by livin2do » Sun Apr 05, 2009 12:12 am
Orton played a stretch this past year where it looked like the Bears may have finally found their guy. Then, he got injured, and never quite got back to that form. However, the offense was playing well with him for a time, despite the limitations the team had on that side of the ball.
Putting Cutler in the mix will definitely be a step up for Chicago, but they will need some other pieces to use him to his fullest extent. Unfortunately, they had to give up some valuable picks which might have made that easier, but they've still got free agency so I'd look for them to spend a little money on that.
Meanwhile, Denver already has a solid offense, with some nice talent at receiver - which makes up for the perpetually injured corps of running backs they churn through each season. It's hard to know how McDaniels' philosophy and strategy will utilize these pieces, but Orton is a decent starter who may be able to take it to the next level with the proper coaching and development - something he lacked in Chicago. If you look at the picks Denver will be able to use to shore up that awful defense, they clearly hope to make themselves a better and more complete team by making this deal.
I will say this, though. It is a giant leap of faith for Denver fans and management in McDaniels at this point. He is the only one who really has something to prove in that organization now, and it's up to him to make it successful. If the team tanks in the first year, I do not think he will get a second chance.
I'll give the short-term edge to Chicago on this deal, but Denver got what it needs to make it a better team over the long term. If they play their hand well, the needle will move into their favor before too long.