Onward Orton

Lets trace the hints and check the file
Lets see who bit to detect the style
I flip the script so they can't get foul
At least not now, it'll take a while...

The Kyle Orton Era in Donkland has begun. Rev up the fire trucks for the victory parade down 17th street! Bar owners and club owners in denver and beyond are also thrilled. Camera phones are ready.

Little do many Donk fans know that Orton's path nearly came through Colorado nearly a decade ago. Orton committed to the University of Colorado for their 2001 signing class, but after a whirlwind few internet-frenzied days, he reneged his committment and ultimatley chose Purdue and Joe Tiller's high powered attack.

How could've the path of two teams, both the Buffs and Broncos been changed had Orton stuck with his initial promise to Boulder? The Buffs, who won the 2001 Big 12 Championship (ironically in part to Orton's current backup Chris Simms' poor play) might've been forced to sub Orton in that season for the injured starter Craig Ochs. Orton would've undoubtedly started 02-04 for Gary Barnett's Buffs. However, the numbers at Purdue wouldn't have happenned in Boulder with Barnett's penchant for old school on the ground attack.

The reduced exposure might've lead to Orton's draft stock plunging or not even existing. If Orton never had got a shot in Chicago, perhaps the Jay Cutler trade wouldn't have been so appealing to the Bronco brass (getting a four year starter in return for Cutler was key) and perhaps both sides would've been more prone to work it out.

When Orton throws another pick this fall and you are beside yourself, thinking of Cutler, McDaniels, and Pat Bowlen, wondering how did this team get here? Blame Gary Barnett.