Long an afterthought in Chicago, Kyle Orton has developed into a genuine threat in his new locale, throwing for 1,733 yards through five games – second best in the league. He’s completed nearly 67 percent of his passes (141-of-213), generated eight touchdowns against only three INTs and compiled a 97.8 rating. He’s aiming for a fifth straight 300-yard game and is 20-6 as a starter at home with both the Bears and Denver. In October, he’s 9-3 with a 99.0 passer rating.
Assuming Knowshon Moreno either doesn’t play or is limited, ex-Patriot Laurence Maroney gets another chance to face a team he’s averaged 84.3 yards against in games with at least 20 carries. On the outside, receiver Brandon Lloyd has become a genuine weapon as well and looks for a fifth 100-yard game already this season. He has five receptions of at least 40 yards, tops in the league. A second pass-catching option, Eddie Royal, had five receptions for 84 yards – including a 59-yard touchdown – in his last game against the Jets.
For the New York defense, so far, so good … at least in spots. While its 313.6 total yards per week average is respectable, the unit has been burned frequently through the air – including Favre’s three second-half TDs last week and Brandon Marshall’s 10 catches for 160-plus yards in a Week 3 game. Big-ticket cornerback Darrelle Revis missed practice on Wednesday and is listed questionable for Sunday, though his lack of production has been offset somewhat by fellow corner Antonio Cromartie, whose two interceptions lead the team and are tied for second-best in the conference. Another corner, Dwight Lowery, had a game-sealing pick-six against Favre, returning an interception 26 yards for a TD in the final two minutes.
Elsewhere, end Shaun Ellis looks for a fourth straight game with at least a half-sack. He leads the team with 3.5. Newcomer linebacker Jason Taylor has three sacks in his last three games against Denver, while fellow linebacker Calvin Pace had 1.5 sacks in his 2010 debut last week.