Bears to name Orton starting QB

Aug 18, 2008 - 8:57 PM BOURBONNAIS, Illinois (Ticker) -- The Chicago Bears have apparently settled on a starting quarterback.

Bears coach Lovie Smith is expected to name Kyle Orton as the team's Week One starter against the Indianapolis Colts following Monday's practice, according to a report by the Chicago Tribune.

Orton, a four-year veteran, has enjoyed a solid training camp and outperformed former starter Rex Grossman in Saturday's 29-26 overtime exhibition loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Grossman started and completed 9-of-15 passes with one interception before Orton led Chicago to a field goal during a crisp two-minute drill.

Orton missed on his first two throws Saturday, but finished 5-of-9 for 43 yards in two series.

After a 7-9 finish last year, the Bears declared there would be an open competition for the starting job entering training camp.

As a rookie, Orton started 15 games, going 10-5, but completed only 190-of-368 passes for 1,869 yards. He threw nine touchdowns and was intercepted 13 times.

After not taking a snap in 2006, Orton played in three games last season, completing just under 54 percent of his passes with three touchdowns and two touchdowns.