Trust is a big part of the passing game. Quarterbacks and receivers must trust each other.
Kyle Orton is the Broncos’ starting quarterback not just because of his consistent delivery and release point and not just because he has the strongest arm.
In the NFL passing game, accuracy is paramount. But pro quarterbacks also need anticipation, the ability to see plays develop.
College quarterbacks, especially those in the powerhouse programs, play in offenses that have superior athletes from sideline to sideline. So they can stand in the pocket and wait for receivers to get open before delivering the ball.
But that doesn’t work in the NFL, where speed is better on defense and the coverages are more complex. A quarterback has to see the play before it develops. He has to see the coverage and know where the hole will be, usually before the ball is snapped. That’s where the quarterback-receiver trust comes into play.
Orton has the best anticipation among the Denver quarterbacks, especially when he’s working the ball to Brandon Lloyd. Orton and Lloyd were teammates with the Bears too.
“He makes all those great catches,” Orton said. “He’s a great route runner. I’ve worked with Brandon longer than anybody we’ve had and my comfort level with him is great. You don’t have to try to be perfect with any pass with him. You can anticipate all the throws. You can put it in the general area and he can go up and get the ball. It’s just great for a quarterback to throw the ball so early.”
A quarterback is good enough to play in the NFL when he sees more before the snap, anticipates better after it and consistently delivers the ball to the right spot.
That is Orton’s biggest advantage over Tim Tebow and Brady Quinn and the biggest reason he’s where he is on the depth chart as the Broncos approach their preseason opener Thursday night at Dallas.
Jeff Legwold: 303-954-2359 or jlegwold@denverpost.com
