversee personnel. Not that I don't think McDaniels has any input, I'm sure he tells Xanders what he's looking for in players, and what he feels the teams needs are, but I think too much blame is given to McDaniels, and people seem to totally ignore Xanders role.BTW, I'm pretty sure Ayers and Thomas both grade out as above average players. And I thought they only had four 1st rounders (Moreno, Ayers, Thomas, Tebow). Moreno is an unknown, I'm not ready to write him off, and Tebow was known to be a developmental pick.

Don't kid yourself. McDaniels is the shot caller in the Bronco front office.

 

[_lurker_]

Imagine if Den had drafted JBest instead of Tebow.

McDaniels is a solid coach but has to be one of the worst GMs ever.

5 1st round picks in 2 years and 0 studs or even above average players as a result

Orton should be there for the next 3 years minimum. It is highly doubtful Tebow will ever develop into the type of QB that Orton is right now.

Is McDaniels the GM there? To be honest, I didn't think he had ultimate say over personnel decisions, even though a lot of flack has been thrown in his direction for the Cassel/Cutler move etc. but I thought Brian Xanders was brought in to oversee personnel. Not that I don't think McDaniels has any input, I'm sure he tells Xanders what he's looking for in players, and what he feels the teams needs are, but I think too much blame is given to McDaniels, and people seem to totally ignore Xanders role.BTW, I'm pretty sure Ayers and Thomas both grade out as above average players. And I thought they only had four 1st rounders (Moreno, Ayers, Thomas, Tebow). Moreno is an unknown, I'm not ready to write him off, and Tebow was known to be a developmental pick.

Xanders wasn't brought in, he was there. He's a logistics/operations kind of guy. They brought in Kidd to help with talent evaluation, but it's almost strictly McD making final calls.

 

[cubd8]

Mentioned in this in the Chicago thread, but I'll repost here

Clearly a lot of us were wrong about Orton,

I've heard one argument that Orton is simply playing come-from-behind football every week to put up his numbers is crazy. The guy had 130 yards and a TD passing against the #1 ranked overall Defense in the NFL at halftime this past week. That is not playing from behind.

Since the start of 2009, Orton has thrown for 5,900 yards, 25 TD's, and 13 INT's with a passer rating hovering around 90.

That means that over that stretch, dating back to the start of last season, he's throwing for 280 yards a game with a 2:1 TD to INT ratio, and an excellent passer rating, all while completing nearly 2/3 of his attempts for more yards per completion that just about any QB in the NFL.

So far this season, just his second in that Offense, he's having a Pro Bowl season, on pace for over 5,000 passing yards with a nearly 3:1 TD to INT ratio and a passer rating just shy of 100.

He is ranked among the top 10 QB's in Completion Percentage, Yards, Yards per Completion, TD's, least number of INT's, plays over 20 yards (#2), plays over 40 yards (#1), and passer rating.

Also, the argument that he's just throwing a lot doesn't hold water, since his number of attempts per game are on par with other top QB's like Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Tony Romo.

Essentially no matter what he does, some will never change their mind.

The guy is blowing it up in that Offense. Maybe it's the system, blah, blah, blah.

The bottom line is that if nearly a season and a half of production at a high level is insufficient to change minds, combined with a Pro Bowl pace this year, then you are simply refusing to admit your error. Plain and simple.

 

[bryan215]

Imagine if Den had drafted JBest instead of Tebow.

McDaniels is a solid coach but has to be one of the worst GMs ever.

5 1st round picks in 2 years and 0 studs or even above average players as a result

...

sorry, this is not accurate.
[*]Ayers has turned out to be a stud. His stats might not show it, but he's done a fine job. He's the only Bronco able to get any pressure, and he has done a good job of setting the edge and funneling running plays back to the middle.

[*]Moreno - underwhelming, but I place that on the OL struggles and injuries, more than anything.

[*]1st traded to Sea to draft Alphonso - that was a wasted pick, no positive spin here.

[*]Demaryius Thomas - book is open. Has flashed greatness in his limited opportunities.

[*]Tebow - project QB, allegedly developing faster than anyone expected. book is open here as well.

