A Look at the Quarterback Situation in Denver

A lot has been said about Kyle Orton since he was traded to Denver in the infamous Cutler trade and many people have criticized and compared him but I think that he is a very good Quarterback with the potential to be great in Josh McDaniels system. I have compiled a few interesting stats that you should consider before you write him off as a “game manager” or “short game” quarterback.

Interesting Stats and facts from the ‘09 season; He tied at #10 in completions with Jay Cutler also finished #6 in attempts behind only Matt Schaub, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Jay Cutler, Carson Palmer, and Donovan McNabb all elite quarterbacks.

In terms of yards Orton finished at #11 better than notable players Kurt Warner, Jay Cutler, Joe Flacco, Donovan McNabb, Carson Palmer, and Matt Ryan four of the six being playoff quarterbacks this year. He scored 21 touchdowns and threw 12 touchdowns which ties Joe Flacco.

Orton set a Chicago franchise record for consecutive passes without an interception (205) in 2008 also ranking second in the NFL with a 116.1 passer rating in the first quarter. Orton and John Hadl of the L.A Rams in 1973 are the only players to throw for at least one touchdown and no interceptions in each of their first four games with a new team.

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Orton also had the third longest pass in the NFL of the year in week 1 to Brandon Stokley. Orton’s 15 starts as a rookie and 10 wins is third best in the NFL since 1970. He is also the only Denver quarterback besides John Elway to record 10 games with a 90+ passer rating in a season.

All in all I’d say that Kyle Orton is a very great leader that simply wins games with a winning record of 29-19 as a starter who wins often at home and fights through injuries. I would be very surprised to see Denver go after a QB to replace him with in free agency or the draft as McDaniels has praised him time and time again but I wouldn’t be surprised if Brandon Marshall is traded and a replacement is drafted to fill his place. I really feel that Denver fans have a lot to look forward to in 2010 and I know I’m looking forward to watching it all unfold.

By Preston Cox
Pro Football Fans Staff Writer