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Published on 08/15/2009 at Sat Aug 15 00:14.
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Kyle Orton Struggles in Preseason Opener as Broncos Fall to 49ers 16-17

Posted Sat Aug 15th by

Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton (8) throws against the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter during their NFL preseason football game in San Francisco, Calif., Friday, Aug. 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton (8) throws against the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter during their NFL preseason football game in San Francisco, Calif., Friday, Aug. 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

The Denver Broncos‘ 2009 offensive debut couldn’t have gone much worse. Kyle Orton was awful, throwing an interception on each of his first three possessions, and rookie running back Knowshon Moreno suffered a sprained knee, the severity of which won’t be known until his MRI Saturday. Overall the first-team offense’s struggles put the Broncos in a 9-0 hole at halftime from which they couldn’t recover, and the San Francisco 49ers went on to win 17-16.

Not that there weren’t positives to be taken from this game. Backup QB Chris Simms nearly pulled out the win, throwing two touchdowns in the second half that included a beautiful 52-yard bomb to rookie WR Kenny McKinley. Defensive Coordinator Mike Nolan‘s new 3-4 scheme got after the quarterback, registering four sacks for the night. Several rookies stepped up and made plays, and the special teams played solid football for four quarters.

But it wasn’t enough, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed in the performance the Broncos just left on the field.

TURNOVERS – The Broncos couldn’t force a turnover last year, and they failed to do so tonight against an average-at-best 49ers offense. The combination of poor decision-making on offense and lack of playmaking on defens resulted in a -3 turnover differential, a nagging hangover from last season’s embarrassing totals. Even Champ Bailey, The Interception Machine himself, failed to pick off a pass that was literally thrown right to him. The defensive line was disruptive at times, but no one could capitalize.

Denver Broncos' Peyton Hillis (22) is stopped for a loss as San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois (95), Jay Moore (58), and Jahi Word-Daniels (35) pull him down in the third quarter during their NFL preseason football game in San Francisco, Calif., Friday, Aug. 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Denver Broncos' Peyton Hillis (22) is stopped for a loss as San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois (95), Jay Moore (58), and Jahi Word-Daniels (35) pull him down in the third quarter during their NFL preseason football game in San Francisco, Calif., Friday, Aug. 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

RUSHING – The rush defense made plays at times, but they also gave up a few big gashing runs. At times, they looked too similar to the defense of last year for my tastes. By night’s end, the Niners were averaging 4.5 yards per carry. Meanwhile, the Broncos didn’t get their world famous ground game going, rushing for only 110 yards on 28 carries (3.9 avg).

CLUTCH – Orton’s first interception came after a nice, long productive drive that put the Broncos on the three-yard line. Then he choked a few feet from the end zone. Simms’ last throw of the night was an interception during a potential game-winning two-point conversion attempt. And when the defense needed a stop, the 49ers were able to convert two first downs on four running plays. With big points or even the game on the line, the Broncos couldn’t deliver.

Luckily, the Broncos are still a month away from the regular season opener against Cincinnati. Most of these issues are of the mental variety, and there’s still plenty of time for these players to gain a better understanding of the coaches’ systems and execute the gameplan. Hopefully the next time they see the field, they’ll be ready.

  • http://www.kellyleephipps.com Kelly in Carolina

    I just re-watched the game, and the Defense looked great. We’re used to the Defense faltering every series and giving up the game. Now our offense is giving them the ball at the five yard line and giving away the game. I think Simms earned the start next week, as he can bomb the ball down the field whereas Orton throws ducks deep.

    Orton looked calm and composed the first drive and the exciting offense was rolling, then came the self-destruct. We’ll see!

    Great to have football again! Go Broncos!

  • http://BroncoTalk.net Mr.East

    I don’t know Kyle. The second string D is the one who gave up the bigger plays, not the first.

    I liked what I saw. Fix the QB situation and Denver is looking better.