Re: Denver running game and/or Best: keep in mind that the OL has been starting 3 rookies and two guys coming off of injury. The center, in particular, is a rookie and he is the one who makes the line calls. There's a lot of struggling and a lot of growing pains here - it would be tough for any back to succeed when the DL: relocates the LOS 2 yards back on every play.

The poor line play, BTW, is something I put on McD. IMO it was reckless to head into the start of the season with that little experience.

Moreno is only a good pick if he runs like a 1st round top 15 franchise RB - he doesn't. He's injury prone and even when he has been healthy he doesn't look special. Peyton Hillis has had more impressive games than Moreno.

I've never heard anyone refer to Ayers as a stud other than Broncos fans. He was non existent in his rookie year and has been solid this year. He's a first round pick...given the guys available around him he should be better than just solid.

Trading a 1st rounder for a 5'9 CB and then trading that CB to Det only to have him play fairly well for them is just idiotic. They in essence gave up Earl Thomas for Det's 6th round TE.

He drafted a injury prone rookie WR who was raw. He's had one good game and been injured the rest of the time. Its hard to say what a good game in this offense means anyways. Jabbar Gaffney and Brandon Lloyd have looked All-Pro at times in it.

Tebow - a project QB who was mainly drafted for his intangibles less so his passing talent. Basically a bigger version of Max Hall, cept Denver drafted him in the first round. And he was drafted after they traded away a Pro-Bowl QB...for picks and QB Kyle Orton...who now looks like he will be going to the Pro-Bowl. Well done McDaniels.

Even Mike Shanahan would laugh at the above. This also doesn't cover all the other ######ed moves McDaniels has made -a washed up Maroney for a 4th rounder lol when Lynch went for a 3rd.

 

[switz]

Xanders wasn't brought in, he was there. He's a logistics/operations kind of guy. They brought in Kidd to help with talent evaluation, but it's almost strictly McD making final calls.

Ah, maybe it was Kidd I was thinking of, but I thought Xanders oversaw the draft now. But when Shanahan was there Shanahan oversaw the draft. I don't think McDaniels has that authority.

 

[Bri]

A lot of callers and texters into my show on http://877theticket.com still bash Kyle Orton and it's baffling to me.

In my first Denver Post column I said he could be a 4,000 yard passer with 25 TDs and people were up in arms about that prediction.

Brady Quinn was a horrible addition, always has been. Mike Holmgren wanted JAKE DELHOMME more than he wanted Quinn and the Broncos gave up Peyton Hillis to get him. Hillis is more talented than Knowshon Moreno and continues to prove that week in and week out.

Tim Tebow is a project that is going to take at least two years to develop as a pro quarterback. McDaniels is hesitant to put Tebow on the field as a gadget QB, even calling it 'ridiculous' that Tebow could be an option at the goalline.

More quarterbacks need to be like Kyle Orton. He was an RFA but showed up every day in the offseason. They brought in Quinn and Tebow and he never complained. He signs a one-year extension and plays lights out. Orton's the unquestioned leader of the offense yet gets no respect.

Oh yeah. I do a pregame show next to the stadium for every Broncos home game. Most of the time I will see fewer than 5 Orton jerseys walk by during my EIGHT hours on the air on Sundays.

From afar, it seems like Tebow getting all this attention and McD getting all the praise is just fine with Orton-he seems more than comfortable with it almost like I can imagine him smirking after a win and pointing to reporters saying "Tebow's locker is over there."In person, does he seem most comfortable in a reserved (not reserve) role?

 

[mbuehner]

Dodds has Orton as QB16 this week. Behind the likes of David Garrard and Alex Smith? Jets are giving up 235 passing yards a game, coming off a short week, and the Broncos are at home. What am I missing here?

 

[buck naked]

Dodds has Orton as QB16 this week. Behind the likes of David Garrard and Alex Smith? Jets are giving up 235 passing yards a game, coming off a short week, and the Broncos are at home. What am I missing here?

This is again symptomatic of people not buying into Orton. Denver clearly isn't going to run the ball against the Jets, Revis might be out again, Denver is at home, and Orton has been tremendous. There is no good reason to have him behind those two. It will change before the end of the week, but I don't understand how he can end up at #16 in the first place.

