Kyle Orton News & Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Orton's future unclear after Chiefs beat Broncos

January 2

Kansas City Star

"Kyle Orton was something less than definitive about his future with the Chiefs after their season ended with Sunday's 7-3 win over the Broncos. But he sounded like a guy who has played his last game with the Chiefs. "It was a long year for me," said Orton, a veteran quarterback who began the season as Denver's starter, was benched and eventually released and then claimed by the Chiefs after they lost Matt Cassel for the season because of a hand injury. "I thank the Chiefs for giving me an opportunity to get a fresh start. I really enjoyed playing with those guys in the locker room. I think they've got a solid group of character guys. I appreciate them letting me come in and be a part of"

Kyle Orton enjoys defeating the Broncos

January 2

Denver Post

"The look on Kyle Orton?'s face as he ran down the ramp from the field to the Kansas City Chiefs?' locker room at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Sunday said it all. Even though the quarterback said facing his former team was nothing special, the smile on his face made you think his team, not the Broncos, won a division championship. "This wasn't the biggest win of my career," Orton said. " It was a good win for us as a team. It was a great way to end the year and move into next year." Orton had an OK day, completing 15-of-29 passes for 180 yards with no interceptions. That was enough to win on a day when the Broncos' offense was inept. "It was a fun game," Orton said. "I thought it"

Orton has chance to prove Broncos wrong

December 29

Kansas City Star

"Since joining the Chiefs late last month, Kyle Orton has been asked numerous times about the looming New Year's Day game against his old employers, the Denver Broncos, and Tim Tebow, the quarterback who took his job.Orton had been deflecting such questions, saying he was concentrating on the game at hand. But he had to confront it this week, with preparations for Sunday's meeting in Denver well under way."The only guys I'm trying to prove something to are my teammates," Orton said. "I really don't worry about anything else."You've got to worry about yourself. There's so much you've got to play for every week. There's still plenty to play for just for your 53 (players). That's the approach"

Orton victory Sunday will put Tebow, Elway on trial

December 27

Denver Post

columnist Mark Kiszla

"The Broncos are choking. Can Tim Tebow save them? Better not fail, or else Tebow will make his boss look dumb and cheap. If Denver can't beat Kansas City and outcast quarterback Kyle Orton? with an NFL playoff berth at stake, then it will be the costliest fumble of Broncos executive John Elway?'s career and rank among the worst blunders in franchise history. It smelled like desperation at Dove Valley on Monday afternoon, so I figured it was a good time to ask Denver coach John Fox: Is Fox confident the better quarterback will be on his side against the Chiefs? "I know we made that decision," replied Fox, well aware his team cut Orton in late November, banking $2.6 million in payroll"

QBs Orton, Palmer thrown into fire

December 22

Kansas City Star

"Romeo Crennel might look brilliant now for installing Kyle Orton as the Chiefs quarterback last week, but the truth can now be told. Crennel was more than a little nervous that Orton's starting debut with the team might not go as well as hoped. "To be totally honest, yes," said Crennel, the Chiefs' interim head coach. "He had a finger (injury), hadn't practiced a whole lot. He was new to the team, new to the system. The thing I knew about him is that he's a pro quarterback and played in games in the NFL before and has a good arm."

Orton impresses as Chiefs contemplate future at QB

December 19

Kansas City Star

"When these weeks are finished, the games all done, the Chiefs will have decisions to make. They brought that on last week, when coach Todd Haley was fired. One of the organization's decisions became simpler Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium, when interim coach Romeo Crennel led the Chiefs to a 19-14 win against the previously unbeaten Green Bay Packers. If this is the effect the 64-year-old Crennel will have on the Chiefs, ending a week of turmoil with a bit of hope, why would the Chiefs bother looking beyond him? No, the more complicated decision centers on the Chiefs' plans at quarterback. If the victory simplified the coach question, Kyle Orton's performance Sunday most assuredly complicated"

