Kyle Orton named AFC Offensive Player of the Week

Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton has been named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for games played during Week 5 of the 2009 NFL season.

There’s no question the award, the first of its kind in Orton’s career, is well-deserved after a top-notch performance. The only question is — is Kyle Orton Pro Bowl bound? Press release after the jump. 

BRONCOS QB KYLE ORTON TO BE NAMED AFC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton will be named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for games played during the fifth week (Oct. 11-12) of the 2009 season, the National Football League informed the Broncos on Tuesday.

Orton’s selection as his conference’s Player of the Week is the first such award of his five-year NFL career.

The quarterback was recognized by the NFL after completing 35-of-48 (72.9%) passes for 330 yards with two touchdowns and one interception (Hail Mary pass attempt) for a 96.7 rating in Denver’s 20-17 overtime win against New England on Sunday. He led two touchdown drives of at least 10 plays and 90 yards against the Patriots, including a 12-play, 98-yard drive late in the fourth quarter that tied the game and eventually forced overtime.

Orton’s 35 completions were a career high and tied for the third-highest single-game total in the NFL this year. His 72.9 completion percentage also was a personal best and marked the second-highest game total in Broncos history among players with at least 45 pass attempts.

A former standout at Purdue University, Orton is the Broncos’ 44th AFC Offensive Player of the Week winner since the award was initiated by the NFL in 1984.