kyle orton

Morgan excited to returns home, play with Redskins

WASHINGTON—Joshua Morgan came home Wednesday. As a bonus, got to hang out with Pierre Garcon.

Morgan and Garcon signed their contracts with the Washington Redskins, adding fresh talent to the receiving corps even as the team continued to search for other ways to upgrade on the second day of NFL free agency.

“We’ve got a great idea of what the coaches expect from us and what they want us to do. We’re just ready to come in there and go to work,” Morgan said in an interview after meeting with coach Mike Shanahan, offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and other coaches. “The sky’s the limit for us. I agree with the coaches: they said that the offense matches me and Pierre’s talents.”

Washington took care of some other paperwork Wednesday, formally completing the trade with the St. Louis Rams to move up to the no. 2 spot in the NFL draft. Meanwhile, they continued to court receiver Eddie Royal and were preparing to host cornerback Aaron Ross on Thursday. Safety Brandon Meriweather was also scheduled for a visit, according to The Washington Post.

Morgan goes from West Coast to East, leaving the San Francisco 49ers for $12 million over two years with $7.5 million guaranteed. He said he’s almost fully recovered after breaking his right leg Oct. 9 against Tampa Bay. He had surgery to have screws inserted and was placed on season-ending injured reserve just five games into the season.

“Just still trying to work on that explosion, get that explosion all the way back,” he said. “But everything’s good.”

D.C. born and bred, Morgan also said the prospect of returning home—he played for Woodson High in Washington and then at Virginia Tech—had “a whole lot to do” with his choice of teams. He said his entire family still lives in the area, including the two grandmothers who prefer that he be called “Joshua” instead of “Josh” because it’s true to the spirit of the Biblical names many of his relatives have.

“I’m happy for Josh. I wish we could have had him, but he’s getting to play at home and getting paid some money,” 49ers running back Frank Gore said. “Coming off the injury, I think he’s going to all right. He’s going to help the Redskins a lot.”

Garcon, Morgan and possibly Royal would make for a crowded receiver competition with incumbents Santana Moss, Jabar Gaffney, Anthony Armstrong and Leonard Hankerson if all are on the roster at training camp. The Redskins need more playmakers at the position: Moss averaged just 4.4 yards after the catch last year, while Gaffney averaged only 2.9.

But neither Garcon, Morgan nor Royal have had a 1,000-yard receiving season in the NFL. Garcon hit 947 last season as the Colts’ no. 2 receiver next to Reggie Wayne, but he received no. 1 money from the Redskins. Morgan’s high point has been 698 yards in 2010.

Garcon wasn’t available for comment—the Redskins, usually known for making the most out of big free agent signings, uncharacteristically opted not to hold news conferences for either player—but Morgan feels he’ll be able to adjust to Washington’s offense without much difficulty.

“It just like the 49ers offense,” Morgan said. “Same West Coast style, same terminology, same route combinations.”

Meriweather and Ross are on the Redskins’ list because the team has decisions to make all along the back line. Safety Oshiomogho Atogwe was cut this week after one disappointing season in Washington, and injured-plagued safety LaRon Landry became an unrestricted free agent. DeJon Gomes and Reed Doughty, projected to be backups, were the starters by the end of last year. Cornerbacks DeAngelo Hall and Josh Wilson are under contract to return, but they combined for just five interceptions in 2011.

Meriweather spent last season with the Chicago Bears but was benched in October after making four starts. He previously played four years with the New England Patriots and had 12 interceptions.

Ross played four years with the New York Giants but was deemed expendable with the return of Terrell Thomas from injury. Thomas re-signed with the Giants this month and figures to joins Corey Webster and Prince Amukamara in the cornerback rotation for the reigning Super Bowl champions.

Washington agreed last week to give three first-round picks and a second-rounder to the Rams, putting the Redskins into position to draft Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III at no. 2. under NFL rules, the trade couldn’t be completed until the new league year began with the start of free agency.

Looking ahead, the Redskins need to decide on a veteran quarterback to help guide Griffin through a rookie season. one of the options was taken off the table Wednesday when Kyle Orton agreed to terms with the Dallas Cowboys.