Kyle Orton will start at quarterback for Kansas City

December 17

Kansas City Star

"After watching three days of practice this week, interim coach Romeo Crennel said Kyle Orton would start at quarterback on Sunday when the Chiefs play the Packers at Arrowhead Stadium. The week began with the Chiefs unsure whether Orton, recovering from a dislocated index finger on his passing hand, would be able to play against Green Bay. But the Chiefs were pleasantly surprised with what they saw from Orton. "It was very surprising," offensive coordinator Bill Muir said. "There are some issues but nothing of major concern. He had a good week of practice, all things considered. He did a good job in terms of being able to throw the ball and each day his velocity improved so I think he's"

KC Chiefs to Go with Kyle Orton Against Packers

December 16

Yahoo! Sports

"Kansas City Chiefs' interim head coach Romeo Crennel is already acting like he wants the job on a permanent basis. His first press conference as the head coach was fairly straightforward. He said Kyle Orton would start against the Green Bay Packers Dec. 18. What was more interesting was that he moved rookie Ricky Stanzi into the number two slot should Orton need to be pulled from the game. Both moves are good ones for a few reasons."

Orton on track to start

December 16

Kansas City Star

"Coach Romeo Crennel was pleased with what he's seen from quarterback Kyle Orton in two days of practice this week but stopped just short of saying he would start Sunday against Green Bay at Arrowhead Stadium. "I would say he will probably start for us," Crennel said. "Kyle was able to do more than I expected yesterday, and we gave him more today as a result of it. He seemed to have weathered the storm pretty good. We feel good right now about where he is. "We'll have to see how he feels (this) morning." Orton dislocated the index finger on his passing hand in the win at Chicago on Dec. 4. He didn't play in last week's loss to the Jets. Orton indicated he was ready to play. He will wear a"

Orton or Stanzi will start Sunday for Chiefs

December 15

Kansas City Star

"Romeo Crennel wasted little time making the Chiefs his team by benching quarterback Tyler Palko for Sunday's game against Green Bay at Arrowhead Stadium. Crennel said Wednesday that veteran Kyle Orton would start against the Packers if his injured finger is healed in time. If not, rookie Ricky Stanzi, a fifth-round selection out of Iowa who hasn't yet played this season, would get the call. "If Orton is able to go, then Orton is the quarterback," Crennel said at his daily news conference. "We'll have to see how his finger is and how he comes along and whether we can count on him with that finger." Without being asked, Crennel said the decision to bench Palko was his and not that of general"

Chiefs buzz: No cast on Orton's finger

December 6

Kansas City Star

"Quarterback Kyle Orton made a brief appearance in the Chiefs' locker room during the period when it's open to the news media. The index finger of his passing hand, injured in Sunday's win over Chicago, was bandaged, but there was no cast. Coach Todd Haley declined to provide an update on Orton's status, but it's probably premature to say he's out for Sunday's game against the Jets in New York. Orton suffered a similar injury two years ago in the preseason while he played for the Broncos. Orton missed the subsequent preseason game but returned to play the next week in the regular-season opener. He wore a glove on his passing hand in that game. The Chiefs tipped their hand with regard to how"

Chiefs' Orton not wearing a cast on injured finger

December 5

Kansas City Star

"Quarterback Kyle Orton made a brief appearance in the Chiefs locker room during the period when it's open to the media (he'll learn soon enough not to do that). The index finger of his passing hand, injured in Sunday's win over Chicago, was bandaged but there was no cast. Coach Todd Haley declined to provide an update on Orton's status but it's probably premature to say he's out for Sunday's game against the Jets in New York. Orton suffered a similar in injury two years ago during the preseason while he played for the Broncos. Orton missed the subsequent preseason game but returned to play the next week in the regular-season opener. He wore a glove on his passing hand in that game."

