Chiefs Teicher: Orton or Stanzi will start Sunday - Page 3

**Tribal Warfare** · 12-15-2011, 12:11 AM

Orton or Stanzi will start Sunday
By ADAM TEICHER
The 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 manager Scott Pioli. He said he informed Palko on Wednesday morning he was no longer the starter, and then informed Pioli.

“I told Tyler it was my decision, and it was my decision,” Crennel said. “I made it.”

Orton, a former starter with the Bears and Broncos, joined the Chiefs last month after they lost Matt Cassel for the season. He has taken just one snap for the Chiefs, in their win over Chicago on Dec. 4.

Orton dislocated the index finger on his passing hand on the play. He wasn’t in uniform for last week’s loss to the Jets.

Orton was able to get plenty of zip on his passes on a windy day Wednesday during the small portion of practice reporters were allowed to watch.

A bigger issue for Orton is taking the snap from center. The Chiefs may have to operate exclusively from the shotgun formation on Sunday to accommodate Orton.

“He’s been throwing a little bit with the trainers,” Crennel said. “They said for short passes he’s been doing pretty good. Now we’ll have to see how he does for practice. We might have to protect him a little bit from taking the snap. We have a plan in place to do that so that we can still operate the offense without him having to take a snap.”

Orton said he is able to make the necessary throws.

“I won’t put myself out there unless I can,” Orton said. “Nothing in this league is perfect. Everybody’s got to play with injuries and I’m no different than anybody else.”

Stanzi indicated he took about 40 percent of the snaps with the starting offense in practice. Orton got the rest.

“I’ve been in this position before, being the backup,” said Stanzi, who has been the Chiefs’ No. 3 quarterback most of the season. “It’s not too different. The actual getting (snaps) with the first team is a little bit of a change.”

While signs pointed toward Orton being prepared to play against the Packers, Crennel wasn’t ready to commit to that.

“I told the offensive coaches to get both of them ready,” Crennel said. “It’s going to depend on what Kyle can and cannot do.”

Crennel said announcing the plan at quarterback this early in the week would eliminate a lot of distractions as the Chiefs prepare to play the NFL’s last remaining undefeated team. Eliminating that distraction against the 13-0 Packers, he said, was more important than trying to keep Green Bay guessing.

“I’ve been through a quarterback controversy in another job I had, and there’s innuendos and guessing and (players) are trying to figure things out,” Crennel said. “I just think it’s better for them to know there’s a different quarterback.

“Now they can focus on the game plan. They can focus on the plays. They can focus on what we need to do to try to beat Green Bay. They’re not focusing on what the coach is going to do, who the quarterback is going to be, is the offense going to be different for this guy or is the offense going to be different for that guy. The offense is going to be the offense and then we’re going to play football.

“I thought about Green Bay not knowing, but then I said, ‘Hey, they don’t care who our quarterback is.’ When they look at the quarterbacks on our roster, they don’t care who plays. They look at Tyler and what he’s done the past couple of weeks, and they look at Orton and know he’s got a finger (injury), and they look at a rookie. I don’t think that they’re shaking in their boots.”

Palko started the last four games under Todd Haley, who was fired as coach on Monday. The Chiefs went 1-3, scoring just 32 points and two touchdowns.

Palko was short with his answers in a brief interview Wednesday but said he didn’t feel he was being unfairly blamed for the team’s problems on offense.

“That’s coach Crennel’s decision,” Palko said. “Coach is going to make the decision he feels is best for the team.”

Crennel cited the Chiefs’ trouble scoring points as the reason for the change.

“The thing he hasn’t done is he hasn’t been able to put points on the board,” Crennel said. “One of these two guys, hopefully they’ll give us a chance to put more points on the board.”

He indicated Orton’s experience was the bigger reason he would be in front of the line instead of Stanzi. Orton has 66 career starts in seven seasons with the Bears and Broncos. He also started against the Packers early this season while playing for the Broncos, completing 22 of 32 passes for 273 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions in Denver’s 49-23 loss.

Orton had one of the best games of his career last year against Crennel and the Chiefs. He was 22 of 34 for 296 yards and four touchdowns in Denver’s 49-29 win.

But Crennel said he would have no problem playing Stanzi, if it comes to that.

“It will be tough duty for him going against the Packers,” Crennel said. “He’s shown good improvement throughout the year. I get to see him every day on the show team. He operates the show team and works against our defense and he’s improved during the course of this year. If he’s the guy in there, he’ll do a representative job.”

Reerun_KC · 12-15-2011, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SensibleChiefsfan

The team.

As fans, I fully understand the desire to see Stanzi. Heck, I have those same feelings. But, Orton is the best chance for this team to win right now, if healthy.

The Chiefs will probably get blown out anyways. So you might as well get Orton the start to prove to the team you want to win, then get Stanzi some snaps later in the game.

You cant be serious with this ?