Also still on the open market is linebacker and defensive captain London Fletcher, whom the Redskins would like to re-sign. Defensive end Adam Carriker, who re-signed on Wednesday, added to the lobbying effort for Fletcher to return.

“Hey man, I’m standing at the front door of Redskin Park,” Carriker asked Fletcher on Twitter, “WHERE YOU AT?!”

Fletcher didn’t answer.

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AP Sports Writer Janie McCauley in San Francisco contributed to this report.

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Joseph White can be reached at twitter.com/JGWhiteAP

Romeo Crennel confirms Kyle Orton as starter

Reuters

The only thing standing in the way of Kyle Orton and the starting quarterback job for the Chiefs was a dislocated index finger, but coach Romeo Crennel doesn’t think that’s going to be a problem.

Crennel said Friday that Orton will be the starter against the Packers on Sunday. Tyler Palko, who started the last four games for Kansas City, will become the third quarterback while rookie Ricky Stanzi moves up to number two. Earlier this week, Crennel hinted that the offense might go all shotgun to protect Orton’s finger, but it sounds like Orton’s convinced him that the team doesn’t need to go in that direction.

“the ball has not been on the ground when he has taken the snap so that’s a good sign that there have been no fumbles with him.”

In another change, offensive coordinator Bill Muir will be calling plays from the booth after working from the sideline during the last four games. Muir will relay the calls through quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn.

Kyle Orton eager for shot at starting job / LJWorld.com

Kansas City, Mo. — Kyle Orton finished dressing after the Chiefs’ loss to Pittsburgh on Sunday night and then turned to face reporters for the first time since he was claimed off waivers from the Denver Broncos.

At the very same moment, Tyler Palko brushed past the scrum that had gathered around Orton, on his way to a sparsely attended postgame news conference, his four-turnover effort having contributed largely to a 13-9 loss that gave Kansas City a four-game losing streak.

It was a telling image about where the Chiefs’ future lies.

Embattled coach Todd Haley said Monday that Palko remains the starter, but he acknowledged that Orton will be given every opportunity to win the job before Sunday’s game at Chicago.

“Tyler’s the starter,” Haley said, “but as we do every week and with every position, if we feel Kyle or Ricky (Stanzi) gives us a chance to win, we’ll make that determination.”

The Chiefs have been scrambling to find a replacement for Matt Cassel, who joined Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry and All-Pro running back Jamaal Charles on injured reserve after hurting his throwing hand late in a loss to the Broncos on Nov. 13.

They chose not to bring in an experienced backup during training camp, electing to stick with Palko and Stanzi, their fifth-round draft pick. Palko was given the reins of the offense last week at new England and threw three interceptions in a 34-3 loss. and when Orton didn’t arrive in Kansas City until Friday, the team had no choice but to start Palko against Pittsburgh.

The journeyman quarterback, who was once cut by a UFL team, wound up fumbling a snap and throwing two interceptions in a span of three offensive plays. His third interception happened in the closing seconds as Kansas City tried to march downfield for a go-ahead touchdown.

“Tyler knows he cannot be careless with the football,” Haley said. “That being said, throughout the game, a lot of the things Tyler did gave us a chance to win that game.”

The things he did were also the biggest reason they lost.

“It’s just execution,” Palko said afterward. “Four turnovers today and how many last week, three? seven turnovers in two games is unacceptable. We’re shooting ourselves in the foot.”

Haley refused to say whether Orton could have learned enough of the offense to be available to run the two-minute drill, but he did say that the former Broncos and Bears starter will be able to get up to speed in time to compete for the starting job this week.

“I don’t think that’s an issue, really. when you talk about Kyle, you talk about a really bright football guy,” Haley said. “That won’t be an issue. More along the lines of who can run the offense most efficiently given how we’re built.”

Orton said that his goal is to help the Chiefs (4-7) reach the playoffs, something that is still possible in the weak AFC West, incredible as that sounds.

Copyright 2011 The associated Press. all rights reserved. this material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. we strive to uphold our values for every story published.

Thursday Sports (audio): KU Posts Win over FAU

For an audio summary, click on the link to the left.

The Kansas Jayhawks notch a 77-54 win over Florida Atlantic. bill Self was not happy with his team’s performance.