 

[switz]

Dodds has Orton as QB16 this week. Behind the likes of David Garrard and Alex Smith? Jets are giving up 235 passing yards a game, coming off a short week, and the Broncos are at home. What am I missing here?

This is again symptomatic of people not buying into Orton. Denver clearly isn't going to run the ball against the Jets, Revis might be out again, Denver is at home, and Orton has been tremendous. There is no good reason to have him behind those two. It will change before the end of the week, but I don't understand how he can end up at #16 in the first place.

FBGs have been ridiculously stubborn when it comes to their opinions on players. Some say they may even rival me in stubbornness

 

[Stinkin Ref]

Chief fan in Donkey land and I listen to a ton of talk radio...(props to Cec).....I think the rub is that people understand that Orton is the only thing keeping this team on the map, but most Bronco fans see the writing on the wall and realize it's kind of like whip cream on ####.......and therefore he isn't really getting all the props he deserves.....if the fan base felt that this team had a realistic chance to make some noise in the playoffs, Orton would be the second coming of 7........but right now, they realize that while his play is fantastic, it is also the result of having zero running game.....I think the stat going into last week was that they had the 2nd most attempts, but were last in YPC or something like that....

in addition, I think some Bronco fans make Orton guilty by association to McD for the loss of Cutler, Marshall, Scheffler, and Hillis......some very popular players in Denver....and some folks are still ticked about losing that talent.....especially when they see them produce in other cities.....

McD had Denver in the palm of his hand after the 6-0 start last year and that fist pump celebration against NE, etc......I'll admit, I thought it was a big moment for this franchise.....but then the team lost 8 out of 10....and guess who the quarterback was for most of that......the city still has a bad taste in their mouth and the questionable trades and draft picks haven't helped.....the lack of praise for Orton is a result because I think Denver is having a hard time figuring out just what to think about everything that has happened with this team over the last two years.......

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Mentioned in this in the Chicago thread, but I'll repost hereClearly a lot of us were wrong about Orton,I've heard one argument that Orton is simply playing come-from-behind football every week to put up his numbers is crazy. The guy had 130 yards and a TD passing against the #1 ranked overall Defense in the NFL at halftime this past week. That is not playing from behind.Since the start of 2009, Orton has thrown for 5,900 yards, 25 TD's, and 13 INT's with a passer rating hovering around 90.That means that over that stretch, dating back to the start of last season, he's throwing for 280 yards a game with a 2:1 TD to INT ratio, and an excellent passer rating, all while completing nearly 2/3 of his attempts for more yards per completion that just about any QB in the NFL. So far this season, just his second in that Offense, he's having a Pro Bowl season, on pace for over 5,000 passing yards with a nearly 3:1 TD to INT ratio and a passer rating just shy of 100. He is ranked among the top 10 QB's in Completion Percentage, Yards, Yards per Completion, TD's, least number of INT's, plays over 20 yards (#2), plays over 40 yards (#1), and passer rating.Also, the argument that he's just throwing a lot doesn't hold water, since his number of attempts per game are on par with other top QB's like Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Tony Romo.Essentially no matter what he does, some will never change their mind.The guy is blowing it up in that Offense. Maybe it's the system, blah, blah, blah. The bottom line is that if nearly a season and a half of production at a high level is insufficient to change minds, combined with a Pro Bowl pace this year, then you are simply refusing to admit your error. Plain and simple.

 

[shredhead]

in addition, I think some Bronco fans make Orton guilty by association to McD for the loss of Cutler, Marshall, Scheffler, and Hillis......some very popular players in Denver....and some folks are still ticked about losing that talent.....especially when they see them produce in other cities.....

nearly 40 year Bronco fan here, and good riddance to all of them, except Hillis. I wish we still had Hillis. I'm glad Cutler, Marshall, and Scheffler are gone, locker room cancers, all of them. I'll take Orton over Cutler any day. I agree with the rest of your post Ref.

