Chiefs Babb:Orton impresses as Chiefs contemplate future at QB - Page 4

**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.

FAX · 12-19-2011, 10:03 AM

Actually, I understood that the book on the Packer defense was "lots of yards", "few points given up". Our difficulty getting into the end zone is consistent with that reputation.

As for Orton, it takes time to get in sync with receivers. Most primary routes in the NFL have a major timing component.

I think it's too early to crown Orton's ass, though. Romeo's ass, too, remains in pre-crowning stage for that matter. It was one game. This Chiefs team has demonstrated a tendency to get "up" one week and falter the next. However, it's pretty clear that even a half-decent, journeyman quarterback improves this team by a factor of approximately 1 bamillion percentergers.

Romeo's deal is the same. Of course we studied our ass off for the Packers. Romeo wants the job ... that couldn't be more clear. It will be interesting to see how Romeo does once he's through the "proving" phase and is actually named head coach (assuming he is). The new girl is always real nice at first. Then, after she moves in, it's "Turn down the music." and "Go to the store, I need Tampax."

FAX

bricks · 12-19-2011, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FAX

Actually, I understood that the book on the Packer defense was "lots of yards", "few points given up". Our difficulty getting into the end zone is consistent with that reputation.

As for Orton, it takes time to get in sync with receivers. Most primary routes in the NFL have a major timing component.

I think it's too early to crown Orton's ass, though. Romeo's ass, too, remains in pre-crowning stage for that matter. It was one game. This Chiefs team has demonstrated a tendency to get "up" one week and falter the next. However, it's pretty clear that even a half-decent, journeyman quarterback improves this team by a factor of approximately 1 bamillion percentergers.

Romeo's deal is the same. Of course we studied our ass off for the Packers. Romeo wants the job ... that couldn't be more clear. It will be interesting to see how Romeo does once he's through the "proving" phase and is actually named head coach (assuming he is). The new girl is always real nice at first. Then, after she moves in, it's "Turn down the music." and "Go to the store, I need Tampax."

FAX

**The Franchise** · 12-19-2011, 10:09 AM

There is no guarantee that Orton will even be here next year. Orton could be using these last three games to showcase what he can do....and then he'll sign with a different team in the offseason.

htismaqe · 12-19-2011, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

74 percent completion rate says there weren't too many bad throws. Those back shoulder throws are a timing issue, the receivers probably aren't used to a ball being where it's supposed to be.

Breaston had a drop where it plainly clear the ball got there well before he expected it. They're used to Cassel's floaters.

InChiefsHeaven · 12-19-2011, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

First of all, that's Billay, not Bug.

And he's been anti-Stanzi since the very beginning solely because he can't stand Hawkeye fans, namely BossChief.

He lacks objectivity on the subject and it's obvious.

As for the quip about Husker QBs, turnabout is fair play, is it not? I was merely illustrating how absurd it sounds...

Let me just say, my reading skilz are not good. Must be cuz I'ma husker fan...heh.

htismaqe · 12-19-2011, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InChiefsHell

Let me just say, my reading skilz are not good. Must be cuz I'ma husker fan...heh.

Self-deprecating humor is the funniest of all humor...

**ChiTown** · 12-19-2011, 10:22 AM

Did the Chiefs play yesterday?

Brock · 12-19-2011, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pestilence

There is no guarantee that Orton will even be here next year. Orton could be using these last three games to showcase what he can do....and then he'll sign with a different team in the offseason.

Could be, but where's a better place for a QB than here?

Coogs · 12-19-2011, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiTown

Did the Chiefs play yesterday?

Yeah. But we just played a team that has a poor defense, injuries on offense, and was totally disinterested in playing yesterday.

**ChiTown** · 12-19-2011, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coogs

Yeah. But we just played a team that has a poor defense, injuries on offense, and was totally disinterested in playing yesterday.

Okay, now that makes sense.

htismaqe · 12-19-2011, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

Could be, but where's a better place for a QB than here?

Exactly. He wants to start, more than anything else.

His competition here is on paper only. This job would be his from the minute he signed the new contract.

Chiefnj2 · 12-19-2011, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

Could be, but where's a better place for a QB than here?

Seattle?

Brock · 12-19-2011, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

Seattle?

How so?

Chiefs Pantalones · 12-19-2011, 10:35 AM

I think Orton would stay here. Him saying, "that's about the most fun I've had on a football field" looks pretty good.

Chiefnj2 · 12-19-2011, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

How so?

Starbucks.

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, 10:03 AM	#46
FAX testing ... 1, 2, 3 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Tennessee Casino cash: $6753759	Actually, I understood that the book on the Packer defense was "lots of yards", "few points given up". Our difficulty getting into the end zone is consistent with that reputation. As for Orton, it takes time to get in sync with receivers. Most primary routes in the NFL have a major timing component. I think it's too early to crown Orton's ass, though. Romeo's ass, too, remains in pre-crowning stage for that matter. It was one game. This Chiefs team has demonstrated a tendency to get "up" one week and falter the next. However, it's pretty clear that even a half-decent, journeyman quarterback improves this team by a factor of approximately 1 bamillion percentergers. Romeo's deal is the same. Of course we studied our ass off for the Packers. Romeo wants the job ... that couldn't be more clear. It will be interesting to see how Romeo does once he's through the "proving" phase and is actually named head coach (assuming he is). The new girl is always real nice at first. Then, after she moves in, it's "Turn down the music." and "Go to the store, I need Tampax." FAX
Posts: 44,492

12-19-2011, 10:09 AM	#48
The Franchise Most Valuable Villain Join Date: Dec 2006 Casino cash: $2075047	There is no guarantee that Orton will even be here next year. Orton could be using these last three games to showcase what he can do....and then he'll sign with a different team in the offseason.
Posts: 92,316

12-19-2011, 10:22 AM	#52
ChiTown Stroking to the SB Champs! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Flatlands of Kansas Casino cash: $-351038	Did the Chiefs play yesterday? __________________
Posts: 40,903

12-19-2011, 10:35 AM	#59
Chiefs Pantalones GO CHIEFS!!!!!! Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $6888717	I think Orton would stay here. Him saying, "that's about the most fun I've had on a football field" looks pretty good. __________________ Don't be fooled by my username, I'm white.
Posts: 26,653