2009 has just begun, but the Chicago Bears have already named Kyle Orton their starting quarterback for next season.

”All players will have competition, everybody’s in the same group. But Kyle is our quarterback,” Bears coach Lovie Smith said. “He has done a lot of good things for us this year, but we all start from scratch and go from there.”

It’s way to early to know who will start the 2009 season under center for the Bears. Heck, as far as we know Brett Favre will be their starter for opening day. But Orton played real well when he was healthy this season and with a little more experience he has the potential to become a Pro Bowl QB.