 

[Cecil Lammey]

A lot of callers and texters into my show on http://877theticket.com still bash Kyle Orton and it's baffling to me.

In my first Denver Post column I said he could be a 4,000 yard passer with 25 TDs and people were up in arms about that prediction.

Brady Quinn was a horrible addition, always has been. Mike Holmgren wanted JAKE DELHOMME more than he wanted Quinn and the Broncos gave up Peyton Hillis to get him. Hillis is more talented than Knowshon Moreno and continues to prove that week in and week out.

Tim Tebow is a project that is going to take at least two years to develop as a pro quarterback. McDaniels is hesitant to put Tebow on the field as a gadget QB, even calling it 'ridiculous' that Tebow could be an option at the goalline.

More quarterbacks need to be like Kyle Orton. He was an RFA but showed up every day in the offseason. They brought in Quinn and Tebow and he never complained. He signs a one-year extension and plays lights out. Orton's the unquestioned leader of the offense yet gets no respect.

Oh yeah. I do a pregame show next to the stadium for every Broncos home game. Most of the time I will see fewer than 5 Orton jerseys walk by during my EIGHT hours on the air on Sundays.

How many Tebow jerseys do you see in that time?

I see hundreds of Tebow jerseys every week, even some Brady Quinn jerseys (both Den and Cle) yet hardly any Orton jerseys.

 

[moleculo]

Imagine if Den had drafted JBest instead of Tebow.

McDaniels is a solid coach but has to be one of the worst GMs ever.

5 1st round picks in 2 years and 0 studs or even above average players as a result

...

sorry, this is not accurate.
[*]Ayers has turned out to be a stud. His stats might not show it, but he's done a fine job. He's the only Bronco able to get any pressure, and he has done a good job of setting the edge and funneling running plays back to the middle.

[*]Moreno - underwhelming, but I place that on the OL struggles and injuries, more than anything.

[*]1st traded to Sea to draft Alphonso - that was a wasted pick, no positive spin here.

[*]Demaryius Thomas - book is open. Has flashed greatness in his limited opportunities.

[*]Tebow - project QB, allegedly developing faster than anyone expected. book is open here as well.

Re: Denver running game and/or Best: keep in mind that the OL has been starting 3 rookies and two guys coming off of injury. The center, in particular, is a rookie and he is the one who makes the line calls. There's a lot of struggling and a lot of growing pains here - it would be tough for any back to succeed when the DL: relocates the LOS 2 yards back on every play.

The poor line play, BTW, is something I put on McD. IMO it was reckless to head into the start of the season with that little experience.

Moreno is only a good pick if he runs like a 1st round top 15 franchise RB - he doesn't. He's injury prone and even when he has been healthy he doesn't look special. Peyton Hillis has had more impressive games than Moreno.

I've never heard anyone refer to Ayers as a stud other than Broncos fans. He was non existent in his rookie year and has been solid this year. He's a first round pick...given the guys available around him he should be better than just solid.

Trading a 1st rounder for a 5'9 CB and then trading that CB to Det only to have him play fairly well for them is just idiotic. They in essence gave up Earl Thomas for Det's 6th round TE.

He drafted a injury prone rookie WR who was raw. He's had one good game and been injured the rest of the time. Its hard to say what a good game in this offense means anyways. Jabbar Gaffney and Brandon Lloyd have looked All-Pro at times in it.

Tebow - a project QB who was mainly drafted for his intangibles less so his passing talent. Basically a bigger version of Max Hall, cept Denver drafted him in the first round. And he was drafted after they traded away a Pro-Bowl QB...for picks and QB Kyle Orton...who now looks like he will be going to the Pro-Bowl. Well done McDaniels.

Even Mike Shanahan would laugh at the above. This also doesn't cover all the other ######ed moves McDaniels has made -a washed up Maroney for a 4th rounder lol when Lynch went for a 3rd.

