Orton Named Bears' Starting QB

Members of the Neck Beard Militia rejoice! Jack Daniels for everyone! Kyle Orton has been named the starting quarterback for the 2008 Chicago Bears. The announcement comes after a long competition between Orton and Rex Grossman and much hand-wringing from Bears fans. Overall, Orton is 12-6 as a starter for the Bears, including a very respectable 10-5 record in his 2005 rookie campaign. The two QBs were on "equal footing" entering training camp so the nod for Orton comes on the strength of his performance in two preseason games so far this year, including good execution in the two-minute drill at the end of the first half against the Seahawks on Saturday night. Bears fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing the Rex Grossman Era is done (for now) and they now know who they can focus all their anger and vitriol on come mid-October.

Photo of Kyle Orton from the Chicago Bears website