Here's the stat sheet for passing so far this year:
http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?tabSeq=0&statisticCategory=PASSING&conference=null&season=2009&seasonType=REG&d-447263-s=PASSING_YARDS&d-447263-o=2&d-447263-n=1
Looking at it, I don't think there's any question that Orton has been playing better so far. I'm not ready to say he's a better QB than Cutler, though. I think he may turn into a reliable QB, but I'm not ready to say he's gone all the way to an elite QB in such a short span of time. Tony Romo, Mike Vick, JeMarcus Russel, Vinny Testaverde, and many other QBs have had some nice stretches before turning out to be busts. Hell, most of the failed Bears' QBshave played well enough for people to start looking at them as franchise players before turning into busts.
As to why the change, I disagree with most everyone. Cutler's only been sacked once more than Orton and Orton's being sacked at a higher rate. Anyone who's seen a Bears game wouldn't be questioning the receivers, Knox, Bennet, and Hester have all broken out and made some big plays. I won't defend the defense completely, but they have been good enough to keep games winnable. Maybe the biggest thing you could say Orton has that Cutler doesn't is a run game, and I think that a god deal of teh fault for that lies on Ron Turner. That's the difference, is coaching. McDaniels is a QB coach, and a good one at that. Like someone else said he made Matt Cassel, I think he may be doing the same with Orton. Remember, too, that Cassel is not doing so hot this season. Albeit he is without McDaniels, but there is some question if Orton might hit a slump next season. Cutler's going to be fine down the stretch, but we need a new offensive cordinator, the stuff that Turner's throwing out there just isn't cutting it.
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