Kansas State hosts George Washington. the Wildcats have been off since November 22.

Kansas Wesleyan volleyball loses 3-1 to College of Idaho. the Coyotes wrap up pool play today against Indiana Wesleyan.

Kansas Wesleyan basketball teams to host rival Bethany tonight to open KCAC play.

Former Chiefs defensive lineman and current Stanford assistant coach Chester McGlockton dies.

Kyle Orton says he’s ready when the Chiefs call on him to play.

Washington State hires Mike Leach. Leach was considered a candidate for the KU vacancy.

Thursday’s sports broadcast schedule:

Classic Hits 104.9 – Kansas Wesleyan basketball vs. Bethany, 5:50pm pregame, 6:00 tip-off.

NewsRadio 1150 KSAL – Kansas State basketball vs. George Washington, 6:00pm pregame, 7:00 tip-off.

Local Sports Calendar:

Salina Central and Salina South swimming host meet at Salina South, 1:30pm

Salina Central wrestling at Salina South, 7pm

Former Broncos QB Kyle Orton must earn Chiefs job

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kyle Orton finished dressing after the Chiefs’ loss to Pittsburgh on Sunday night, and then turned to face reporters for the first time since he was claimed off waivers from the Broncos.

At the very same moment, Tyler Palko brushed past the scrum that had gathered around Orton, on his way to a sparsely attended postgame news conference, his four-turnover effort having contributed largely to a 13-9 loss that gave Kansas City a four-game losing streak.

It was a telling image about where the Chiefs’ future lies.

Embattled coach Todd Haley said today that Palko remains the starter, but he acknowledged that Orton will be given every opportunity to win the job before Sunday’s game at Chicago.

“Tyler’s the starter,” Haley said, “but as we do every week and with every position, if we feel Kyle or Ricky (Stanzi) gives us a chance to win, we’ll make that determination.”

The Chiefs have been scrambling to find a replacement for Matt Cassel, who joined Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry and All-Pro running back Jamaal Charles on injured reserve after hurting his throwing hand late in a loss to the Broncos on Nov. 13.

They chose not to bring in an experienced backup during training camp, electing to stick with Palko and Stanzi, their fifth-round draft pick. Palko was given the reins of the offense last week at new England and threw three interceptions in a 34-3 loss. And when Orton didn’t arrive in Kansas City until Friday, the team had no choice but to start Palko against Pittsburgh.

The journeyman quarterback, who was once cut by a UFL team, wound up fumbling a snap and throwing two interceptions in a span of three offensive plays. His third interception happened in the closing seconds as Kansas City tried to march downfield for a go-ahead touchdown.

“Tyler knows he cannot be careless with the football,” Haley said. “That being said, throughout the game, a lot of the things Tyler did gave us a chance to win that game.”

The things he did were also the biggest reason they lost.

“It’s just execution,” Palko said afterward. “Four turnovers today and how many last week, three?

Seven turnovers in two games is unacceptable. We’re shooting ourselves in the foot.”

Haley refused to say whether Orton could have learned enough of the offense to be available to run the two-minute drill, but he did say that the former Broncos and Bears starter will be able to get up to speed in time to compete for the starting job this week.

“I don’t think that’s an issue, really. when you talk about Kyle, you talk about a really bright football guy,” Haley said. “That won’t be an issue. More along the lines of who can run the offense most efficiently given how we’re built.”

Orton said that his goal is to help the Chiefs (4-7) reach the playoffs, something that is still possible in the weak AFC West, incredible as that sounds. But he won’t be able to do that unless he’s able to grow comfortable with the personnel and playbook in just a few days’ worth of practice.

“Yeah, it’s difficult. Not only just trying to learn the offense but trying to get the timing with everybody and get the familiarity with everybody,” Orton said. “I’m just going to take whatever role I have on the team and try to do the best I can.”

Orton said he’s committed to helping the floundering Chiefs, who have a brutal stretch of five games remaining, despite the fact that he’ll be a free agent after this season.

