Will He Stay or Will He Go?

Is Kyle Orton somehow playing for his job the next two weeks? While the Bears playoff hopes may be dwindling, it appears the great Neckbeard has something more to play for. Word around the City this week has been that the Bears may not extend Orton as next year's starter. Just a month ago this kind of talk would be blasphemy, but now it seems to be pretty serious. He has been less than stellar the last few weeks, but I think Orton is our best option.

In years past, this kind of talk would have been ludicrous. With our usual stifling defense, Orton's performance this year would have netted us 11, 12, maybe even 13 wins and a definite playoff berth. Look at what happened with the Sex Cannon a couple years ago? If anything, the Bears defense is costing Orton his job. Orton should definitely be renewed. He is young, talented and poised.

But what are the other options? Matt Cassel? Donovan McNabb? Cassel is just as unproven as Orton and McNabb is old. Both of those guys are fine, but is either really a better option than Neckbeard? I don't think so. Either way Neckbeard can help his own cause by playing well the next two weeks. A win against the Packers can put all the doubts to rest.

The Neckbeard Will Heal All Wounds

It looks like Kyle Orton will be starting on Sunday, unless there are some unforeseen circumstances. Thank god:

Orton jogged off the field on his taped-up right ankle, proof that even if he was limited in the workout, he felt just fine.

''He's a lot better today than he was [Wednesday],'' coach Lovie Smith said. ''If he continues to make the same type of progress, hopefully we'll have him available.''

Barring a setback, count on it.

We're going to need him against the Packers.