Orton practices as Peyton
The Bears think their third-string quarterback already resembles Manning, both figuratively and literally, when he's running the Indianapolis Colts' offensive plays for the scout team against the Bears' defense in preparation for the Super Bowl.
''I try to play as good as I can because he's a great player,'' Orton said. ''I try to give the guys a good look. I try to go with the ball where I think he'd want to go with it.''
Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer thinks the likeness goes beyond the playbook.
''Somebody even said in practice, 'God, he looks like Peyton,' because he has the same posture and he has the same build,'' Hillenmeyer said. ''I think it's comfortable for Kyle because it's similar to the offense he ran in Purdue -- a lot of shotgun, a lot of one-back, a lot of ... not option-type runs, but it almost looks like he's sticking the ball in the running back's stomach and is waiting to see how the defense reacts before deciding on a run or pass.''
Manning is 6-5, 230 pounds, while Orton is 6-4, 223.
Either the defense is catching on to the Colts' offense or Orton isn't quite the passer Manning is -- or both. Orton threw two interceptions Wednesday.
Then again, it could be the postseason version of Manning whom Orton is imitating. Manning has six interceptions in the playoffs after only nine in the regular season.
Any imitation of Manning also includes his gesturing and hollering before the snap that adds to a defense's confusion as it tries to determine if he called an audible.
It's in this area where Orton may need to improve a bit.
''Kyle is having a hard time taking the whole mannerisms and doing swirls and hand gestures seriously,'' Hillenmeyer said, laughing. ''But he's done a great job otherwise.''
Orton isn't actually calling audibles in practice. He might holler just about anything or make any kind of motion.
''I'm going to start doing some jumping jacks and some cartwheels and stuff like that,'' he said. ''I'm going to liven it up a little bit in practice.''
Orton started 15 games as a rookie last season while Rex Grossman recovered from a broken ankle. He is under contract with the Bears through the 2008 season.
Sun-Times News Group