August 27, 2009, 4:32 PM
By: Jeff Dickerson
Ron Tuner may be the most qualified person to speak about Kyle Orton. The duo's player/coach relationship dates back to 2005, and even though they now work for different organizations, the offensive coordinator still thinks highly of his former quarterback.
For the first time in Kyle Orton's NFL career, Ron Turner isn't his offensive coordinator.
"He's a good player, he's talented, he's extremely intelligent [and] a very good leader with a tremendous work ethic," Turner said. "He started as a rookie [in 2005]. The next year he's not starting; in fact he's third [on the depth chart]. That was tough on him -- that would have been tough on anybody -- but he handled it the right way. He came to work every day and he learned. He learned from the guys around him, he learned how to prepare, he waited his turn and when he had an opportunity, he was ready. Before he got hurt last year, he was having a fabulous year."
Tuner predicts similar success for Orton in Denver, despite that the quarterback has endured some struggles in the preseason.
"He will [succeed] because he is very strong mentally, and he's not going to let anything get to him," Turner said. "I'd be very surprised if he doesn't play very well for them."
Of course, the offensive coordinator's main concern this weekend is to make sure Jay Cutler and the Bears' offense play well against the Broncos' 3-4 defense. Turner knows the atmosphere will be intense due to Cutler's return to the Mile High City, but expects his new quarterback to handle the situation with ease.
"I'm sure it will be [emotional for Cutler]," Turner said. "He and I have talked about that, and the big thing he has to do is just focus on the important things, and that's doing his job. He did a great job of that last week.
"There's going to be distractions all week. But they're only distractions if you let them be. Just stay focused on doing your job, preparing the right way, and that'll talk care of itself. I'm sure it's going to be tough, but I'm sure he'll do it."