Chiefs Babb:Orton impresses as Chiefs contemplate future at QB - Page 2

**Tribal Warfare** · 12-19-2011, 12:16 AM

Orton impresses as Chiefs contemplate future at QB
By KENT BABB
The 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 the matter of what the Chiefs should do at their most important position.

“That’s about as much fun as I’ve had on a football field,” Orton said afterward.

Winning is fun, especially when it interrupts a potentially historic run toward perfection. But in this case, it’s not that simple. Now what should the Chiefs do? Bring back Orton, who will be a free agent after this season? Pay Matt Cassel another chunk of a $63 million contract for a fourth season with the Chiefs? Or maybe draft or sign a newcomer, looking toward the future instead of the present?

This is a tough one. But Crennel said Sunday afternoon that there’s a way the quarterback matter could be resolved quickly, too.

“If we win these next two games with him, and he continues to play the way he did today, then you might have to say that,” Crennel said, answering a question about whether Orton should be the Chiefs’ leading man beyond 2011. “That’s what happens in football: You see what kind of production a player has, and then you make a determination of whether you think that production will continue and if you want that type of player on your team.

“If he continues to do what he did today, I would say yes.”

Somehow, Orton outdueled Aaron Rodgers, perhaps the league’s best passer, completing 23 of 31 passes for 299 yards. He managed the offense, communicated with his teammates and eliminated the confusion and doubt that existed the last four games, when Tyler Palko started for the Chiefs.

“Nothing against (Palko) or (Cassel), man, just — Kyle is a new beast out there with us,” fullback Le’Ron McClain said. “He ran the whole game on the sideline, coming to us on certain plays, telling us in the huddle — boom, boom, ‘Just get open for me right here.’ ”

That kind of calm confidence was lacking this season for the Chiefs. It helped, Orton said, when earlier in the week Crennel told reporters that Palko would be benched; if Orton’s injured finger was healed, he would start.

That allowed Orton’s teammates to focus on their new quarterback, learning his voice, cadence and mannerisms. Familiarity and comfort are important things for an NFL team, and Orton’s teammates showed both in Sunday’s victory.

“That’s the tough thing coming into a team late in the season: You haven’t had training camp, you haven’t had all those grueling practices to get to know the guys,” Orton said. “They haven’t had those practices to get to know me, as well. It was a crash course on the field.”

Cassel is a fierce competitor and an admirable leader, but his ability has been questioned throughout his three seasons in Kansas City. A broken right hand landed Cassel on injured reserve last month, again fanning questions of his shortcomings and how the Chiefs should move past him, sooner rather than later. A draft pick or free agent would have to learn the offense and, at least in the case of a rookie, probably be brought along slowly. It wouldn’t help matters that Sunday’s victory again pushed the Chiefs down in the draft order, hurting their chances of selecting a sure-thing passer.

So there Orton was Sunday, wearing a yellow sweater and dark jacket, his hair in his face and a smile coming through. Asked about free-agency and his future, Orton said the only thing he was concerned about was Saturday’s home game against Oakland.

He had already made his point earlier in the day.

“This first week and he does that?” wide receiver Steve Breaston said. “That’s impressive.”

Orton’s performance Sunday was encouraging, remarkable and hopeful. But it didn’t simplify anything. For now, the Chiefs will gladly take on a little more confusion — if it leads to results like this.

WhiteWhale · 12-19-2011, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCtotheSB

The Chiefs draft quarterbacks.......they just don't draft them very high.

Either that or they're high when they draft them.

One or the other.

spanky 52 · 12-19-2011, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdcox

To me, the coaching decision is more complicated than the QB question (at least the Orton vs. Cassel part).

Crennel's health is a legitimate concern. Will he hold up to the additional stress and demands of being head coach? How many years can he go? What is the succession plan if you go that direction?

You can't come up with a single reason that Cassel should be selected over Orton, unless Orton flat out won't sign a new contract. In either case, the Chiefs need to draft a QB early, but they probably won't.

These are the most important issues with the Chief's going into the off season. I hope Orton continues to play well the last two games, we resign him and we draft a QB in the draft. Just don't think it'll be in the first three rounds.

Royal Fanatic · 12-19-2011, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omega

More importantly:

Has an interim head coach promoted to head coach ever won a Super Bowl?

I'm having a hard time coming up with one.

We get it. You don't want Crennel.

Titty Meat · 12-19-2011, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omega

More importantly:

Has an interim head coach promoted to head coach ever won a Super Bowl?