Kyle Orton is one complicated QB

December 4

Kansas City Star

"He stood in the Chiefs locker room, a stranger, answering questions about how he'll handle the expectation, fair or not, of saving this team in distress. "I'm just going to be myself," quarterback Kyle Orton said. "I think guys can see through a lot of the phony stuff." What Orton is, or has shown himself to be during his seven NFL seasons and a high-profile career at Purdue, is complicated. He has at times been a leader and a pouter, a man of fortitude and a kid showing that youth isn't so easy to shake. The quarterback who won over a Chicago Bears locker room with a 15-2 home record and a rare way of rallying teammates is the same man who raised eyebrows during his rookie season after"

Haley talks about Orton's chances

December 3

Kansas City Star

"Chiefs coach Todd Haley said there's a chance Sunday that, even if starting quarterback Tyler Palko is playing well, Kyle Orton also could play. "I wouldn't discount anything. I really wouldn't," Haley said. "When you're in do-whatever-it-takes-to-win mode, anything is a possibility." Haley has said often this week that Palko, who is 0-2 as the Chiefs' starter after Matt Cassel's season-ending hand injury, will start Sunday at Chicago. The Chiefs claimed Orton last week, before their nationally televised game against Pittsburgh, but he was inactive after reporting to the team facility Friday afternoon."

Chiefs' Palko, Orton split practice time at QB

December 1

Kansas City Star

"The Chiefs stuck by Todd Haley's quarterback plan at practice Wednesday. Tyler Palko was first in line during position drills, and the Chiefs said he took about 60 percent of the starter's snaps, with the rest going to Kyle Orton. Haley again indicated Palko would start Sunday's game against the Bears in Chicago. But Haley also said that he won't hesitate to change quarterbacks during the game if events warrant and he believes the recently acquired Orton is ready to play. "We've got to get ready to win a big game," Haley said. "We'll do it by whatever means possible. If it takes playing three quarterbacks and going wildcat 20 plays, we've got to do that.""

Orton sets fine example

December 1

Chicago Tribune

columnist David Haugh

"When Kyle Orton plays quarterback Sunday at Soldier Field — the only way this game becomes a Chief concern for the Bears — he figures to be pressured, pounded and probably booed no matter what he does. Some things never change. During his four seasons as a Bear, we focused so much on what Orton wasn't that we often overlooked what he was in going 21-12 as a starter. I was as guilty as anybody routinely describing Orton as steady but hardly spectacular. It became rote to say Orton was durable but not mobile; accurate on short passes but not the deep ball."

Palko, Orton split practice time at QB for Chiefs

December 1

Kansas City Star

"The Chiefs stuck by Todd Haley's quarterback plan at practice Wednesday. Tyler Palko was first in line during position drills, and the Chiefs said he took about 60 percent of the starter's snaps, with the rest going to Kyle Orton. Haley again indicated Palko would start Sunday's game against the Bears in Chicago. But Haley also said that he won't hesitate to change quarterbacks during the game if events warrant and he believes the recently acquired Orton is ready to play. "We've got to get ready to win a big game," Haley said. "We'll do it by whatever means possible. If it takes playing three quarterbacks and going wildcat 20 plays, we've got to do that.""

Orton is the only option now for Chiefs at quarterback

November 29

Kansas City Star

columnist Sam Mellinger

"The clear decision now is for Kyle Orton to be the Chiefs' starting quarterback, not to save the season as much to find out what is salvageable. That has to be the Chiefs' primary concern now that playoff hopes rest only with those who are either employed by the team or delusional. Because despite what's turned into a mess — 4-12 is a real possibility — the Chiefs have enough in-house to expect to win the AFC West next year with the right additions and subtractions. Tyler Palko has shown himself to be so bad the Chiefs can't expect to make any real judgments on the rest of the roster. Ricky Stanzi is so inept the coaches haven't even considered playing him the last two weeks."

