Aug 19 2008
Orton edging out Grossman as Bears Starter
In response to the recent decision by the Chicago Bears to go with Kyle Orton I say let us give him a shot. Orton a former Purdue Boilermanker and Big Ten quarterback was a Heisman hopeful, even thou Grossman did have high accolades as well from college, that might say much about either quarterback. However, Orton is more likely to run this offense more to the liking of the Lovie Smith, Ron Turner and the players.
Rex Grossman is a hip shooter that only connects on the big play and nothing else. Orton has a better short game where he is relying on his accuracy as opposed to Rex using his big arm to throw down field. The wide receivers for the Bears are not speed burners looking to open up the secondary so we have to use Orton in that respect.
Grossman is more likely to cause more turnovers with his inconsistencies than Orton. Over the years Rex has had too many times to prove to Bear management and coaches that he can handle this team. Maybe last years team but that team was inconsistently bad on offense all year and with more experience overall. Now Orton is taking over a offense where the line is older and the the rest of the cast including the runningbacks have all changed. This move by the Bears sounds more of a way to build chemistry for the rest of the team. Orton brings a fresh outlook and perhaps a better fit for the team as opposed to Grossman who has might of wore down his teammates confidence with his overall inconsistencies over the last few years.
All together the choice to give Kyle Orton the opportunity to start for the Bears will make no difference if his offensive line can not help. The O line for the Bears is the same and they were one of the worst blocking for the run and not much better against the pass. We thought a solution was used when the Bears picked Chris Williams a huge left tackle in the draft but he will not return form injury until the middle of the year. That also might of been another reason to go with Orton because Grossman has been hugely affected and sacked many times form his left side over the year and maybe Orton can elude the pressure or has a better pocket presence than Grossman. If you are holding the ball to long a even good offensive line can only block for so long. Grossman is better out of the pocket and on the move but even that was not enough to give Grossman the starting job.
Who knows what will happen for the Chicago Bears this year, but the opening schedule is not in favor for Orton to have immediate success. With the Bears playing the Colts which is still a contender for the super bowl and Carolina looking newer and improved we may start off 0 and 2 with no matter who is the quarterback. This move needs to stay consistent at least until the second half of the season.
If the Bears are off to a sub par first half, Grossman may be back again as the starter because both of these quarterbacks are playing for a contract not only to play for the Bears but for any team out there next year. With this being a make or break year for both of the quarterbacks I imagine we will not see a consistent starter at quarterback for the whole year. Even thou the decision was made for Kyle Orton. I still think the Bears will give a last look at Grossman, if the opportunity presents itself. As a Bears fan for many years all I want to see is winning and whoever gives us the best shot to win, that is all that matters.