**Fire Me Boy!** · 12-15-2011, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omega

It's clear who the alpha male is in this photo

I am Ricky, quarterback of the Chiefs, defender of the secrets of Arrowhead. And this is Tyler, my fearless friend. Fabulous secret powers were revealed to me the day I held in my hands the magic football and said, "By the power of CP! I HAVE THE POWER!!!!"

Tyler became the mighty clipboard holder, and I became STAN-ZI. The most powerful QB in the NFL!

Only three others share this secret: Our friends Scott Pioli, Jim Zorn and Romeo Crennel. Together we defend Arrowhead from the evil forces of Haley.

STAN-ZI!

Quote:

This is here just for references.

Reerun_KC · 12-15-2011, 08:31 AM

Okay that was just gay....

Pasta Little Brioni · 12-15-2011, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omega

It's clear who the alpha male is in this photo

Shop thier heads on the muscle men from that credit report commercial

darkchief · 12-15-2011, 10:15 AM

They need to play Stanzi for the rest of the season. To see what hes got. Orton wont be here next year so that's a waste.

chop · 12-15-2011, 10:24 AM

Has anyone heard how Stanzi has looked in practice now that he is getting some of the first string snaps?

Okie_Apparition · 12-15-2011, 11:38 AM

Stanzi looks like a long armed mother****er in that pic

htismaqe · 12-15-2011, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chop

Has anyone heard how Stanzi has looked in practice now that he is getting some of the first string snaps?

Clinkscale didn't say last night. He was focused on Orton. He said the throws looked tight and zippy but that Orton was "self-hiking" rather than taking snaps.

ShowtimeSBMVP · 12-15-2011, 02:05 PM

bobfescoeBob Fescoe

Romeo "orton will probably start" #chiefs

Setsuna · 12-15-2011, 02:09 PM

Trade him to Jacksonville, and you guys can have Gabbert.

Thig Lyfe · 12-15-2011, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

I can handle Crennel as HC. Most important is getting a QBotf or just see what Stanzi can bring and still draft a first rounder. I think Crennel can buy us some time in search for his predisessor

lolwut

ShowtimeSBMVP · 12-16-2011, 12:56 PM

adamteicherAdam Teicher

Bill Muir will return to press box rather than stay on sidelines to call plays for #Chiefs on Sunday vs. GB

DannyParkinsDanny Parkins
Muir also says he'll be calling the plays and Jim Zorn will relay them into Orton on the field. #Chiefs

Guess crennel going with haley way to get the play to QB.

whoman69 · 12-16-2011, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsandO'sfan

adamteicherAdam Teicher

Bill Muir will return to press box rather than stay on sidelines to call plays for #Chiefs on Sunday vs. GB

DannyParkinsDanny Parkins
Muir also says he'll be calling the plays and Jim Zorn will relay them into Orton on the field. #Chiefs

Guess crennel going with haley way to get the play to QB.

I thought Haley already found that way was fugged up and stopped it. So now its such a good idea they have to bring it back?

ShowtimeSBMVP · 12-16-2011, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whoman69

I thought Haley already found that way was fugged up and stopped it. So now its such a good idea they have to bring it back?

Yup it is sad. I guess he might need a nap during the game.

**mlyonsd** · 12-16-2011, 01:51 PM

JFC the local Fox station has been showing in their listings they were airing the GB/KC game. Today they switched it to NO/MIN.

The first time Cassel or Palko doesn't start all season and I'm going to have to listen to it on the radio.