  • Kenny

    I almost liked what I saw tonight….The defense seemed to be on their game with 4 sacks as opposed to the 49er’s 0….Orton looked solid at the beginning of the first drive, but it seems he fell into some quicksand…after the first pick, no matter how hard he fought, he just kept sinking deeper. Then, they brought in Simms, and we almost pulled it off.

  • Kenny

    I say Simms earned himself the start next week against Seattle. GO BRONCOS!!!

  • http://birty.blogspot.com mikebirty

    Oh the controversy!!!!!

    I am of course talking about how Peyton Hillis will start week 1 over Moreno.

  • slkdjfod

    I’m voting for Simms for week 2 starter. Not because I think he should be the regular season starter, but I think he deserves to go out there with the first team offense and play against a first team defense, then we can make a better assesment.

  • Thomas

    have faith in kyle orton! it’s better for him to be making these mistakes in preseason than in the regular season!

    I am not buying into the Simms hype, he was playing against backups, nonetheless he did a good job.

  • Ryan M.

    i am very bummed Orton broke my heart.

  • FoCoBrOncO

    tonights game… proved alot. Orton is what we expected and worse. way way way too bad. Simms on the other hand is not what we expected and more, which is the positive side. i dont know where denver inherited the running back curse but somewhere we got it… I pray that knowshon is ok. Quaterbacks… watched the post game… game with orton and… shit… i hope McDaniels’ plan is to make everyone think orton is starting for the year and then we can sneek in simms and MAYBE win 8 because they wont see the southpaw coming…(come on i can hope right?) but anyways… too bad philly got vick (lol atleast he would have been exciting in orange and blue… aside from that good luck to Vick in the future)
    Eddie the shredder is better than ever, and expect good things, the rest of the receivers looked really good,but we still need SOMEONE to get the ball to them (i.e. McCoy, Bradford, J Snead…its a building year so watch these guys and hope Chicago sucks enough(unlikely and i hate to admit it but fuck the attitude and Cutler is beyond good… and we know it(im just glad he has no one who can catch! good try hester but your a db… and a #1 wr in chicago… haha only city in the nfl where that is one on and the same… unless aqib talib makes a run in tampa!) or we trade up so one of these guys becomes a reality and watch college football because your gonna see the best QB class ever, and oh ya… i left Tebow out for a reason…just watch…ps fuck florida) back to what counts, our defense looked good, alot of mistakes but all around a new system, a new direction and alot of new guys, but holy shit we actually made progress! The D made its mistakes and gave up lots of yards… but we also put qbs on the ground while they still had the ball in their hands! Multiple sacks and good pressure, well done Nolan, our secondary was good still looked very YOUNG but we did look somewhat solid, just have faith when we have the true hawk the dawk and champ we will be great and our rooks will learn.. ALOT ofgood years to come from our young secondary. but overall the new system proves it has its kinks and alot of what needs to be worked on, but even though Simms threw many less picks in the pass happy offense of McD he was in a very conservativee show of whats to come, but stillshowed much smarter decisions and better management of the offense… number 2 will start this year and im much more confident in him and always have (Simms has more heart for winning than Orton does and if you dont believe that… just ask #2’s spleen) sorry that was so long but i spend alot of time on the site and never say much but tell me your thoughts and i gotta throw it out there but fuck you kerry you spend our whole day with your head between your legs looking at your asshole so of course your outook is always going to be SHIT! (Side note drink good beer New Belgium has Sunshine and Fat Tire in cans now so you can drink good beer for tailgates this year and not feel bad about glass bottles! `…shameless plug, bleed orange, GO BRONCOS!!!

  • Josh

    Anyone else want to scream in the first half when we kept handing the ball off to Buck and Lamont? Give Hillis the damn ball and let him run with the first team.

  • robtink242

    Orton / Simms biggest battle no doubt. but Feilds/ Baker battle is going to be bigger. i think the rookie took tonight.

  • http://www.broncotalk.net Jonathan Douglas

    Did our defense remind anyone else of the one under Larry Coyer? With the pass rush consisting of at least four men and the number of blitz’s called, it seemed reminiscent of Coyer’s D… to me at least.

