Orton's hot start mirrors Grossman's in 2006

Before a bronze bust of Kyle Orton is commissioned for delivery to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, consider this:

Rex Grossman had eerily similar numbers after seven games in 2006.

Orton's passer rating is 91.4; Grossman's was 89.6.

Orton has thrown for 1,669 yards; Grossman threw for 1,639.

Orton has connected on 143 of 230 passes, a 62.2 completion percentage. Grossman had completed 130 of 216 passes for 60.2 percent.

As we have seen in the past, a half-season does not an NFL career make.

The Orton bandwagon is becoming more crowded with each week, and fans and media continue to report more hamstring pulls each week attempting to hop a ride as the impressive performances continue from the 25-year-old Purdue product, who, by the way, is roughly three months younger than Grossman was during his spectacular 2006 season.

But it may be time to chill for a while and lessen the expectations on Orton. After the upcoming off week, two of the Bears' next three games are against the Tennessee Titans at home and the Packers in Green Bay. Both those defenses rank in the top 10 in passing yards allowed and in the top five in interceptions.

This isn't a prediction of impending doom for Orton - not by a long shot. He has a legitimate chance to be the long-term answer that the Bears have sought at quarterback for years. He has accomplished what Grossman did with a weaker supporting cast.

Orton is operating behind an offensive line that is not as talented or experienced as the one that protected Grossman and allowed him to be sacked just 21 times the entire season. Last season that offensive line aged faster than dog years, but in 2006 it was still a quality, cohesive and experienced group.

Orton has already been dropped 14 times this season, even though he has shown better mobility and escape ability in the pocket than many of his critics thought he had.

The running game was probably a bit better in 2006, considering Thomas Jones picked up 1,210 yards and it was golden age of Cedric Benson, which unfortunately for the Bears lasted just half a season. Rookie Matt Forte may be a more talented all-around running back than either of them, but he's cooled off after a hot start. Again, he does not have the benefit of running behind a quality offensive line.

The Bears are better at tight end now than they were in 2006 because of Greg Olsen, who continues to look more and more like a difference maker in the passing game. But the current wide receivers are not as accomplished as the 2006 group, which included emerging big-play deep threat Bernard Berrian and Muhsin Muhammad, who was still a legitimate go-to target when he wasn't tossing teammates under the bus.

That's another thing Orton and Grossman have in common - tread marks courtesy of Muhammad.

Orton overcame that, as well as his two years in exile while Grossman got the nod. Orton has emerged stronger, both mentally and physically, and has exhibited all the qualities of an NFL quarterback.

But it's still too soon to soon for enshrinement.

rlegere@dailyherald.com