I'm having a hard time coming up with one.

This is double speak on your part as you've been begging for the Chiefs to get Fisher.

Fritz88 · 12-19-2011, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdcox

To me, the coaching decision is more complicated than the QB question (at least the Orton vs. Cassel part).

Crennel's health is a legitimate concern. Will he hold up to the additional stress and demands of being head coach? How many years can he go? What is the succession plan if you go that direction?

You can't come up with a single reason that Cassel should be selected over Orton, unless Orton flat out won't sign a new contract. In either case, the Chiefs need to draft a QB early, but they probably won't.

If Muir is still coaching at this age, then so can Romeo.

QB issue is a legitimate concern.
Posted via Mobile Device

-King- · 12-19-2011, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omega

More importantly:

Has an interim head coach promoted to head coach ever won a Super Bowl?

I'm having a hard time coming up with one.

How is that more important? It's circumstantial at best.
Posted via Mobile Device

Chiefs Pantalones · 12-19-2011, 06:40 AM

Sorry if it's already been mentioned, but Orton completed at least one pass to ten different guys. That's spreading it around.

**Tribal Warfare** · 12-19-2011, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vanilla Thunder

Sorry if it's already been mentioned, but Orton completed at least one pass to ten different guys. That's spreading it around.

Another reason winning out could be a good thing as it would be a step closer in getting Cassel cut. I know everyone says it will **** us out of getting a top tier QB in this draft, but I can't emphasize more the actual value of this in the decision making to move forward at the QB position in general. Also if Clark wants a first round QB then he'll get one.

InChiefsHeaven · 12-19-2011, 06:48 AM

If only Kyle could score in the red zone. This was a constant knock on him with the Donks. Move up and down the field between the 20's and then kick a field goal. We were in striking distance many times. Maybe it's play calling, but this game was not nearly as close as the score.

Gotta score TD's dammit. I know he's new and all. I hope they get that ironed out, cuz I have a feeling we'll be keeping Kyle around. Maybe we can trade Cassel and sign a rookie, so we'd have Orton, Stanzi and rookie, and let Stanzi and Rookie fight it out for QBOTF.

ReynardMuldrake · 12-19-2011, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InChiefsHell

If only Kyle could score in the red zone. This was a constant knock on him with the Donks. Move up and down the field between the 20's and then kick a field goal. We were in striking distance many times. Maybe it's play calling, but this game was not nearly as close as the score.

Gotta score TD's dammit. I know he's new and all. I hope they get that ironed out, cuz I have a feeling we'll be keeping Kyle around. Maybe we can trade Cassel and sign a rookie, so we'd have Orton, Stanzi and rookie, and let Stanzi and Rookie fight it out for QBOTF.

To be fair, the play calling was TERRIBLE in the red zone all game long.

Rasputin · 12-19-2011, 07:02 AM

I want to see Stanzi play. Just horse shit that they give it to one guy with out looking at the guy we drafted. They better have a true competition in preseason next year. The Chiefs never have competition, they just give it to the incompetent rehash quarterback.

King_Chief_Fan · 12-19-2011, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

I want to see Stanzi play. Just horse shit that they give it to one guy with out looking at the guy we drafted. They better have a true competition in preseason next year. The Chiefs never have competition, they just give it to the incompetent rehash quarterback.

Stanzi wouldn't beat out Kyle Orton. And I am not saying that Orton is a world beater. I am saying you all put way too much stock in somone who hasn't even cracked the right to dress out with the team on game days until Cassel went down.

**Tribal Warfare** · 12-19-2011, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King_Chief_Fan

Stanzi wouldn't beat out Kyle Orton. And I am not saying that Orton is a world beater. I am saying you all put way too much stock in somone who hasn't even cracked the right to dress out with the team on game days until Cassel went down.

We won't know until it plays out fairly

King_Chief_Fan · 12-19-2011, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omega

More importantly:

Has an interim head coach promoted to head coach ever won a Super Bowl?

I'm having a hard time coming up with one.

Here comes the anti Crennel campaign

'Hamas' Jenkins · 12-19-2011, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

We won't know until it plays out fairly

Why are the limits of our expectations bounded by Stanzi vs. Orton?

