Thread: Bears Defense Not Expecting Orton to Start Sunday..........

Defense expects Tyler Palko to start
By Mark Potash mpotash@suntimes.com December 1, 2011 8:08PM

Updated: December 2, 2011 2:24AM


The Bears are preparing for Tyler Palko to start at quarterback for the Chiefs on Sunday at Soldier Field. But if it’s former teammate Kyle Orton, so be it. ‘‘As far as I’m concerned right now, we’re going to see Tyler Palko,’’ linebacker Lance Briggs said. ‘‘It’s Tyler, right? The left — we’re getting the lefty.’’

Palko, who has zero touchdown passes and six interceptions in two starts for the Chiefs, is taking first-team reps in practice this week. But Orton is getting some as well. But it’s not exactly like wondering whether you’re going to get Matt Hasselbeck or Seneca Wallace.

‘‘One’s lefty, one’s righty,’’ Briggs said when asked the difference between Palko and Orton. ‘‘We have to play good Bears defense. We need to stand up.’’

Still, it would surprise no one if Orton starts against the Bears. The Bears faced their former teammate in a preseason game against the Broncos in 2009. Orton was 12 of 16 for 96 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions for an 89.6 rating.

‘‘He knows our defense,’’ middle linebacker Brian Urlacher said. ‘‘It will be fun to play against him again. I liked Kyle when he was here. I like him now — still talk to him every once in awhile. It’ll be like playing a friend.’’