    I’m not terribly disappointed, mind you, I actually thought Coyer’s defense was the best we’ve had since the SB years, but it did suffer when teams figured out they could run short quick passing plays all day long for 5 yard gains… which also seemed to be a hole in the defense last night.

    But over all a good start for our first string D…

    The Orton Debacle is completely different story. :(

  • anthony33

    Orton was terrible, but let’s wait and see. I understand Cassell was abysmal in pre season last year and look what happened.

    Agree with the comment on Chris Baker. Macus Thomas looked good too.

    Special teams were decent. Like Smith and McKinney as retrum men.

    Bottom line:
    Yes, concerned about Orton, he was awful. On the other hand this was the first game for a team, that in reality, is just a hair north of an expansion team. From that POV they did better than expected.

    Keep your fingers crossed on Moreno!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • AtomicLeo

    Orton looked good when he was throwing short and and the 49ners were giving 5 yard cushions. Those cushions will disappear quickly in the regular season and McDaniels will find out quickly why Chicago kept Grossman around even though Orton was the starter: Orton is not accurate past 10-15 yards. Period. This isn’t new.

    Let SImms get some time with the first team

  • http://merlinofchaos.livejournal.com E. Halsey Miles

    Until he proves otherwiswe, to me he is Kyle “The Vacuum” Orton.

  • MIAbronco

    hey, as bad as our offense did(and by offense i mean orton) our defense kept us in the game when it was the 1’s out there, you have got to be happy about that, i know i am.

  • Bear Down

    Bronco fans i feel bad for you, reading all of your posts I reflect and think of all of the things I used to hope would happen with Orton as well when he was with the Bears. Truth is, he sucks & getting Cutler was a STEAL for the Bears. I know its tough to admit but Bowlen and McD have really screwed up your franchise. You guys have a ton of talented receivers, but Orton can’t get them the ball! His accuracy over 10 yards is awful, he telegraphs all of his throws, and he doesn’t have them arm strength to throw deep. Basically I hope for your sake they put in Simms for the season. If they don’t this is what you’re going to see all season from opposing defenses: 8 in the box, press coverage on your receivers, and constant pressure. The Bears may not have your receiving talent, but Cutlers ability to extend plays and throw deep and accurately will make them way better. Where as Ortons inability to make all of the throws means defenses only have to cover 1/2 of the field; therefore your talented receivers aren’t going to have the opportunity to make big plays. Good luck, thanks for Cutler (Stud Franchise QB going into his prime) & hopefully for all of you Bowlen realizes his mistake and cans McD after the season…

  • jbirchbronco

    I for one was willing to give Orton the chance he so rightly deserved. I’m extremely disappointed after last night. I know everyone will say it’s the 1st preseason game and to give him time to learn and improve. Even if you don’t know the offense that doesn’t explain throwing 3 picks in 4 series. He’s an NFL quarterback and should be able to make these throws. With each Orton screw up I can only imagine what is going through McDaniels mind. I’ve been a die hard Bronco fan since birth, I just don’t know how close I will be following this CIRCUS this year

  • jbirchbronco

    I for one was willing to give Orton the chance he so rightly deserved. I’m extremely disappointed after last night. I know everyone will say it’s the 1st preseason game and to give him time to learn and improve. Even if you don’t know the offense that doesn’t explain throwing 3 picks in 4 series. He’s an NFL quarterback and should be able to make these throws. With each Orton screw up I can only imagine what is going through McDaniels mind. I bet he kicks himself everytime Orton screws up I’ve been a die hard Bronco fan since birth, I just don’t know how close I will be following this CIRCUS this year