The Chiefs certainly thought enough of his ability to help out that they were willing to assume the roughly $2.6 million left on his contract for a stretch of games that includes trips to the Bears and Jets, home games against the defending Super Bowl champion Packers and AFC West-leading Raiders, and the regular-season finale at suddenly perky Denver.

“I don’t expect anything but to work hard and learn the offense and try to fill any role that I can,” Orton said. “It’s just a matter of trying to get to know my teammates and get to know the system as well as I can and help any way that I can.”

Chicago Bears Playoffs – Why The Chicago Bears Will Make The Playoffs in 2005

In 2004 the Chicago Bears went 5-11, and were one of the worst teams in the National Football League. the Bears allowed 66 Sacks on their various quarterbacks, and were last in the league in just about every major offense category.

So how do the Chicago Bears have even a remote chance at making the playoffs in 2005?

The biggest reason the Bears are improved this year, is because Kyle Orton will have a couple of weeks to work out his timing with the 1st unit offense. Rex Grossman has a plus arm, but does not have the durability to be an NFL quarterback.

If you have 66 sacks in a season on a QB than not all of the blame can be placed on the quarterback of a team. That is the reason why the pro-bowl offensive lineman, John Tait, moved over to the Left Tackle position. Tait knew it would be easier for the Bears to acquire a right Tackle than a Left Tackle, and decided to move positions so that he could protect Kyle Orton. the Bears picked up the pro-bowler RT Fred Miller in the off-season, to shore up the right side of their offensive line. With Ruben Brown and Olin Kreutz, the Chicago Bears will have 4 former pro-bowlers anchoring their offensive line.

The Chicago Bears also improved their receiving core in the offseason. they acquired one of the best free agents in the market in Muhsin Muhammad. not only will Muhammad be a great receiving option for Orton, but he will able to tutor a lot of the young receiving core on the Bears. Justin Gage, a young tall receiver, will benefit from Muhammad’s presence, as well as newcomer, Mark Bradley.

The Chicago Bears have also improved their play-calling ability, with their new offensive coordinator, Ron Turner. Turner was successful with the Bears in the mid-90s, when Erik Kramer posted some of the best numbers of his career. Kyle Orton has already stated that the offense is further ahead at this point than they were with Terry Shea, and with Cedric Benson joining the Bears running game, the Bears will be an offensive force to be reckoned with.

The Chicago Bears defense was solid in 2004, despite the fact that every game they were on the field the entire time. Mike Brown is healthy this year, Charles Tillman is healthy, and with Jerry Azumah, Nathan Vasher, Brian Urlacher, and Lance Briggs, the Bears defense could dominate this year.

The National Football League is designed with free agency for last place teams to turn it around quickly, and for first place teams to fade. the Bears have a light schedule, and have a beefed up team. the Chicago Bears will make the playoffs in 2005, and end a drought of pain and suffering for football fans in Chicago.

Week 12 Preview

Matt Leinart: Starting for Houston with Schaub injured

Just in case NFL fans were not stuffed with a tasty Thanksgiving triple, the rest of the NFL resumes hostilities on Sunday with the remainder of Week 12, including the regular double helping of live action on Sky Sports.

We firstly get to see how the Houston Texans handle life without star quarterback Matt Schaub, who is out for the season, as former Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart steps under centre with something to prove after his NFL struggles.

Houston are 7-3 and have won their last four. they top the AFC South and face divisional rivals Jacksonville in what should be a great chance for Leinart to get off to a good start – especially with giant receiver Andre Johnson back from injury.

Our second helping of action on Sunday sees another team trying to adjust after losing their quarterback as the Chicago Bears head to Oakland without Jay Cutler, as Caleb Hanie tries to keep them on track for a play-off place.

The Bears are also 7-3 behind unbeaten Green Bay in the NFC North but Cutler is a huge loss and a game at the AFC West leading Raiders, who could have Darren McFadden back in action, will be a tough baptism for young Hanie’s first league start.

Winless

With 11 weeks gone and still nothing in the win column, the spectre of the dreaded 0-16 season is now well and truly hanging over the Indianapolis Colts, and they will not want that ‘achievement’ in the record books when they host the Super Bowl in February.

A home game, after a bye, against the 2-8 Panthers actually looks like a winnable game for these lowly Colts, and the recent struggles of Cam Newton will give them hope, even if they still have to make do with Curtis Painter as their own QB.

