Orton named Bears' starting quarterback

LAKE FOREST, Ill., Aug. 18 (UPI) -- The Chicago Bears announced Monday that Kyle Orton will be their starting quarterback in their season opener Sept. 7 in Indianapolis.

Orton, a fourth-round draft pick in 2005 from Purdue, takes over from Rex Grossman, who was the starting quarterback the last two seasons and guided the Bears to Super Bowl XLI following the 2006 season.

But Grossman, 2003 first-round pick out of Florida, has had trouble protecting the ball. In only 32 career games spanning the last five seasons, Grossman has thrown 31 touchdowns against 33 interceptions.

Orton, 25, made 15 starts in 2005 and three last season. He started for the final three regular-season games and led the Bears to a 2-1 record, which included wins over Green Bay and New Orleans. Orton has thrown for 2,347 yards with 12 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in his career.

After a 13-3 record and Super Bowl appearance two seasons ago, the Bears slipped to 7-9 in 2007.