  • roshon2411

    Well it was only the first pre-season game. But will we say the same thing after the first regular season game. I don’t think the outcome of pre-season games are important but individual performance is very important. It would be one thing if Orton was a rookie. But he’s been in the league for a few years and made the same mistakes he’s been making last few years. As for my observations:
    QB’s-Orton can’t throw the ball down the field. Looks good in the 5 yard dump but that will be taken away real quick. Simms is defnitely more of a threat.
    RB’s-Buckhalter and Jordan looked average but can catch the ball. Moreno looked very explosive in his short time(hope everything is ok). Hillis is the man and should be the 2nd back/1st back in Moreno is injured.
    OL’s-Once again had great pass protection, makes Orton’s performance even more dissapointing. Still not sold on the run blocking yet… Didn’t see much push and have plenty of room to grow.
    WR’s-Royal’s not a one year wonder. McKinley looks to be a deep threat. Brandon Lloyd was a big surprise. Can’t wait to had Marshall to this bunch. Didn’t see/hear anything about Gaffney, did he play?
    TE’s-Did they play? Just saw Putz on the TD other than that they were non-existent.
    DL-Some decent pressure, but not sure if 49ers OL is a decent measurement. Elvis will always find a way to the QB. Chris Baker looked really good. Also glad they kept Peterson. Not a stud but can make plays.
    LB’s-Very dissapointed here. Andra Davis looked really slow. D-Will didn’t impress me either. Were as Ayers? RB’s always seemed to be falling forward. I wanted to see more pop with this group. Coffey, Sheets looked really good against the D. Don’t forget we didn’t see their #1 in Gore either.
    DB’s-Looked OK, Champ’s still not in form. Of course Dawkins was out. Goodman was ok and Hill seemed a step slow. No turnovers against this team was a dissapointment but the Phonze looked decent, but saw alot of tweets from Seahawks fans about the draft pick. So he better be real good this year.
    K/P- Didn’t really see enough action out of the two spots w/Ortons picks.
    ST-Looked much better than last year, but I think they need to get some consistency out of the return guys and decide b/t McKinley or Smith. I myself think they job should go to Smith. Looked more explosive.

    All and all MVP’s were Simms, Hillis, McKinley, and Chris Baker.

    Dissapoinments were Orton(though not surprised), Andra Davis, and Renaldo Hill.

  • bw53

    Orton proved nothing… One bad game. But a rating of 32.6 is nasty. Simm’s rating of 130.0 is eye-popping though. I think this will create a controversy that will be good for whomever is our ultimate starter.

  • Craig

    I want to know, who does Kyle Orton have naked photos of, to still be a QB in this league.

  • kerry

    that was a pretty pathetic showing. ridiculous. anyone see that pass where Royal had to come back and lay down just to catch the ball?? Ortons arm sucks really bad. Simms clearly has the better arm, accuracy and mobility. Simms should start. i dont get where anyone thinks Orton “so rightfully deserves” a chance to start. Orton doesnt rightfully deserve anything.

    and can our RB’s ever stay healthy for one freaking game!??!?! Moreno looked decent. for a whole 3 carries. Lamont and Buckhalter…………oh boy how do they even have a job. Walker looked the best of all the RB’s

    WR’s didnt really look good or bad. of course Orton couldnt get them the ball either. and people think our “Weapons” will make Orton better.

    the O-line looked good. Clady is downright awesome in pass protection, still needs work in the run blocking game.

    D-line…….well i wanna see if they can sack the QB 4 times against a good O-line. San Frans line isnt a real a test. but they didnt get to the QB which is a good confidence builder.

    LB’s….did we even have any LB’s out there?? Ayers was non exsistent, Williams had a few tackles, Davis looked so slllooooowwwww.

    Secondary….cant really say they were good or bad. just decent. didnt play long enough to make a determination.

    ST’s….McKinley looked good in the return game. Smith did also. Prater was kicking it in the back of the end zone a couple times. but the first kickoff was very worriesome. it didnt even make it to the 20. thats not good. maybe the wind though.

    all in all id give it a “C-“

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    Simms threw an interception during the game’s final two-point conversion attempt, but those count as “incomplete.” Neither the QB or CB get an INT tallied to their stats.