Even if Newton has had four TDs but five interceptions in his last three games, he still has nine rushing TDs on the season, the Panthers still average over 400 yards a game and the Colts’ awful defence has allowed almost as much.

Vince Young will get the start again for Philadelphia as Michael Vick is forced out again with injury, so for the second week in succession it will be up to the former Texas Longhorns QB to keep the Eagles’ slender play-off hopes alive.

Young struggled last week but rallied late on to get the Eagles over the line against the Giants and just about keep them in the hunt, but this week they welcome Tom Brady and the Patriots to Philly and that will be a different story altogether.

Injuries

Adrian Peterson is doubtful for Minnesota’s trip to Atlanta with a high ankle sprain, and expect the Falcons to be the ones using the power running game as they face a must-win scenario to remain in the NFC play-off picture.

Tim Tebow no longer has Kyle Orton to worry about as he looks to extend his bewildering winning run in a pivotal AFC West trip to San Diego to face the slumping Chargers, who have lost five on the spin and one more could signal the end of their season.

A loss in Denver last week left the Jets hanging on in there, and their game against the Bills could be a straight knockout in play-off terms, with both teams on 5-5 and stuck on losing runs, meaning defeat would almost certainly put them too far behind.

The Bengals have played well but lost the last two, and an ugly win will do as they face the Browns in Cincinnati, while the Titans look to get back to winning ways against the out-of-form Buccaneers who have lost the last four.

The Steelers are playing catch-up behind Baltimore and only a win will do as they travel to face the Kansas City Chiefs, who have signed Kyle Orton but will start Tyler Palko. He could be in for a long day if they don’t improve.

Kyle Orton joins Kansas City Chiefs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Todd Haley admits he was surprised that Kyle Orton’s name popped up on the waiver wire.

The fact it happened just after the Kansas City Chiefs lost starting quarterback Matt Cassel to a season-ending injury to his throwing hand made it almost serendipitous.

Orton finally joined the Chiefs on Friday, two days after he was claimed off waivers from the Denver Broncos. He’ll have the chance to compete for the starting job for the rest of the year, though it’s unlikely he’ll be up to speed in time for Sunday night’s game against Pittsburgh.

“We have to get Kyle assimilated into how we’re doing things,” Haley said, “and then make decisions as we get closer to the game, and then obviously next week.”

Haley wouldn’t rule out Orton being active against the Steelers, at least in a third quarterback role, assuming he learns enough of the playbook in just 48 hours. but the coach said Tyler Palko will make his second career start and fifth-round draft pick Ricky Stanzi will remain the no. 2.

Palko threw for 230 yards and did a reasonable job of moving the Chiefs in a 34-3 loss to new England last Monday night, but he also threw three interceptions that foiled promising drives.

“I have great confidence in Tyler. I really believe that he will continue to get better and give us a chance to win a big game this week,” Haley said. “We had confidence in Tyler. That’s why we began the season the way we did. Had a number of opportunities to add people and we didn’t.”

In fact, general manager Scott Pioli was roundly criticized for failing to bring in a more experienced backup to Cassel during training camp, even though several were available.

Haley said that proved how much confidence the regime had in Palko, who was once cut by a UFL team and spent time playing in Canada before finally ending up on the Chiefs.

But when Cassel went down for the season late in a loss to Denver two weeks ago, Haley said the team decided it needed another quarterback simply for depth. The fact Orton was cast aside by Denver, where he threw for more than 3,000 yards each of the past two seasons, made the decision to put in a waiver claim on him a “no brainer,” Haley said.

Several other teams were interested in Orton, including the Chicago Bears, where he began his NFL career. but the Chiefs had the priority, along with plenty of room under the salary cap to absorb the roughly $2.6 million he’s owed through the rest of the season.

“I wouldn’t rule out anything at this point, other than Tyler is starting the game Sunday,” Haley said before practice Friday night. “We’ll just have to see.”

Palko said he wasn’t concerned about the arrival of Orton, who wasn’t made available to the media Friday. Palko has been on the practice squad and spent most of the season as the backup, and yet prepared the same each day. The son of a western Pennsylvania high school coach plans to approach practice as though he’s the starter, however long that might be.