Palko still the Chiefs' starter, but Orton will practice with first team

November 29

Kansas City Star

"One day after Tyler Palko committed four turnovers in a four-point loss to Pittsburgh, he remained the Chiefs' starting quarterback, at least in a public setting. But Palko's grip on the position, already tenuous, slipped further from his grasp when coach Todd Haley said the recently acquired Kyle Orton would also get some first-team snaps Wednesday when the Chiefs begin practice for Sunday's game against the Bears in Chicago. "I would venture to say we'd as much as anything else get Kyle an opportunity to get acclimated into the offense, and the only way to do that is to get legitimate (snaps)," Haley said. "The guy that we feel gives us the best chance to win will always play."

Bears may face ex-teammate Orton on Sunday

November 29

Chicago Tribune

"The Chiefs will work to get Kyle Orton up to speed to start in Sunday's game at Soldier Field a little more than a week after they claimed him off waivers before the Bears could. Tyler Palko replaced Matt Cassel when he was lost for the season with a broken hand, and he committed four turnovers in a 13-9 loss to the Steelers on Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium. "We'll always play who gives us the best chance to win," said Chiefs coach Todd Haley, who was the Bears' wide receivers coach from 2001 to 2003."

Orton not ready to take over, so Palko to start against Steelers

November 25

Kansas City Star

"As the Chiefs searched for an available quarterback who could help them salvage their season, there was really only one option. Kyle Orton was a veteran starter who had won a lot of games and, at 29, still should have some good football left in him. So when Orton fell into their laps this week when the Denver Broncos placed him on waivers, it wasn't a difficult decision for the Chiefs to claim him. "It was kind of a no-brainer for us with the situation we were in, first and foremost from a depth standpoint," coach Todd Haley said. "Once the decision was made that Matt (Cassel) was going to be lost for the season, there was no other option as far as we could see." Orton didn't arrive in"

Kyle Orton claimed by Kansas City, making the veteran QB a Chief concern for Denver Broncos

November 24

Denver Post

"After examining the recent dearth of quarterbacks across the NFL landscape, the Broncos decided to take a calculated risk. They dangled Kyle Orton, their most experienced quarterback and former starter, on the waiver wire. This week, more than at any other time this season, the Broncos believed that quarterback-troubled teams, particularly those with playoff aspirations, would be willing to take on Orton and the $2.604 million remaining on his 2011 salary. Had Orton passed through waivers without a claim, the Broncos (5-5) not only would have been stuck with his $2.604 million tab, they would have lost a quality quarterback insurance policy for their stretch playoff run."

Chiefs nab QB Kyle Orton off waivers

November 24

Kansas City Star

"The Tyler Palko era, which got its start only last week, is nearing its end. The Chiefs brought in some competition for Palko on Wednesday when they claimed Kyle Orton, a veteran quarterback with extensive starting experience, off waivers from Denver. Orton, 29, began the season as Denver's starter but was benched last month in favor of Tim Tebow. The Broncos released Orton on Tuesday. Orton will report to the Chiefs and will be at practice today if he is able to get to Kansas City on time and pass his physical."

Chiefs claim QB Kyle Orton

November 23

Kansas City Star

"The Chiefs have reportedly been awarded former Denver quarterback Kyle Orton on a waiver claim, a day after the Broncos released the veteran. Orton, 29, could join the team this week, but it's unclear whether he'll be ready to participate in Sunday night's nationally televised contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound quarterback hasn't played since Week 5, when he was benched by Broncos coach John Fox, who opted to start Tim Tebow."

Waiving goodbye to Orton now may mean seeing him soon

November 23

Denver Post

columnist Dave Krieger

"So let me ask you this: When was the last time you heard of a professional football team making a midseason player transaction out of the goodness of its heart? Go ahead, candy your yams, mix your stuffing, stir up your cranberry sauce. I'll wait. Can't think of one? Me neither. So if you believe that's why the Broncos waived Kyle Orton on Monday, I have some beachfront property in Nebraska that might interest you."