  • http://BroncoTalk.net Mr.East

    Kerry and Roshon,

    Ayers was actually double teamed while he was rushing. For a rusher a double team is as good as a sack.

    The special teams coverage was awesome. I liked how Denver didn’t let any big returns happen and they got the ball past the 30 a few times.

    I agree I want to see the defense sack on a good line, but I’ll be happy with 4 for now.

  • JK

    I gotta say that I think 5 years down the road you’re going to see Pat Bowlen being reemed over this season in an NFL Network special called “Franchise Fallouts!” Seriously? This has got to be one of the most disappointing seasons ever, already! How do you fire the best coach in the NFL and bring in some guy who from the start has seemed to be kind of a shady guy? I really loved Mike because he was a class act! He told it like it was, didn’t put up with crap, but he also was willing to give a guy a second chance as long as he was truly repentant and showed promise to move on. I think Bowlen really botched this up! He went for a coach who was under one of the shadiest characters in the NFL (in my opinion). A complete opposite of Mike! And even though Cutler pulled an immature move, I still think there was no reason for what happened there either! We had a bright future and last night only re-confirmed my fears that this season and the next few are going to be probably similar to what Brown’s fans go through every year! Hopefully Mc D can at least see that Orton isn’t going to take us anywhere fast with his ‘slow pitch’ lobs! Those interceptions were too easy because he has no arm strength! I know we are used to the speed of Cutler but he has to have the slowest arm in the league!

  • wes

    Ah now do all you believe what I said two weeks ago about Orton being blessed with a FIVE YARD ARM. I told you so and let me tell you one more thing for all of you thinking the Bears have no talent at the WR spot. Hester is not a DB he hasnt been 4 three years goin on 4 and he is faster than anyone you had at that spot and oh yeah are QB can actually get him the ball. His route running is to the point of a 1st round rookie which is damn good bein thatyes this isnt his natural position.YOu can teach a player to Be a WR but you cant teach speed and great hands which he has . Oh and dont forget our amazing TE Olsen and Dez Clark. I have lived at camp this summer and sorry guys I just dont see what the worry is about the rest of are WR group Earl Bennet and another young recieverBrandon Rideau plus Devin Aromashodu are nite after night making plays. A great QB makes good young recievers look great and you all know Cutler is great. He would of easily gotten that ball past that DB in the end zone with his arm strength and those other 2 pics well welcome to are world Denver Orton only has a better win loss record because he played behind a super bowl defense as a Rookie and won 11 games goin 3 and out over and over and winning a few starts the year we went to the superbowl cause of injuries 2 rex. Lasy year was Kyles 1st year as a starter with no one taking his job the minute they got healthy. We missed the playoffs by one game.Now put Cutler with that D and see what happens period. For all you poor disillusioned Denver fans that cling to the fact that orton has a better win record shove it OK Cause this guy on your team with your D is goin to blow bottom line end of story. Watch the CHICAGO BEARS KICK HELL OUT OF BUFFALO TONITE WITH THE CRYBABY AND WE WILL SEE WHOS CRYIN .LIKE I SAID BEFORE THANK YOUR STUPID ASS COACH WHEN YOU SEE HIM FOR CAUSING A REAL QB TO GIVE HIM WHAT HE WANTED A NEW START WITHOUT HIM.

  • wes

    Oh yeah I forgot to add that CHICAGO has and always has had a running game that helped Orton win alot also. Cutler was never blessed in Denver with a D and a running game and yet he still passed for a Denver season record when your opposing defenses knew what was coming. Face it your coach screwed you guys hard is Matt Cassel better than Cutler alot of QBs have one good year and bust yet Coach McD wanted to take all the chemistry of that Off and give it up for Matt Cassel. Quit talkin smack about Chicago cause we wanted what your coach didnt. All we did was make a move that makes are team alot better. Thats what good coaches and owners do I sure didnt hear our number one pick Ayers name called lastnite I hope he make an immediate impact cause your gonna need it. You all are wishin bad things for Chicago for all this and that isnt right. All I was gonna do is try and tell you what you got in return for a probowler. But if talkin shit is what you wanna do it isnt gonna end well for Denver fans. Gooooooo Orton.

