A mighty quarterback with a mighty team.
Artwork by Rebecca Holt
With the 2009-2010 NFL season approaching its halfway mark, Denver Broncos starting quarterback Kyle Orton is in the MVP candidate race.
That’s right, I said it, MVP!
After being heavily criticized this off-season following the trade that sent beloved quarterback Jay Cutler to the Chicago Bears in exchange for Orton and two first round picks, Orton proved that he truly has the skills, and leadership to be successful in this league.
Orton wore the No. 18 during his successful collegiate career at Purdue University. Orton matched current New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees’ record for number of passing yards in a game (522 vs. Indiana Hoosiers) and is one of three Purdue quarterbacks to start at least three consecutive bowl games. Orton led the Boilmakers to the 2001 Sun Bowl, 2002 Sun Bowl, the 2003 Capital one bowl, and the 2004 Sun Bowl.
Orton was drafted in the 4th round of the 2005 NFL draft and quickly became the Bears’ starting quarterback after Rex Grossman was injured. Orton played throughout the entire season leading the bears to an NFC North championship, and a first round bye in the playoffs. Under the wing of then head coach Lovie Smith, Orton learned everything he needed to know to develop into one of the league’s premier starting quarterbacks.
On June 13, Bronco Head Coach Josh McDaniels declared Orton the starting quarterback for the season, and Orton led the Broncos to a 12-7 victory in the 2009 season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. The game was won on a deflected pass that landed in the arms of Brandon Stokely who took it 87 yards for a touchdown. Orton also recently was named the AFC Offensive Player of the week for his week five performance against the New England Patriots, in which he completed 35 of 48 passes for 330 yards, which lead the Broncos to a 20-17 victory. Through the first six games of the season, Orton has thrown nine touchdowns, one interception and ranks eight in the league in passer rating and seventh in the league in passing yards.
Orton has the size, the smarts and the determination to become one of the league’s most successful quarterbacks. His laid back personality and his “little boy” appearance has quickly turned him into a fan favorite here in Denver. Despite the quick demise of Rocktober, Denver fans now have something great to look forward to once a week: the blue and orange…oh wait! I mean brown and gold.
