Bears' QB struggles in defeat

Rookie quarterback Kyle Orton had a tough time against the Browns.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
CLEVELAND -- In Sunday's 20-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Kyle Orton threw for just 117 yards, fumbled twice (losing one), was sacked four times and failed to get a first down on the last (and most important) two possessions of the fourth quarter.
Needless to say, it wasn't the best day to be a Bears fan.
"We have to find a way to win this game," said Orton, who was drafted in the fourth round out of Purdue. "We have an uphill battle now."
Of course, the defeat wasn't entirely Orton's fault.
Chicago coach Lovie Smith used a conservative game plan, relying heavily on running back Thomas Jones. Orton never had a chance to get into much of a rhythm, and, when he did pass, he didn't have much time to throw.
"We had to keep the pressure on him," said Browns defensive lineman Alvin McKinley, who had one of the sacks. "He is young with happy feet, so we stayed after him the whole game."
Jones carries offense
Orton was 16 of 26 for 117 yards and a touchdown, but it was Jones who carried the offense, running 24 times for 137 yards. When Jones injured his knee late in the game, it was up to Orton to shoulder the load.
He couldn't.
"We let one get away from us today," Smith said. "A lot of things happened in the game but we had a 4-point lead in the fourth quarter. We have to find a way to finish the game."
The Browns offense wasn't much better -- Cleveland out-gained Chicago 278-266 -- but it benefited from outstanding field position in the second half. Three of Cleveland's last five drives started in Chicago territory and the Browns' average starting position for the game was their own 41.
"That's what made the bad offense so frustrating," Browns quarterback Trent Dilfer said. "We were getting good field position."
Before Dilfer's two touchdown passes to Antonio Bryant in the game's closing minutes, the best the Browns could manage was a pair of Phil Dawson field goals.
No luxury for Bears
The Bears didn't even have that luxury. After losing kicker Doug Brien to injury, Chicago picked up non-drafted rookie Rob Gould on Saturday. Gould missed a 48-yard field goal just before halftime after making a 44-yard attempt earlier in the quarter.
Early in the second quarter, the Bears tried to go for it on fourth-and-2 at the Browns' 29 rather than try a 46-yard field goal.
"As a rookie, it is tough trying to learn your trade," Gould said. "The guys have been helping me out as much as possible."
Chicago's conservative game plan was one of necessity -- the Bears start three rookies; Cleveland starts none -- but it put a lot of pressure on the Bears' defense. Eventually, it took its toll.
"We talk a lot about being in a position to win the game in the fourth quarter," Browns coach Romeo Crennel said. "But I told the guys after the game that if they didn't want to wait until the fourth quarter and decided to win earlier, I wouldn't be upset."
scalzo@vindy.com