I guess it's a matter of perspective. I'm of the opinion that you cannot predict injury, so if a first round RB misses some time after not missing much (any?) time in college, i'm not gonna hold that against the coach. If same RB isn't putting up big numbers behind a terrible line, I'm not going to hold that against the player. Watch this video - I don't think Moreno is leaving a whole lot of yards on the field.As for Ayers - it was widely known when he was drafted that it would take a couple of years for him to develop - he played DE in college, and moved to OLB in the NFL. We all knew there would be a transition period, and he has certainly elevated his game this year.

for the rest - let's wait a few years before we evaluate. One constant from McD - he doesn't seem to draft for immediate impact. no one, outside of Moreno, was supposed to step in day one and dominate. Everyone else was a project, guys who might take a year or two to blossom, and we all knew that when they were drafted. And, let's face it - outside of the top 10, it's tough to find immediate contributors.

You want to compare to some Shanahan 1st rounders - for every Clady, there's a Jarvis Moss. For every Cutler or DJ Williams, there's an Ashleie Lelie or George Foster, Willie Middlebrooks, or Deltha O'Neil.

also - just to clear up the Maroney trade - it was a 4th for Maroney and a 6th, so Maroney was had for the difference between round 4 and 6.

 

[tangfoot]

I've heard one argument that Orton is simply playing come-from-behind football every week to put up his numbers is crazy. The guy had 130 yards and a TD passing against the #1 ranked overall Defense in the NFL at halftime this past week. That is not playing from behind.

Bad example. He was 4-7 for 23 yards prior to being down 17-0. Yes, he was playing from behind.

 

[Garts]

Rest of the year for Orton looks pretty soft on the old sched:

Jets

Oak

@SF

bye

Chiefs

@Chargers

Rams

@Chiefs -playoff weeks

@Ari

Texans

Chargers

 

[shredhead]

Rest of the year for Orton looks pretty soft on the old sched:

Jets

Oak

@SF

bye

Chiefs

@Chargers

Rams

@Chiefs -playoff weeks

@Ari - playoff weeks

@ Oak

Texans

Chargers

Fixed!

 

[Jason Wood]

I was decidedly skeptical of Orton and thought the Bears fleeced the Broncos in that trade. But how anyone can argue with what he's doing, and proceed to eat crow if you were critical of him (as I was) is beyond me. Dude is legit. I heard someone the other day talk about how Orton has a "deep and talented receiving corps"...funny how Brandon Lloyd, Jabar Gaffney, Eddie Royal and some rooks are now considered a deep and talented receiving corps when a few months ago they were journeyman backups and raw unproven youngsters.

 

[Garts]

Rest of the year for Orton looks pretty soft on the old sched:

Jets

Oak

@SF

bye

Chiefs

@Chargers

Rams

@Chiefs -playoff weeks

@Ari - playoff weeks

@ Oak

Texans

Chargers

Fixed!

whoops !

 

[LarryAllen'sJockstrap]

I think a lot of the lack of faith in Orton has to do with career path to this point. He came into the league as a 4th round pick and was thrust into the starting job immediately. He had a poor rookie season and was demoted to 3rd string for his entire sophomore season. The next year, he only played in three games; and after again taking over the starting role for the Bears in his 4th year, he was only mildly better throwing for 2800 yards with 18 TDs and a QB rating of 80.

Then came the Cutler trade. At the time, the Bears gave up two 1st round picks and Orton for Cutler; not exactly a ringing endorsement for Orton's value considering it took him and two high picks to get the QB they wanted.

Last year was his best by far; first time ever to break 60% completion rate, 7 YPA and 20 TDs.

Now, 5 games into his 6th season in the league his numbers are off the chart. In fact, he's on pace for over 5500 yards and 26 TDs; and he's not just doing it by throwing a ton of passes; he been quite efficient hitting a 66% completion rate and over 8 YPA.

I just think it's hard to believe this season so far hasn't been fool's gold. I hope for him and the Broncos it's not, but the previous 5 years of Kyle Orton just don't jive with what he is doing now.

 

[Whoosah]

I think a lot of the lack of faith in Orton has to do with career path to this point. He came into the league as a 4th round pick and was thrust into the starting job immediately. He had a poor rookie season and was demoted to 3rd string for his entire sophomore season. The next year, he only played in three games; and after again taking over the starting role for the Bears in his 4th year, he was only mildly better throwing for 2800 yards with 18 TDs and a QB rating of 80.

