By 
For the Dallas Cowboys signing Kyle Orton was the absolute right move. Dallas solidified their backup quarterback position and surely upgraded from an aging Jon Kitna and an inexperienced Stephen McGee.The Cowboys have had offensive line issues over the past few seasons and left Tony Romo running for his life. The need for a proven veteran backup quarterback was a must for this team and Orton knows his role. From the sound it Orton is just happy to start the season fresh and completely out of Denver without a quarterback controversy.Kyle Orton joined ESPN Dallas with Ben & Skin to discuss his thought process behind signing a free agent deal with the Dallas Cowboys, not wanting to sign with a team where he had a chance of competing for a starting quarterback job, the learning experience he gained from playing in Denver last season, the strengths of the Dallas Cowboys and his primary role as a backup quarterback.
Why this situation? What was appealing to you about the Dallas Cowboys?
“Man everything was appealing to me to be honest with you. Going back to when I asked to get away from Denver and getting claimed by Kansas City. Dallas put a claim in as well as Kansas City and Chicago, so right then I kind of had a big interest in the Cowboys. Just kind of going into free agency I just wanted to make sure some of the things I was looking for was a great locker room, a veteran lead locker room and you know a good team where we were going to be playing in a lot of big games and a coaching staff that fits with me and having worked with Wade Wilson in Chicago and kind of following Coach Garrett I feel comfortable with every situation and just real happy with the decision I made.”
You didn’t want to go somewhere where you had a chance of competing to be the starter?
“Well I’ve kind of been in that situation the last three or four years just going into camp and competing. To be honest with you I don’t think that situation has worked for me. I don’t think it’s worked out for the club. I think you need to know who your guy is going to be going right into the season and backing that guy. I don’t think that’s been the situation that I have been in and I really didn’t want to get into that situation again. I’m fine with knowing my role as the backup on this team. I am going to be the best backup I can and support Tony [Romo] any way that I can.”
What do you think you learned from what happened in Denver last season with Tim Tebow and the insanity of it all?
“It was kind of like that. I think there was so much made of it, but I played a certain amount my rookie year in Chicago, but that’s about as crazy as it can be. You learn something every year you are in the league and man there is so much stuff that happens off the field, but the more you concentrate on the things that happen on the field the better you are.”
What do you think are the strengths of this team?
“It’s hard for me to say. I’m watching as much film as I can right now, but to be honest with you I haven’t played a regular season game against the Cowboys and just kind of watched them from afar. Now obviously the skill positions players are unique players. They are your special players. Anytime you have a Miles Austin and Jason Witten and a Dez Bryant. All of these guys…there are so many guys to get the football to and the guys in the back field, so offensively speaking it’s exciting to be on a team with so much weapons and some of the guys that can do great things with the ball.”
When you are the number two quarterback what is your primary goal?
“Just be a great teammate, be a great guy in the locker room, come out to practice every day and work your butt off every day and just be as prepared as you can in case you get that chance to step on the field.”
Comments