Both QBs want the starting job. As of right now, Kyle Orton has my vote, but Brady Quinn is right there behind him. I know Quinn hasn't done much to prove himself so far, but let's run down the two through comparison.
Kyle Orton:
I was looking forward to seeing him play once the trade for Jay Cutler was finalized. There was no doubt that Mike Shanahan developed this offense for a strong-armed QB like Cutler, so when Orton were to step in, I was extremely curious as to see how it would work. We all knew Orton doesn't have Cutler-like throwing power, so any big plays were going to be rare. Orton is a good game manager, but he lacks the leadership and drive to win. Sure, the Broncos went 6-2, but they finished the season with a 2-6 record. He's a smart QB that would rarely make mistakes due to the fact that he doesn't take too many risks, I'd even say minimal. Orton had his moments, but that's what they were. Just Moments. I'd like to say he carried the team last season, but I can't. They went 8-8 as a team. What's wrong with that? There was no offensive leader. No one to direct emotions when needed. No one to calm the players down when anxiety would kick in. We would've been better off with Keanu Reeves when he was Shane Falco in The Replacements the last 8 games. But I can't take anything away from Orton. He did his best; and we saw how far the Broncos made it. On a positive note, at least they didn't finish under .500.
Brady Quinn:
His career so far has been horrendous. I think I can only recall one game where he actually excelled and showed us, well at least for only one game, what he's supposed to be. Quinn's a celebrated QB at the collegiate level. He was supposed to the be future and yet, he was not only replaced by Derek Anderson last year. This offseason, the Browns released Anderson, signed Seneca Wallace and then Jake Delhomme. It was obvious Quinn was done in Cleveland. What's worse then having 2 free agents jump ahead of you on the depth chart? Being traded for a back, a 2011 draft pick, and a 2012 conditional draft pick. Well the good news is he's out of Cleveland, and with the Broncos. Specifically, he is now under Josh McDaniels. The same coach not too long ago was the QB coach for the New England Patriots, then promoted to offensive coordinator. Yes, he coached Tom Brady and Matt Cassell. The same coach that is a product of the Bill Belichick system. Quinn should be familiar with the coaching style and system since his head coach at Notre Dame, Charlie Weiss, is also a product of the Belichick System. To be quite frank, this also goes for Orton, how hard could it be if you had the weapons that the Broncos have? Let's assume Brandon Marshall stays. Let's assume the Broncos would draft another wideout. Let's say the likes of Damian Williams of USC or a Jordan Shipley of Texas. Marshall is a HUGE target. He not only catches it anywhere near him, but he'll produce YACs. Eddie Royal is the speedy receiver you can get down field. Stokely is a great slot receiver, dependable on 3rd downs. If Scheffler stays, he too has reliable hands and is a 6-5' target. Knowshon Moreno can catch out of the backfield as Correll Buckhalter can also. Seriously fellas? At this point, it'll be a fun offseason battle. It would be extremely funny if somehow, someway, Tom Brandstater would beat the two out, like how Matt Barkley beat out Mitch Mustain and Aaron Corpe for the starting postion at USC.
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