I recently discovered ESPN radio while scanning on my way home from work the other day. It is simply amazing and it makes my drive so much more enjoyable. However, there is always one caller whose rants irk me. One whose seemingly mindless rant creeps and crawls under my skin. This week it was the idea that Kyle Orton was the answer for Houston.
Look, I’m not a Leinart lover, but I do think he’s the best option they have. He’s really their only option. Let’s pretend that Orton wasn’t just picked up by the Chiefs and Houston had put in a claim. Everyone is so quick to trash Leinart, and I can understand why. The kid fell off and struggled quite a bit. Considering that the Texans are on the cusp of something great and seriously contend for home field throughout the playoffs, they need to win now. Not when the post season rolls around (which is still a lock), not in three weeks, but this week. The Texans need to continue winning and Matt Leinart is the best option. He knows the offense. It’s been stable his entire tenure with the Texans. The playbook would not have to be simplified initially like you would if Orton was acquired. Factor in that Houston has two dynamic runner that could be every down backs and easily each have a 1,200 yard season and you’ll see that Leinart doesn’t have to be great. I could be wrong, and he could fail miserably, but would that really be a surprise either. Honesty, I’m ready to let it roll and see where this goes.
Orton-to-Houston supporters seem to have forgotten that Orton was benched in favor of Tim Tebow. I know everyone says that it’s because he is a first round pick and Fox was pressured by fans, but Orton was 1-4 with Brandon Lloyd. Tebow stepped in without Lloyd and is 4-1. Need I say more? There is no way you can say they are winning in spite of Tim Tebow when he scores the go ahead touchdown on a 25 scamper.
Snap back to reality, Orton goes to KC and Leinart is set to start ahead of recently signed Kellen Clemens. It will be interesting to see if either Orton or Leinart makes the most of their opportunity. My guess is Orton will be a free agent this off season and this stint will be short lived. The Chiefs continue to struggle, but Dwayne Bowe’s fantasy numbers will stabilize. Stay tuned for more meek predictions. As always, my words are truth so try the punch and take a seat.