Then came the Cutler trade. At the time, the Bears gave up two 1st round picks and Orton for Cutler; not exactly a ringing endorsement for Orton's value considering it took him and two high picks to get the QB they wanted.

Last year was his best by far; first time ever to break 60% completion rate, 7 YPA and 20 TDs.

Now, 5 games into his 6th season in the league his numbers are off the chart. In fact, he's on pace for over 5500 yards and 26 TDs; and he's not just doing it by throwing a ton of passes; he been quite efficient hitting a 66% completion rate and over 8 YPA.

I just think it's hard to believe this season so far hasn't been fool's gold. I hope for him and the Broncos it's not, but the previous 5 years of Kyle Orton just don't jive with what he is doing now.

Good post. It is what it is. As a Bears fan, I was frustrated watching Orton his rookie year. He was terrible, over throwing making bad choices and throwing his share of picks. I understand he was a rookie and was meant to be just a game manager, but everyone should realize that Bears fans were stressed when the Bears offense got on the field. People need to stop that Orton WON those games. If anything he did enough to not lose the games and it was the sick Bears Defense that got us into the playoffs.2006-2007 he was on the bench while Grossman took the helm. In 2008, we still had the impression of what he was capable of from his rookie year, but yes he did show some potential of being a good QB, but then he got hurt and that lost his momentum.

He basically did not show much of anything with the Bears. Whether it was bad coaching, Orton not hitting his potential or whatever, at the time the trade made sense and the majority of people were in favor of this. Orton never consistently showed he could win games and at best he was a game manager who we asked not to make mistakes. We traded someone who has not shown his full potential to an already groomed and starter-ready QB. Cutler's arm alone knew that we had someone who can take us far. But look what happens in 2009? A good/bad side of Cutler. People see the league setting interceptions, but his yards and even TDs were by far the best in Bears history, something that Orton would never do on the Bears.

On the other side Orton had McDaniels, the guy who put Brady and Cassel on the map. Right now, it is a match made in heaven. Orton is being groomed and refined to his potential and is now doing very well under McDaniels.

In hindsight the stats obviously show that Denver had the "better" trade. People also need to know that we got Cutler and Knox in the trade in which Knox can potentially be a good talent in the NFL. Cutler might be marked as a good QB, but is a loser on a bad team, but the fact is the Bears are 4-1 and still have plenty of games to go. It's great that Orton is doing well, but I think people have seen more bad Orton than good Orton (aka - his meltdown in the 2nd half of the year).

If Orton stays like this and really does put up his record numbers, I will say that Orton has improved and give him his due props, but if there is a meltdown and the Broncos don't make the playoffs again, it would not matter what kind of QB he is if there are not enough Ws.

Long story short: Orton is an underrated QB trying to prove himself and any good he does is acknowledged, Cutler in the eyes of the media could be an overrated QB and any fault or mistake he makes will be hammered to death. In the end, we'll see which team makes it into the offseason.

 

[omally]

If Orton stays like this and really does put up his record numbers, I will say that Orton has improved and give him his due props, but if there is a meltdown and the Broncos don't make the playoffs again, it would not matter what kind of QB he is if there are not enough Ws. Long story short: Orton is an underrated QB trying to prove himself and any good he does is acknowledged, Cutler in the eyes of the media could be an overrated QB and any fault or mistake he makes will be hammered to death. In the end, we'll see which team makes it into the offseason.

If the Broncos don't make the playoffs it won't be Orton's fault. Their lack of a running game could keep them out of the postseason.In regard to your long story short: This thread isn't about Orton vs. Cutler.

 

[Whoosah]

If Orton stays like this and really does put up his record numbers, I will say that Orton has improved and give him his due props, but if there is a meltdown and the Broncos don't make the playoffs again, it would not matter what kind of QB he is if there are not enough Ws. Long story short: Orton is an underrated QB trying to prove himself and any good he does is acknowledged, Cutler in the eyes of the media could be an overrated QB and any fault or mistake he makes will be hammered to death. In the end, we'll see which team makes it into the offseason.

