Chiefs vs Bears: 6 Chicago Players Who Need to Elevate Their Games Most
Published by Timothy Hockemeyer on December 1, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The Bears five-game winning streak was snapped in Oakland by the Raiders ridiculous kicking tandem, helped by the Bears growing pains behind a young first-time starter.
But the Bears playoff hopes aren’t strained and quarterback Caleb Hanie showed int he second half that he has what it takes to keep the Bears competitive and lead Chicago into the postseason.
Coming up in Week 13, the Bears face an interesting story line.
The Chiefs are a team in trouble, with their playoff hopes slipping slowly out of their grasp.
Kansas City will start Tyler Palko, who has been anything but good in his first two NFL starts. Palko has been responsible for seven turnovers over the past two weeks, including a fumbled snap and two interceptions in three consecutive offensive plays last week.
Enter Kyle Orton.. The Chiefs claimed Orton off of waivers last week ahead of the Bears who also put a claim in. Orton is a game manager who makes few mistakes but won’t carry the team on his back.
Yet Palko will start against the Bears according to Chiefs head coach Todd Haley. But while Palko is starting, expect Orton to make an appearance early and increase the Chiefs chances. How?
First Orton has a history of success in this situation. He may not be experienced in this offense, but it won’t be the first time he took over when the teams starter is injured. In 2005, Orton helped the Bears win 10 of 15 games that glass soldier Rex Grossman missed through efficient play and limited mistakes.
In addition, Orton has extensive experience with the Bears defense, playing against them in practice for three seasons.
Interestingly enough, the Bears figure to face off against their leading passer and rusher from the 2005 season. Alongside Kyle Orton, former Bears rusher Thomas Jones will split carries in the Chiefs backfield.
The Chiefs are reeling, but the Bears aren’t exactly on solid ground, either. Ahead, we’ll look at the six Bears that Chicago needs to step up against the Chiefs.
