Orton making strides; Marshall stepping back

Finally, Denver has a starting quarterback. Again.

Kyle Orton has been given the go-ahead by the Broncos and will be the starter on opening day. Orton was named the starter Saturday.

Head coach Josh McDaniels thought it was better to have a clear-cut starter heading into training camp next month.

Word around Dove Valley was that Chris Simms was also up for the quarterback job left open by the Jay Cutler trade. Simms has bounced around the league during his career but was never able to overcome injuries and inconsistent play to nail down a starting spot for more than a few games.

Orton, on the other hand, is coming off his best season as a pro and earned the starting quarterback job in Chicago in 2008, beating out current Houston Texans’ backup Rex Grossman. Orton’s 18 touchdown passes last year doubled his previous season high of nine. Of course, his numbers while a member of the Chicago Bears won’t have anyone forgetting Jay Cutler’s name anytime soon, but he could be a perfect cog for McDaniels’ offense.

Matt Cassel came off the bench to start for the New England Patriots last season in place of the injured Tom Brady. In his first stint of significant action in eight years, Cassel passed for 3,693 yards and 21 touchdowns in McDaniels’ system. With a better offensive line and receivers comparable with those Cassel had in New England, Orton has the chance to match those numbers.

Orton was informed of the decision Friday night and took all the first-team snaps Saturday. Orton was much crisper than Simms during the team’s previous practices and was obviously excited about the opportunity. Simms quelled all concerns about a looming controversy by calling Orton “underrated,” and “smart . . . with a lot of plusses.”

Orton’s offseason has been far from perfect, however. Two interceptions were returned for scores after his coronation, although it’s promising that one of them was picked by rookie Robert Ayers. Ayers is reportedly learning to play along the line at defensive end on first and second down, then moving to linebacker on third down. No word on what down Orton’s turnover came on. Although he did manage to thread a pass into rookie running back Knowshon Moreno’s hands in tight coverage against the sideline.

Also, just because it seems noteworthy, starting right guard Chris Kuper was excused from minicamp this week to get married next weekend. Backup center Kory Lichtensteiger also was excused to attend a separate wedding.

However, it’s hard to really fall head over heels for all the “love is in the air” talk considering the recent events surrounding wide receiver Brandon Marshall. Marshall was again absent from team minicamps, though his reasons weren’t quite as savory. His latest disappearing act comes only one day after a face-to-face meeting with Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and McDaniels. Marshall is reportedly unhappy with his contract as well as what he thinks was a misdiagnosis of a hip injury he suffered last season. The Broncos’ top receiver of the past two seasons is working out alone in Orlando.

Judging by the last personal meeting among Bowlen, McDaniels and a high-profile member of the team, there’s a good chance Marshall could end up skipping practices in another city, although it’s nearly impossible. Losing Marshall at this point would be a huge blow to the projected success of Orton, who has to be ecstatic over the chance to throw to actual receivers.

Marshall’s absence is particularly puzzling considering he recently learned he wouldn’t be disciplined by the NFL for his recent legal troubles. Maybe he’s in South Florida trying out for the Magic. He’s got to be a better option than Jameer Nelson. But that’s another story.

See more from Hunter Ansley at DraftZoo.com