Orton's next destination could come down to the waiver wire

November 23

Denver Post

"The Broncos waived veteran quarterback Kyle Orton on Tuesday, meaning that any team awarded him off waivers would have to pay the $2.58 million remaining on his salary for the season. NFL personnel executives contacted Tuesday said Orton is more likely to be signed as an unrestricted free agent than claimed at that price. The minimum salary for a player of Orton's experience is $685,000 for the year, which would be prorated to $241,765 for the final six games."

Signing Orton would be wise move for Bears

November 23

Chicago Tribune

columnist Dan Pompei

"During the CBS broadcast of the Bears game Sunday, Jim Nantz and Phil Simms talked about how Lovie Smith believes this is his best Bears team. If the Bears believe they were close to being better than the best they have been in recent years, then they owe it to themselves, and to fans, to do everything possible to fight the attrition of the season. That means acquiring Kyle Orton, whom the Broncos waived Tuesday. It's unlikely he could do for the Bears what Carson Palmer is doing for the Raiders, but he's a potential replacement for Caleb Hanie as the No. 2."

Denver Broncos cut QB Kyle Orton; Chicago Bears might be next

November 22

Denver Post

"The Broncos waived quarterback Kyle Orton, team executive vice president John Elway announced Tuesday, ending his run with the team. Orton and his agent David Dunn had started talking to Broncos officials about the move after it was learned Chicago Bears' quarterback Jay Cutler suffered a broken thumb on his right passing hand Sunday that will likely sideline him for the rest of the season. Orton has declined to comment. Broncos coach John Fox said in a statement: "This was the right decision for our football team. We feel good about our quarterback group, and this gives Kyle an opportunity to help another team and showcase his talents.""

Broncos' Orton isn't likely going anywhere despite demotion

October 13

Denver Post

"Today's questions about the Broncos come from Gabriel. Q: Now that Miami is on the hunt for a quarterback, what are the odds that Denver receives another call about Kyle Orton? And would the Broncos be interested enough and willing to part ways for less than their previous asking price? A: Gabriel, you raise the same point many personnel executives around the NFL were wondering, as well as the Dolphins. Miami is searching for someone to replace the injured quarterback Chad Henne?. And the idea that there was a, albeit slim, possibility that Orton could be the Dolphins quarterback when the Broncos go to Miami following their bye week had folks buzzing for a few days."

Turnovers biggest factor in Broncos' Orton-to-Tebow switch

October 12

Denver Post

"When the Broncos made their switch at quarterback, there was at least some sense around the league that the team was simply giving the people what they want. It was suggested that the Broncos caved to public pressure after a 1-4 start and made the move that keeps the fannies in the seats, as it were, even if the team struggles the rest of the way. And, certainly, there is some of that. The Broncos are, after all, believed to be the first team to put their backup quarterback on the cover of the season-ticket brochure. Now they can just say it was a prediction. While there are still a long list of arguments to be made about whether Tim Tebow? is, or isn't, ready from a football perspective"

Nothing official yet, but Orton's days as Broncos' starting QB may be over

October 10

Denver Post

"For all his nonchalance and gritty character, Kyle Orton is human. And the human condition can take only so much. As time went on, it appeared the "Tebow thing" started suffocating Orton's ability to play quarterback. "I'm a P.E. major so I really don't know about all that," Broncos coach John Fox said. "You'd have to ask Kyle." Orton was asked. The Broncos had just lost an AFC West Division game to San Diego 29-24, and Orton had just stood before the cameras, microphones, recorders and rapid-fire questions about his day that ended with a second-half demotion. After completing only 6-of-13 passes for 34 yards and an interception, Orton was replaced as the Broncos' starting quarterback by"