12-19-2011, 12:16 AM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2787187	Babb:Orton impresses as Chiefs contemplate future at QB Orton impresses as Chiefs contemplate future at QB By KENT BABB The 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 the matter of what the Chiefs should do at their most important position. “That’s about as much fun as I’ve had on a football field,” Orton said afterward. Winning is fun, especially when it interrupts a potentially historic run toward perfection. But in this case, it’s not that simple. Now what should the Chiefs do? Bring back Orton, who will be a free agent after this season? Pay Matt Cassel another chunk of a $63 million contract for a fourth season with the Chiefs? Or maybe draft or sign a newcomer, looking toward the future instead of the present? This is a tough one. But Crennel said Sunday afternoon that there’s a way the quarterback matter could be resolved quickly, too. “If we win these next two games with him, and he continues to play the way he did today, then you might have to say that,” Crennel said, answering a question about whether Orton should be the Chiefs’ leading man beyond 2011. “That’s what happens in football: You see what kind of production a player has, and then you make a determination of whether you think that production will continue and if you want that type of player on your team. “If he continues to do what he did today, I would say yes.” Somehow, Orton outdueled Aaron Rodgers, perhaps the league’s best passer, completing 23 of 31 passes for 299 yards. He managed the offense, communicated with his teammates and eliminated the confusion and doubt that existed the last four games, when Tyler Palko started for the Chiefs. “Nothing against (Palko) or (Cassel), man, just — Kyle is a new beast out there with us,” fullback Le’Ron McClain said. “He ran the whole game on the sideline, coming to us on certain plays, telling us in the huddle — boom, boom, ‘Just get open for me right here.’ ” That kind of calm confidence was lacking this season for the Chiefs. It helped, Orton said, when earlier in the week Crennel told reporters that Palko would be benched; if Orton’s injured finger was healed, he would start. That allowed Orton’s teammates to focus on their new quarterback, learning his voice, cadence and mannerisms. Familiarity and comfort are important things for an NFL team, and Orton’s teammates showed both in Sunday’s victory. “That’s the tough thing coming into a team late in the season: You haven’t had training camp, you haven’t had all those grueling practices to get to know the guys,” Orton said. “They haven’t had those practices to get to know me, as well. It was a crash course on the field.” Cassel is a fierce competitor and an admirable leader, but his ability has been questioned throughout his three seasons in Kansas City. A broken right hand landed Cassel on injured reserve last month, again fanning questions of his shortcomings and how the Chiefs should move past him, sooner rather than later. A draft pick or free agent would have to learn the offense and, at least in the case of a rookie, probably be brought along slowly. It wouldn’t help matters that Sunday’s victory again pushed the Chiefs down in the draft order, hurting their chances of selecting a sure-thing passer. So there Orton was Sunday, wearing a yellow sweater and dark jacket, his hair in his face and a smile coming through. Asked about free-agency and his future, Orton said the only thing he was concerned about was Saturday’s home game against Oakland. He had already made his point earlier in the day. “This first week and he does that?” wide receiver Steve Breaston said. “That’s impressive.” Orton’s performance Sunday was encouraging, remarkable and hopeful. But it didn’t simplify anything. For now, the Chiefs will gladly take on a little more confusion — if it leads to results like this.
Posts: 43,422

12-19-2011, 06:40 AM	#22
Chiefs Pantalones GO CHIEFS!!!!!! Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $6888717	Sorry if it's already been mentioned, but Orton completed at least one pass to ten different guys. That's spreading it around. __________________ Don't be fooled by my username, I'm white.
Posts: 26,653

12-19-2011, 06:48 AM	#24
InChiefsHeaven Rockin' yer FACE OFF! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Omaha, Nebraska Casino cash: $755437	If only Kyle could score in the red zone. This was a constant knock on him with the Donks. Move up and down the field between the 20's and then kick a field goal. We were in striking distance many times. Maybe it's play calling, but this game was not nearly as close as the score. Gotta score TD's dammit. I know he's new and all. I hope they get that ironed out, cuz I have a feeling we'll be keeping Kyle around. Maybe we can trade Cassel and sign a rookie, so we'd have Orton, Stanzi and rookie, and let Stanzi and Rookie fight it out for QBOTF. __________________ We have a million reasons for failure, but not one excuse... Die Donks, DIE!! Holy Crap fellas!!! We did it!!! THREE TIMES!!!
Posts: 27,184

12-19-2011, 07:02 AM	#26
Rasputin Tip of the hat LIV Champs Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: ks Casino cash: $235421	I want to see Stanzi play. Just horse shit that they give it to one guy with out looking at the guy we drafted. They better have a true competition in preseason next year. The Chiefs never have competition, they just give it to the incompetent rehash quarterback. __________________ "Those who don't believe in magic will never find it"
Posts: 56,907