From the Horse's Mouth: Josh McDaniels Names Kyle Orton Broncos' Starting QB

Denver Broncos coach Josh McDaniels made it known this week who his starting quarterback will be in 2010.

When asked if Kyle Orton will remain the starter, McDaniels said, “Yep. No question,” the Denver Post reported from the NFL meetings in Orlando.

“He’s earned it," McDaniels continued. "He’s a guy who made the most of an opportunity he was given last year. He still hasn’t been in our system for a calendar year. Year Two, I anticipate he will know more, he’ll be more comfortable in a system.

“Kyle started all but one game for us last year and he’s got the respect of his teammates and coaches, and we look forward to him improving.”

So, McDaniels says Orton has earned the starting job, which he has with a better than average season last year, but he’s also got to keep it. Orton is expected to improve, but if he doesn’t, will Brady Quinn get a chance?

While McDaniels’ system, a spread offense that keeps defenses guessing a la the Patriots in 2007, could be the future of the NFL, it takes lots of time to learn.

Sure, Orton will understand the offense better, but if he doesn’t improve, Quinn should get at least a crack at the offense.

“Now Brady’s here competing, and as always, players determine their roles by what they do on the field,” McDaniels said.

So apparently Quinn will have to do amazingly well in training camp, followed by great play in the preseason, to truly compete in the Mile High City.

But really, as Quinn enters his third offense in four seasons in the NFL, he’s already behind the eight ball when it comes to learning what it takes to play in McDaniels' scheme.

Therefore, the Broncos’ players and their fans will be subjected to another year with the pedestrian Orton as the signal caller.

Sure, he hardly ever makes mistakes, but Orton rarely makes exciting, game-deciding plays either...

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