For four games the Bears have reined in Kyle Orton, sticking with their run-first philosophy and limiting the risks inherent with a rookie quarterback. The result: Though they have led in three of the four games, they have scored just 62 points, 10 or fewer three times.
It’s time to let Orton do what he did at Purdue. That’s not only to look downfield but to throw there, even if it raises a risk. At this point, there is little to lose.
“I’ve always been a big believer that, especially when you get around midfield where a pick isn’t totally costly, that maybe you get down there and maybe throw one into coverage, give your receiver a chance to make a play and get something good to happen,” Orton said. “We’re getting to where we’ll take shots down the field.”
Offensive coordinator Ron Turner, Orton and the rest of the offense are ready to try to stretch a field that heretofore has been short by design. But the issue is whether they will able to.
The design of staying close and winning late has broken down because the defense twice has been unable to hold leads. While the offensive plan has minimized risk, it also has minimized impact plays.
Turner has kept Orton on a tight leash. Orton’s longest completion is 28 yards.
“We had it in the plan to go downfield more [against Cleveland],” Turner said. “But for whatever reasons, we weren’t able to do that.”
But now Orton will be forced to try it with injuries to Ruben Brown and John Tait on the left side of their offensive line as well as to their best-blocking tailback, Thomas Jones.
“You lose two starters and it does make your job harder,” center Olin Kreutz said. “And you lose two All-Pro starters and it’s even tougher. But I trust in the guys we’re putting in to play as hard as we can.”
Who has the edge?
QUARTERBACKS
Kyle Orton is the NFL’s lowest-rated quarterback. Minnesota’s Daunte Culpepper is not faring much better but has a Pro Bowl body of career work.
EDGE: VIKINGS.
RUNNING BACKS
Thomas Jones’ knee injury casts a shadow over an excellent running game, but Cedric Benson has something to prove. Mewelde Moore is averaging 4.2 yards per carry.
EDGE: BEARS.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Travis Taylor has had a career rebirth in Minnesota with 18 catches, and Troy Williamson is starting to play like a No. 7 draft pick with two touchdowns.
EDGE: VIKINGS.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Injuries to John Tait and Ruben Brown could force the Bears to adjust protection schemes. Minnesota’s line is not protecting Culpepper or establishing a running game.
EDGE: BEARS.
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DEFENSIVE LINE
The Vikings are not stopping much up front. The Bears’ front has been neutralized by maximum-protection schemes to blunt the pass rush. The Bears need pressure on the quarterback to take it off their defensive backs.
EDGE: BEARS.
LINEBACKERS
Brian Urlacher is among the NFL’s sack leaders. He and Lance Briggs are averaging double-figure tackles per game.
EDGE: BEARS.
SECONDARY
Mike Brown is having a Pro Bowl season, but Chris Harris looks like a rookie. Safety Corey Chavous leads the Vikings in tackles, and cornerback Antoine Winfield has experience if not size; he’s just 5-9.
EDGE: VIKINGS.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Bears have turned to rookie Robbie Gould in a showdown with ex-Bear Paul Edinger. Vikings rookie Chris Kluwe leads the NFL with a 42.6 net punting average.
EDGE: VIKINGS.
COACHING
The Bears have had execution breakdowns but have played with clear game plans. Mike Tice’s control over the Vikings appears shaky after the sex-cruise allegations.
EDGE: BEARS.