Since the season is pretty much over, I am actually glad the Bears are taking an assessment of Kyle Orton. They have very little to actually lose in this situation. With Grossman injured and more than likely done with the Bears in general, and Grieses disappointing season with the Bears as well, it will be nice to know what they have. To see what kind of direction they should really be pursuing in this coming offseason.
Kyle Orton has seen very little game action since going 10-5 as a starter and none if you don't count preseason game action. But while this was going on, he has been the QB for the scout team. Meaning he has been practicing against the Bears #1 defense week in and week out. While it wasn't a game situation, the defense was preparing for a game every week and giving it their all. So he has seen different looks and pressures. Plus, he has had time to develop while looking at a tough defense last year and a struggling one this year. That has given him an unique perspective of the game.
This decision also helps to put the Bears into a much needed decision in regards to the most important position for next year. While they are not making the playoffs, they certainly need to assess their situation and make serious plans for the offseason. They have a lot of areas to address and, if Orton plays well, might be able to look elsewhere than quarterback. Look what happened with the Browns this season. They tried many different things and found a young QB that wasn't expected to do much and could honestly be the MVP of the Browns and one of the major catalysts to their success. If Orton becomes this for the Bears, they can address other very pressing issues in the running game, offenseive line and defense.
To me, this is one thing that they had to do once the season was lost. It just gives them a better understanding of what will be for the future. either they have a possible starting QB on the bench all these years or they know they have some decent backups and need to really pursue that as a priority. Either way, they will have a better look at next year. And maybe, just maybe, the future for many years to come. Monday night can not come soon enough for me.
Keywords: Chicago Bears, Kyle Orton, QB