If the Broncos don't make the playoffs it won't be Orton's fault. Their lack of a running game could keep them out of the postseason.In regard to your long story short: This thread isn't about Orton vs. Cutler.

You're right, I apologize for making it into that point, but I see a lot of these discussions and got a lil fired up. I should have kept it to the point so my bad. And you are also right, the running game is horrendous and I am pretty sure the D took a hit without key players like Dumervil.I do have one question for Bronco nation: how many games are there where Orton legitimately won games for Denver? I know there are two specifically from last year, but I feel the one that Stokley caught was more of a lucky tip than a legitimate win and the other was from the straight up skills of Marshall.

 

[CaptainHook]

Orton's meltdown? think it might have something to do with the defense allowing 11 pts a game in the first 6 and then 26 in the last 10??

 

[Whoosah]

Orton's meltdown? think it might have something to do with the defense allowing 11 pts a game in the first 6 and then 26 in the last 10??

That's true, it was in fact the defense that choked, but in a time like that, with all the rave about Orton, shouldn't Orton have stepped up his game to carry the offense and the team to bring in W's? I am not accusing people of making excuses for him, but I think a stud QB should be able to put it on him to win a game.

 

[meanjoegreen]

Orton's meltdown? think it might have something to do with the defense allowing 11 pts a game in the first 6 and then 26 in the last 10??

That's true, it was in fact the defense that choked, but in a time like that, with all the rave about Orton, shouldn't Orton have stepped up his game to carry the offense and the team to bring in W's? I am not accusing people of making excuses for him, but I think a stud QB should be able to put it on him to win a game.

You would really like to see him fail wouldn't you? It's obvious that you don't like Orton, and you wish to paint a picture of him as being a QB that fails his team. Orton is a bright spot on the Broncos. It's nice to see him blossoming in Denver, and his good guy attitude and hard work ethic makes him easy to root for.

 

[PhantomJB]

I'm a Denver resident. From what I've heard, it simply comes down to winning.

The recent pyrotechnics are great and everything, but until they translate into victories, Orton will continue to be viewed with skepticism unless his numbers continue for another season or two.

If the Broncos were winning, the praise would flow a lot more easily.

 

[Whoosah]

Orton's meltdown? think it might have something to do with the defense allowing 11 pts a game in the first 6 and then 26 in the last 10??

That's true, it was in fact the defense that choked, but in a time like that, with all the rave about Orton, shouldn't Orton have stepped up his game to carry the offense and the team to bring in W's? I am not accusing people of making excuses for him, but I think a stud QB should be able to put it on him to win a game.

You would really like to see him fail wouldn't you? It's obvious that you don't like Orton, and you wish to paint a picture of him as being a QB that fails his team. Orton is a bright spot on the Broncos. It's nice to see him blossoming in Denver, and his good guy attitude and hard work ethic makes him easy to root for.

When people crown him like he's the best thing ever and then say Orton > Cutler, then yes I get defensive. When the trade happened, my initial reaction was, great we have a good QB, good luck Orton, but I would rather have Cutler.It was only when people started to say that 'Orton is doing so successful and the Bears got the worst end of the trade', that is when I get defensive. Orton was serviceable at best for the Bears. Whether it as him not developing right or the coaches never unlocked his potential is moot. He wasn't going to win us games and we needed someone who could take the reigns of this team. Having 10+ QBs in a decade is enough and the majority feeling was that Orton was not it.As I said, Orton is now on a new team is doing well. Good for him, but I am sure no one expected for him to be on pace for a record setting season. Hell, even during some of times in 2008 I was rooting for him to do well. Never did I want to see him fail, but when you have Denver fans saying that Cutler is a piece crap and Orton is a Pro Bowl QB, that is grounds for a heavy debate.If he can do this on a consistent level then I will admit my ways, eat crow and say Orton is a damn good QB, but from a Bears' perspective, you remember more bads than goods. So I will need a lot of convincing for me to say that Orton is the next stud QB in the NFLI am over the trade and Orton is succeeding, but I get a lil irked when people mention his successes and acknowledge Cutler's mistakes. I feel like there should be a balance for everything.