http://sportstwo.com/NFL/Story/NFL/2769511 QB Orton to start Bears' exhibition opener Wednesday, August 6, 2008 12:09 PM BOURBONNAIS, Illinois (Ticker) -- With the competition for the Chicago Bears' starting quarterback job still ongoing, Kyle Orton has been tabbed to start Thursday's exhibition opener against the Kansas City Chiefs. Bears head coach Lovie Smith indicated that Rex Grossman, who lost his starting job twice last season, will get an equal number of snaps with the first-team offense in the first half. Smith said the roles will be reversed for the Bears' second exhibition game against Seattle on August 16, with Grossman starting and Orton coming off the bench. "I want both guys to get an equal opportunity," Smith said. "There's no rhyme or reason as to why we're going this direction. It's just the way I want to go right now." After losing his starting job to Brian Griese for five weeks, Grossman returned for four games, but was benched again after suffering a knee injury in Week 14 . Orton started the final three contests of the season for the Bears, who won their last two contests to finish a turbulent year at 7-9.
