Like his beard, Kyle Orton isn’t going away.
With Rex Grossman unlikely to play a full game Sunday in Minnesota, Orton should be back where he found himself for the first 13 1/2 games of this surprising Bears season–in charge.
“I’m excited to get back on the field and be in a position to play loose and play aggressive,” Orton said. “That’s the approach I’m going to take, play like I’m capable of playing and just take it as one more game this year where I can get experience and hopefully carry it over to the playoffs.”
Coach Lovie Smith said he would have no problem playing Orton, especially after he has gained sideline perspective the last six quarters.
“We’re in this position right now because of Kyle Orton,” Smith said.
Since losing his starting job at halftime of the Dec. 18 home victory over Atlanta, Orton’s biggest adjustment has been decreased practice reps. Still, Orton must master the game plan.
That game plan has become more aggressive, with offensive coordinator Ron Turner calling for more shots downfield in the passing game. Orton is more judicious than jealous.
“They have been trying to put me in good positions to be protective of me and let me manage the game,” Orton said. “I don’t put any of that on Ron. I think he’s calling great games and putting me in great spots to win games.
“I don’t know what the play calling is going to be like this week, whether they’re going to throw it a bunch or stick with the run game. So I’m just going to try to manage the game still and complete passes.”
No playoff ramifications are riding on Sunday. But Orton disputes that it’s a meaningless game, especially because he remains disappointed he didn’t take good practice weeks onto the field in his last two weeks as the starter.
“I have a lot to gain from this game,” Orton said. “Every time I get on the field it’s a positive experience for me.”
Orton said it’s not his style to pat himself on the back for becoming the second rookie quarterback since 1970 to be credited with 10 victories. That statistic pleases him, though, as do the positives he gained.
“Where I’m at right now as a player is nowhere near where I would have been if I was on the sideline the entire time,” Orton said. “I know the routine I need to get into to be successful at this level, how hard you have to work. And hopefully I can just continue to do that in a backup role.
“I understand the business. Rex is a great player. I hold no animosity toward him and I feel he does the same with me. We have a good working relationship. Obviously when I’m on the sideline I’m going to be out there pulling for him to do well.”
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kcjohnson@tribune.com