12-15-2011, 12:11 AM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $1002813	Teicher: Orton or Stanzi will start Sunday Orton or Stanzi will start Sunday By ADAM TEICHER The 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 manager Scott Pioli. He said he informed Palko on Wednesday morning he was no longer the starter, and then informed Pioli. “I told Tyler it was my decision, and it was my decision,” Crennel said. “I made it.” Orton, a former starter with the Bears and Broncos, joined the Chiefs last month after they lost Matt Cassel for the season. He has taken just one snap for the Chiefs, in their win over Chicago on Dec. 4. Orton dislocated the index finger on his passing hand on the play. He wasn’t in uniform for last week’s loss to the Jets. Orton was able to get plenty of zip on his passes on a windy day Wednesday during the small portion of practice reporters were allowed to watch. A bigger issue for Orton is taking the snap from center. The Chiefs may have to operate exclusively from the shotgun formation on Sunday to accommodate Orton. “He’s been throwing a little bit with the trainers,” Crennel said. “They said for short passes he’s been doing pretty good. Now we’ll have to see how he does for practice. We might have to protect him a little bit from taking the snap. We have a plan in place to do that so that we can still operate the offense without him having to take a snap.” Orton said he is able to make the necessary throws. “I won’t put myself out there unless I can,” Orton said. “Nothing in this league is perfect. Everybody’s got to play with injuries and I’m no different than anybody else.” Stanzi indicated he took about 40 percent of the snaps with the starting offense in practice. Orton got the rest. “I’ve been in this position before, being the backup,” said Stanzi, who has been the Chiefs’ No. 3 quarterback most of the season. “It’s not too different. The actual getting (snaps) with the first team is a little bit of a change.” While signs pointed toward Orton being prepared to play against the Packers, Crennel wasn’t ready to commit to that. “I told the offensive coaches to get both of them ready,” Crennel said. “It’s going to depend on what Kyle can and cannot do.” Crennel said announcing the plan at quarterback this early in the week would eliminate a lot of distractions as the Chiefs prepare to play the NFL’s last remaining undefeated team. Eliminating that distraction against the 13-0 Packers, he said, was more important than trying to keep Green Bay guessing. “I’ve been through a quarterback controversy in another job I had, and there’s innuendos and guessing and (players) are trying to figure things out,” Crennel said. “I just think it’s better for them to know there’s a different quarterback. “Now they can focus on the game plan. They can focus on the plays. They can focus on what we need to do to try to beat Green Bay. They’re not focusing on what the coach is going to do, who the quarterback is going to be, is the offense going to be different for this guy or is the offense going to be different for that guy. The offense is going to be the offense and then we’re going to play football. “I thought about Green Bay not knowing, but then I said, ‘Hey, they don’t care who our quarterback is.’ When they look at the quarterbacks on our roster, they don’t care who plays. They look at Tyler and what he’s done the past couple of weeks, and they look at Orton and know he’s got a finger (injury), and they look at a rookie. I don’t think that they’re shaking in their boots.” Palko started the last four games under Todd Haley, who was fired as coach on Monday. The Chiefs went 1-3, scoring just 32 points and two touchdowns. Palko was short with his answers in a brief interview Wednesday but said he didn’t feel he was being unfairly blamed for the team’s problems on offense. “That’s coach Crennel’s decision,” Palko said. “Coach is going to make the decision he feels is best for the team.” Crennel cited the Chiefs’ trouble scoring points as the reason for the change. “The thing he hasn’t done is he hasn’t been able to put points on the board,” Crennel said. “One of these two guys, hopefully they’ll give us a chance to put more points on the board.” He indicated Orton’s experience was the bigger reason he would be in front of the line instead of Stanzi. Orton has 66 career starts in seven seasons with the Bears and Broncos. He also started against the Packers early this season while playing for the Broncos, completing 22 of 32 passes for 273 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions in Denver’s 49-23 loss. Orton had one of the best games of his career last year against Crennel and the Chiefs. He was 22 of 34 for 296 yards and four touchdowns in Denver’s 49-29 win. But Crennel said he would have no problem playing Stanzi, if it comes to that. “It will be tough duty for him going against the Packers,” Crennel said. “He’s shown good improvement throughout the year. I get to see him every day on the show team. He operates the show team and works against our defense and he’s improved during the course of this year. If he’s the guy in there, he’ll do a representative job.”
Posts: 42,026

12-15-2011, 08:31 AM	#33
Reerun_KC Rock Chalk Jayhawks! KU!!! Join Date: Aug 2005 Casino cash: $8301160	Okay that was just gay....
Posts: 934

12-15-2011, 10:15 AM	#35
darkchief Starter Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $10004900	They need to play Stanzi for the rest of the season. To see what hes got. Orton wont be here next year so that's a waste.
Posts: 441

12-15-2011, 10:24 AM	#36
chop Go Chiefs! Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Michigan Casino cash: $2884270	Has anyone heard how Stanzi has looked in practice now that he is getting some of the first string snaps? __________________ Never be satisfied with what you achieve, because it all pales in comparison with what you are capable of doing in the future.
Posts: 2,941

12-15-2011, 11:38 AM	#37
Okie_Apparition Banned Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: floatin cobwebs n the sky Casino cash: $10004900	Stanzi looks like a long armed mother****er in that pic
Posts: 7,012

12-15-2011, 02:05 PM	#39
ShowtimeSBMVP Chiefs Join Date: Feb 2009 Casino cash: $3726009	bobfescoeBob Fescoe Romeo "orton will probably start" #chiefs
Posts: 23,752

12-15-2011, 02:09 PM	#40
Setsuna Paladin Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Gator Country Casino cash: $10008487	Trade him to Jacksonville, and you guys can have Gabbert.
Posts: 13,215

12-16-2011, 12:56 PM	#42
ShowtimeSBMVP Chiefs Join Date: Feb 2009 Casino cash: $3726009	adamteicherAdam Teicher Bill Muir will return to press box rather than stay on sidelines to call plays for #Chiefs on Sunday vs. GB DannyParkinsDanny Parkins Muir also says he'll be calling the plays and Jim Zorn will relay them into Orton on the field. #Chiefs Guess crennel going with haley way to get the play to QB.
Posts: 23,752

12-16-2011, 01:51 PM	#45
mlyonsd Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Spink, SD Casino cash: $1763762	JFC the local Fox station has been showing in their listings they were airing the GB/KC game. Today they switched it to NO/MIN. The first time Cassel or Palko doesn't start all season and I'm going to have to listen to it on the radio.
Posts: 38,849