Broncos QB Orton still No. 1 but starts to feel the heat

October 6

Denver Post

"Kyle Orton knows all the stats. He knows the Broncos won only once in the first quarter of the season. He knows that he has thrown six interceptions and lost two fumbles in four games, and he knows the Broncos are tied for last in the AFC West. "Not good enough," Orton said Wednesday, asked to grade his performance. "We're 1-3, so not good enough." He has been good enough, at least to the Broncos' coaching staff, to remain the starter, and coach John Fox has remained resolute in his support of Orton heading into Sunday's game against San Diego. But what if the Broncos lose that game? At 1-4 and heading into the bye week, could Orton's time here be over? "I'm not into make or break, but"

Broncos QB Orton believes team about to turn tide

October 6

Denver Post

"So explain this, Kyle Orton critics. In 33 quarterback starts for the Chicago Bears, Orton averaged just 161 passing yards a game. He threw almost as many interceptions (27) as touchdowns (30). His passer rating was a less-than average 71.1. Yet, his record as a starter was 21-12. In 33 starts with the Broncos, Orton is averaging 255 passing yards a game. He has thrown almost twice as many touchdowns (49) as interceptions. His passer rating is 86.4 — a substantial 15.3 rating points higher than with the Bears. Yet, his record as a starter here is 12-21. Talk about your numerical flip- flops. Don't these numbers suggest Orton has become a better quarterback playing for a worse team?"

Broncos' Fox sticking with Orton at QB

October 3

Denver Post

"These are the types of chants you don't think would happen here. Not in a stadium of 70,000 people, nearly every one wearing some form of green and gold. Yet even in Green Bay, more than 1,100 miles from home, and in the middle of a raucous rout, the people didn't want to see Kyle Orton. "Tee-bow, Tee-bow, Tee-bow," fans yelled, a somewhat subdued chant in the first half, but one that grew loud and in unison by the fourth quarter, when the Packers had run away with their fourth victory of the season."

Fantasy Spotlight: Expect Broncos' Orton-to-Lloyd connection

October 1

Denver Post

"This is going to be a tough game for the Broncos to win. If they want to stay in the game they'll have to throw early and often against Green Bay. The Packers have a great run defense, but they get torched through the air each week. This is a good sign for Orton and Lloyd. I believe that Orton will need to get the ball out of his hands quickly because of the Packers pass rush. This means quick slants and out routes for guys like Lloyd and Eric Decker?. If Orton has time there is a good chance to rack up yards throwing down the deep middle seam of the defense. The Broncos cannot have a conservative mindset against one of the most high-powered offenses in the league. They'll have to take"

Kyle Orton's not the answer

September 29

Denver Post

columnist Woody Paige

"To disagree deferentially with the Johns, Fox and Elway, right now, in my opinion, Kyle Orton gives the Broncos the best chance to lose. Orton plays just well enough to get you beaten. The quarterback's record in his past 18 starts is 4-14. If the Broncos had scored one more touchdown in six defeats, the record would have been 10-8 or 9-9 (they fell at Jacksonville by seven). The Broncos were blown out in eight other games. From the seventh game of 2009 until the game at Tennessee on Sunday, with Orton as the starting quarterback, the Broncos trailed by three or more points at halftime 17 times. They lost all 17. During that span, they won only once after trailing by a field goal or more"

Broncos fans fuel QB issue, but Fox sticks with Orton

September 29

Denver Post

"The exterior of the Broncos' Dove Valley headquarters is made of thick, concrete walls with a stucco composite finish. Better to withstand the potential bye-week threat of pitchforks, lanterns and torches from fans demanding the team play Tim Tebow. Every season has them, and every NFL team has gone through them. The Broncos, though, may be embroiled in one of the most fiercely debated quarterback controversies of all time. A polarizing issue of this magnitude doesn't have one dynamic in play but several. One is that incumbent Kyle Orton is a good quarterback, but not good enough to hold off the Tebow phenomena. Another is that the notion the raw-passing Tebow isn't ready to start doesn't"