  • rcsodak

    wes….after you make it out of jr high, be sure to pound some sand.
    Chicago STILL won’t win their division, and will need help to make the playoffs.

    As far as the game last night, I watched it KNOWING it was preseason game #1….so nothing was that bad.

    The 1st pick was a good defensive play. Orton might have thrown to the other side of the te, but in all honesty, NOway a db should win that!

    Pick #2 was bad. No excuses. And reggie smith (OU!!!!!) made a great play, REGARDLESS of who threw that ball.

  • jbirchbronco

    Kerry,

    I said Orton “rightfully deserves a chance to start” because he is the only qb with recent starting experience. Yes Simms has started but he hasn’t done anything since his spleen situation in 2006. If you think the Cutler/Orton trade was made for Orton to come and be the backup then you truly are crazier than I already thought you were. I’ve been following the Broncos on Broncotalk for a long time and never really comment, but notice you are a frequent poster. You whine when the Broncos suck with Plummer, are the head of the “Fire Shanahan Campaign,” and now hate McDaniels because of what’s happened this offseason. What I have learned over the years is that no matter the situation, good or bad, you will find something to B&M about. We could have a 2,000 yd rusher (TD), a pro-bowl qb (Elway) and two super bowl wins and there’d still be something for you to complain about. I’ve come to learn this is just you. Your opinion is the only that matters and everyone else isnt on the same level as King Kerry. Either that or you’re a Raider fan disguising yourself as a Bronco fan

  • Tom9798

    Chris Simms should start from here on out . . . period.

    He showed more poise and command the whole time he played . . . ended up 11-17 for 142 yards and two touchdowns with a QB rating of a gozillion . . . (actually something around 130) . . . .

    His first touchdown to Putzier was identical to the one Tom Brady threw in the Pat’s game . . . (just not as pretty) . . .

    His two-point play should have been a mirror . . . always a fade to the outside . . . never over the middle . . . too much traffic . . .

    Simms ended with 142 yds. But should have had 178 yds. . . . . we won’t discuss the passes that were dropped that should have been caught but weren’t because of the zip on the ball . . . and please no crap about the spin from a lefty . . .

    The receiver’s were used to the marshmallows that Orton was floating out there for anyone to catch . . .

    Orton looked like he read Cutler’s book, “Just throw it and someone will catch it.”

    People seem to forget that Simms played with a ruptured spleen and still almost had the Buc’s in the playoffs . . . .

    This guy was a steal! . . . and the obvious choice from here on out . . . . T

  • Casey Ryan

    Here’s some 1st grade math for anyone that is in denial.

    Orton doesn’t have an arm + our array of good WRs = disaster.

    Simms has an arm + our array of good WRs = better chance of winning.

    Its not hard to see this if you have watched both QBs in the PAST.

    Do you think McD is so dumb he would not go with the better chance of winning? Come on!

    Now whether this is one game or not – it does not matter. This isn’t Orton’s first game. He’s been around. Look, if Orton wants to win it is CRITICAL that he shows the ability to laser tag any one of our OPEN WRs down field. See that happening with Orton? Bahahaha! No.

    Ok. Simms.. I wasn’t expecting that. I don’t know if Simms is just awesome or Orton just sucked that bad. And I will tell you this, McD wants to win games, not put up with a pitch toss QB that can’t get a ball to a receiver and make that receiver work hard.

    Simms also looked a lot more in control and had that swagger. Orton was lost and it worried me that Orton was not able to pull himself up by his boot straps after 1 or 2 INTs. That shows mental weakness and lack of confedence which screws with your ability to pick it back up.

    MARK MY WORDS. Orton WILL be benched. Simms will start. I can say this because (historically and proven just this last weekend) Orton does not complement our WR array, and Simms does more so.