People need to be reminded...

http://i32.tinypic.com/5dkpx3.jpg

So...isn't Orton an UFA next year?

His ball fake was great today.

Contributing to the developing narrative: a column by Andrew Logue in The Des Moines Register in Iowa:


KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The expression on Kyle Orton’s face reflected his satisfaction.

“That’s about as much fun as I’ve had on a football field,” Orton said Sunday after quarterbacking the Kansas City Chiefs to a 19-14 upset of the previously unbeaten Green Bay Packers.

Orton, a former Southeast Polk star who was released by the Denver Broncos a month ago, orchestrated the biggest shocker of the NFL season.

He finished 23-of-31 passing for 299 yards in his starting debut for the Chiefs, gaining instant credibility.

“Your teammates don’t really know you, until you get in that huddle,” Orton said. “I kind of turn into a little bit of a different person.”

Orton became the catalyst for a victory in Romeo Crennel’s initial game as Kansas City’s interim coach, calming the storm that culminated with Todd Haley’s firing and the benching of former starting quarterback Tyler Palko.

“We asked him to protect the football,” Crennel said of Orton, “take what the defense is giving you.

“I think his experience as an NFL quarterback helped him control the offense.”

Orton guided the Chiefs (6-8) to field goals on their opening two drives, then completed two key passes during a fourth-quarter touchdown drive that put Kansas City ahead 19-7 with 4:53 remaining.

It was enough to subdue the Packers (13-1) and give Orton temporary bragging rights over reigning Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers, who was 17-for-35 passing for 235 yards.

“He’s just a natural leader,” said Chiefs running back Thomas Jones, who was a teammate of Orton’s with the Chicago Bears. “You just kind of feel his presence in the huddle.

“He’s played in a lot of games and had a lot of success. He’s confident in his ability.”

Orton’s veteran savvy was a factor early last week when Crennel decided to play him over former Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi, a rookie.

“(Players) would know who the guy was going to be and give them an opportunity to learn his cadence and his voice,” Crennel said.

“Adapting to that was beneficial to us, because he took all the reps in practice.”

As a result, Kansas City’s offense seemed in sync for one of the few times this year.

“From the beginning of the game, all the way down to the end,” Stanzi said, “he just did an awesome job of not only managing the game, but making plays.”

The Packers owned a 19-game winning streak and had not trailed in the fourth quarter all season. One of those wins came Oct. 2, when Green Bay beat Orton and the Broncos 49-23.

“I think the guy is a damn good quarterback,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. “I’m not questioning coaching decisions that have gone on in the past, but I’ve always felt Kyle is an excellent player.”

Orton, who has a career record of 34-33 as an NFL starter, will be at the center of more decisions this offseason.

He could become a free agent, if he doesn’t sign with Kansas City. The Chiefs, meanwhile, have not decided who will be their permanent head coach.

Crennel was asked if Orton could be a long-term option.

“If we win these next few games with him and he continues to play like he did, then you might have to say that,” Crennel answered.

Orton deflected such questions.

“We play Oakland next week,” he said. “That’s the only thing we can think about.”

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/art...sey=nav%7Chead


Kyle Orton is from Iowa, correct?

Yes he is from a suburb of Des Moines.

Link?

I believe we are united in this.

Unfortunately, I have no faith in Pioli to draft a QB.

Oh, he'll draft one, but no higher than the third.

that's so cool and awesome!

nice article on this topic.

thanks

YES YES AND MORE YES

Agree. :clap:

I believe Pioli thinks Stanzi is their guy.

He may be. We, as fans, will never know until we see him, though.

I'm hoping for some blow out wins or losses in these last 2. Only way we'll get to see him since we still aren't mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.

If they signed Orton to a 2 year deal and released Cassel tomorrow my day would be made. There is no way Cassel should be on the roster.

We still need to draft a QB and I don't see it happening :(

Orton and Cassel are the exact same age. There is just no ****ing reason to keep Cassel over Orton. Neither is a long term answer but there is no question who should be retained.