Kyle Orton's height not a factor in batted balls at the line

September 28

Denver Post

"Today's questions about the Broncos come from Josh Shisler. Q: So, what's the deal with (Kyle) Orton and balls getting batted by the opposing defensive line? It seems to me that the pump fake isn't utilized by him. A: Josh, by my tally off the video, Orton had four passes knocked down by defensive linemen in Sunday's loss to the Titans. Two of those were by Jason Jones, including the one that turned into the game-clinching interception by Titans linebacker Will Witherspoon? after the deflection. Defensive end Dave Ball and defensive tackle Karl Klug had the others. Jones and Ball are 6-foot-5 and are two examples of why so many quarterback coaches and offensive coordinators like their"

Following Broncos' loss, Kyle Orton's play sure to be up for discussion

September 26

Denver Post

"Nothing brings a quarterback into conversations around the office coffee machine quite like defeat. The Broncos easily could have beaten the Tennessee Titans on a warm, sunny September Sunday at LP Field. The eerie silence in the dark, postgame visitors' locker room all but shouted they should have won. And perhaps they would have beaten Tennessee had the Broncos not wasted a first-and-goal-at-the-2 opportunity in the fourth quarter, a do-or-die chance that expired when the Titans' defense stuffed running back Willis McGahee on a fourth- and-1 plunge up the gut. But the Broncos didn't win. They lost a rock-'em, sock-'em, smack-talking, pad-popping, football scrum 17-14. Orton was the"

Out with the Orton; in with the Tebow

September 15

Denver Post

columnist Woody Paige

"After watching MNF, why is Kyle Orton the starter? He looked horrible all game. Tim Tebow was at least competitive against Oakland last season. What does the brain trust see in Orton that is not evident to the rest of us? — Jeff, Las Vegas Jeff, I thought he looked awful, too, and have written that in two columns this week. You are correct that Tebow, on the road against the Raiders, with a team that was worse than this one, and a playbook that was about the size of a comic book, scored 23 points. Twenty-three points on Monday night would have tied the game and sent it into overtime. Orton and his mates on the OFFENSE scored 13 points. Eric Decker? gave the Broncos their only touchdown"

With Kyle Orton at QB, Broncos have only a ghost of a chance

September 14

Denver Post

columnist Woody Paige

"Perhaps Kyle Orton should change his name to Casper Tulowitzki. When the home crowd boos at every home game he can think it's because he's "The Friendly Ghost," and when the Broncos "fans" chant "Tee-Bow," he can believe they're saying "Tu-Lo." Of course, unlike the stadium, Orton won't change his name over adverse reactions. As he stated Aug. 8: "Thank God the people don't make the decisions. That's really all I got to say about it." But that wasn't all, because Orton added that his "last goal is to win over the fans." On Monday night, Orton didn't accomplish his last goal, or many others, except, probably, for passing for more than 275 yards. The Broncos now are 4-9 when Orton throws for"

Brady Quinn is Broncos' backup QB if Kyle Orton can't play

September 6

Denver Post

"Today's question about the Broncos comes from Darryl McKinney. Q: Why hasn't Brady Quinn been cut? The Broncos would be better off carrying another defensive player than a third-string quarterback. A: Not only are the Broncos carrying three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, they signed undrafted rookie quarterback Adam Weber? to their practice squad. That's a lot of quarterbacks for the limited amount of work anybody not named Kyle Orton is going to get during practices. But only one of those quarterbacks — second-year pro Tim Tebow — is under contract beyond this season."

Broncos Mailbag: Cloudy futures for Broncos Orton, Tebow and Moreno in 2011

September 6

Denver Post

columnist Mike Klis

"Look into your crystal ball. How many games will each of Denver's three quarterbacks start this year? ---Luke Stephens, Florida Equipped with a feathered turban and black cape, the first vision is I see is ... wait for it ... I see, Luke, that you will live a long and prosperous life. Now, Broncos quarterbacks ... visions ... I have two visions, Luke. Vision 1: Kyle Orton starts 16 games, Tim Tebow none. Brady Quinn none. I see Orton staying healthy all year, playing well. I see the Broncos with a chance to make the playoffs heading into their final game Jan. 1 against Kansas City at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. And I see new bright colors at Sports Authority Field. I will now give"