“Todd told me after practice they claimed Kyle and that was pretty much it,” Palko said. “You can’t be sensitive, you can’t worry about things you can’t control.”

What Palko can control is how he performs Sunday night against the Steelers.

If the former University of Pittsburgh quarterback can lead Kansas City to a victory — no small task considering the 10½-point spread — then he’ll have a good chance of starting the following week. If he fails to perform well against the team he grew up watching, it might not matter who the starter is the rest of the way; the Chiefs (4-6) will likely be out of playoff contention.

“We understand the sense of urgency that we must have, and we understand that our margin of error is very small at this point,” Haley said. “We have to figure out a way to win a big game.”

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Kyle Orton Claimed By Chiefs

Kyle Orton wasn’t on the waiver wire for more than 24 hours before he was claimed by the Kansas City Chiefs. The Broncos put $2.5 million in their pocket and the Chiefs got a quarterback that could potentially put the 4-6 team back in the playoff hunt.

It was reported that the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys also put a claim in for him, but the Chiefs were higher on the list because of their record.

A few notes about the move:

- Willis McGahee takes over Orton’s position as a team captain.

- The Colts really must be in it to “Suck for Luck.”

- The first day of the New Year just got a lot more interesting. The Broncos play the Chiefs at Mile High in what could be a game that decides who goes to the playoffs from the AFC West.

- Orton is in the best position possible. It’s a situation with low expectations, good receivers, and a chance to win a permanent starting job.

- Which will be louder at Mile High? The cheers for Tebow or the “boos” for Orton?

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Tags: denver broncos, kansas city chiefs, kyle orton, tim tebow

It Is What It Is » Andre Carter on M&M: ‘It’s all about balance’ on Pats D-line

Defensive lineman Andre Carter joined the Mut & Merloni show Tuesday morning for his weekly chat about the team.

The Chiefs made it a priority to keep Carter away from inexperience quarterback Tyler Palko, after Carter recorded four sacks vs the Jets the week before.

“they mixed in chipping in with the running back and also the tight end. … the only rush I had was doing my best to get around the corner,” Carter said. “Overall, they had a great game plan. even the Chiefs offensive linemen talked to me, they were like, ‘There’s no way we’re going to let you get around the corner.’ I was like, ‘Yeah, you’re protecting that well.’

“as a player in general you’re honored, because they look at you, or they look at our D-linemen and say, OK, this is the game plan and we just have to stick to it.”

With teams starting to pay more attention to Carter, fellow defensive lineman Mark Anderson has been taking advantage. Anderson had four tackles and 1½ sacks Monday.

“It’s all about balance,” Carter said. “Especially when teams look at myself and say, OK, we have to use two-on-one or possibly three-on-one. Especially when they just kind of slide, particularly my way, whether it’s Mark Anderson or whether it’s Rob Ninkovich, whoever is rushing on that left end, or just the tackle in general, somebody has to win the one-on-one. That’s something we’ve always harped on.”

Added Carter: “I’m just blessed to play with a great, elite group of men that have a love for the game and love for each other. It’s just been great.”

Following are more highlights from the conversation. to hear the interview, go to the Mut & Merloni audio on demand page.

On wide receiver Julian Edelman filling in for the shorthanded defensive secondary: “Unfortunately, as you know, we’ve been plagued with a little but of injuries. It’s a business, and the next guy has to step up. So, we’re very pleased with his performance, how he came in and contributed when his number was called.”

On tight end Rob Gronkowski: “He’s just so elite because he is physical. If he needs to block, especially on run downs, he’ll get after it. He’ll go get it. … He is a physical specimen. Overall, he is definitely the complete package as a tight end.”

On Sunday’s opponent, the Eagles: “this is a team that knows how to win. We’re going into their environment. the fans are crazy. They’ve got the ‘Rocky’ theme going on during the pregame. Overall, despite whatever they were going through, they have many offensive weapons that we have to be alert for, as well as on either side of the ball, they’ve always been physical, they’ve always been aggressive. They’ve been an aggressive team. So, this is definitely a challenge for us.”