Orton was the preseason third team All American quarterback, behind USC's Matt Leinart and Oklahoma's Jason White. Orton had a nice start to the season, has led Purdue to a 5-0 start with 18 touchdowns and no interceptions.
Orton started 15 games in the season but was replaced by Grossman after the break in the Bears' Week 15 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. After meeting for week 16 Orton started the regular season finale in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings. The outcome of this game for the Chicago Bears has had some impact on their post season hopes. The Bears had already clinched the NFC North championship and first round bye in the 2005-06 playoffs with their Week 16 win over Green Bay Packers. Grossman then began to bear in their only postseason game.