Orton can lead Broncos to playoffs with career year

September 4

Denver Post

columnist Mike Klis

"If the Broncos are to have a successful season, Kyle Orton? will have to be No. 8. Not No. 8 as in his jersey number. Orton will have to play like the eighth-best quarterback in the NFL. It won't be easy, because the NFL has at least 25 quality quarterbacks who have either experienced success or are young and abundantly talented. Orton is capable, though, of moving from his current rank of roughly in the top 15 to inside the top 10."

Orton is Broncos' No. 1 QB, but who will be backup?

September 3

Denver Post

columnist Mike Klis

"There can be only one No. 2. Right? Tim Tebow clearly outplayed Brady Quinn in the Broncos' final preseason game Thursday night against the Arizona Cardinals. It would seem to follow, then, that Tebow won the right to stand first in line behind starting quarterback Kyle Orton when the Broncos open their season Sept. 12 against the Oakland Raiders in a Monday night game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Then again, Quinn outproduced Tebow, by a substantial margin, in the first two preseason games. With apologies to Orton, people want to know: Who's No. 2? If all goes well for the Broncos, Orton will continue his fine play and stay healthy, the Broncos will win more than they lose and"

Kyle Orton has Denver Broncos' offense piling up points in the NFL preseason

August 29

Denver Post

"When the critics line up to assail Kyle Orton, there is one familiar refrain: He can't score! Well, hear this: The Broncos' starting offense has scored plenty through three preseason games as it works to rectify one of the biggest offensive deficiencies in recent years. Orton has led the first-team offense to 34 points — nearly half of the Broncos' preseason total — in about five quarters of work in the three games. "We've got a very good offense, and like I told those guys, there aren't going to be too many teams that can slow us down for four quarters," Orton said. Since the offense settled for a chip-shot field goal in the preseason opener at Dallas, Orton has thrown two touchdown"

Orton excited after birth of first child

August 27

Denver Post

"Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton was back at Dove Valley leading the first- team offense in a walk- through several hours after the birth of his daughter, Olivia Taylor?. Olivia, born at 3 a.m., is the first child for Orton and his wife, Bridget. Orton took off in the middle of practice Thursday to be with his wife. He rushed into the locker room after Friday's practice in order to return to his family. "That first child is exciting for everybody, man or woman, and it's a neat, neat thing. He's very fortunate that everything went good and everybody's healthy," coach John Fox said. "He was probably looking forward to getting here too, but that's typical of most football players.""

Orton excused to deal with personal issue

August 26

Denver Post

"Brady Quinn was the Broncos' starting quarterback Thursday. Hold the mayhem! So was Tim Tebow?. No, it wasn't just another episode of As The QB Turns at Dove Valley. Rather, Quinn and Tebow closed out the final team drills of Broncos' practice after Kyle Orton left the field, then the team's Dove Valley complex, for what Broncos head coach John Fox called a personal issue. "He was excused," Fox said. He did not elaborate. Orton's wife, Bridget, is pregnant with the couple's first child. Orton is expected to play in Saturday night's game against Seattle. Quinn and Tebow were each a little choppy at first, going against the first-string defense, but gathered themselves a bit after getting a"

Kyle Orton: Offense close to where it's supposed to be

August 24

Denver Post

"Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton took more than his share of heat when he said during this preseason that the opinion of the team's fans about the quarterback depth chart didn't concern him. Well, he has some company in that thought — coach John Fox. Fox was asked after Tuesday's practice what he thought about the quarterback buzz, both locally and nationally, after naming Orton his starter Monday and the fact Tim Tebow was the team's No. 3 QB in Saturday night's preseason game. "All I care about is in that locker room," Fox said. "We like all our quarterbacks, highlight all of them. They're all good players." Fox still hasn't announced the order in which the quarterbacks will play in"