Bears vs. Lions: Maybe Kyle Orton isn't that Bad

If you read this post, and I'm talking to you (our sole reader), then you know that I haven't exactly been a huge fan of Kyle Orton. But even after yesterday's game, I'm still not a big fan. I've just gone from "I think he is terrible" to "maybe he isn't as bad as I think". That or the Detroit Lions are so terrible, that they even made Kyle Orton look great. On to my game thoughts.

1. For the first time this season, Orton actually threw NFL caliber passes. He threw several great 15 yard in and out plays that a starting NFL QB must be able to make. Before yesterday, he couldn't pass accurately past 10 yards. His long balls were often thrown short, asking the WR to make a great play on the ball. Moreover, we never saw him throw a quick 15 yard in and out. His balls were usually long floaters, a pass that even the most mediocre NFL QB should be able to make. Again, yesterday was different. Maybe he isn't that bad.

2. Ron Turner's offensive play calling has been pretty good this year. Unlike the Grossman years, where he asked Rexy to win games by himself in the passing game, this year, he's giving the ball to our # 1 threat, Ascento, Matt Forte. Then, after teams have concentrated on the run, he throws in a perfect play action pass to guys like Olsen (that huge play in the 1st half where he was left uncovered). I also like that he has given Orton the power to change plays at the line of scrimmage. Orton now can change from a pass to run based on the defense he sees. It works in Madden, it works for Peyton Manning, and it should be used by every NFL team.

3. Marty Booker's catch was absolutely amazing. I've ripped him a new one on this post several times, but he came up clutch yesterday. Besides, he is 10 times better than Rashid Davis. Oh yeah, for the 12th time, can we end the Rashid Davis experiment. The guy sucks. He's been given more opportunities to expose himself than Briana Banks.

4. The Detroit Lions are absolutely horrendous. My wife felt so sorry for the Lions that she applauded when Devin Hester fumbled the punt in the 4th quarter. If a team's fans root for their team's mistakes just because they feel pity for the opposing team, well you know that the opposing team is terrible. Seriously, I think they should be relegated to NCAA football and they should promote USC to the NFL.

5. Worse, there is no silver lining for the Lions. What could you see in that game that made you think your team could improve? Kitna is god awful. He hangs on to the ball longer than when Shaq travels with the ball. The defense is terrible, absent maybe Sims. The line can't block. They can't run. Your best WRs, who should be dominating every game, can't catch. Your coach is going to be fired when they hire the new GM. You lost the best coach you had in Martz and replaced him with a coach that made your offense even worse. Just terrible.

6. Devin Hester is turning into a good WR. His touchdown was great. He reminded me a little of Marvin Harrison. A small guy that can cut, stop and change direction on a dime. His KR/PR prowess will decline, but I would rather have him score 10 TDs on offense than run back two punts for TDs.

7. The defense is playing great. But, if a normal QB played for the Lions, he would have shredded that secondary a little bit. Still too much time in the pocket. Our pass rush needs to improve. What happened to Mark Anderson?

8. Roy Williams reminds me of TO, except that TO is a great WR. Williams is a head case. He's got bad hands and a bad attitude. At least TO, can make up for his craziness, with crazy, great plays like yesterday's; where he outran everyone for a TD that eventually won the game.

9. I like that they sat Forte for most of the 2nd half. You can't overuse your # 1 RB.

10. I found Brian Billick to be annoying, inaccurate, and desperate as a commentator.

Go BEARS!