Addressing the media for the first time since Brady Quinn arrived in Denver, Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton said he’s more than happy to compete with Quinn or anyone else for playing time.
But Orton also said he’s confident that he’s the team’s starter, and that he really thinks of his situation as competing with himself.
“I told [Broncos coach Josh McDaniels] I’ve never backed down from competition so it won’t really change my mindset going into the season at all,” Orton said. “My focus is on getting this offense where it needs to go.”
Orton also said he views his biggest challenge as becoming more of a leader in Denver.
“I think I can take my leadership to a whole new level,” Orton said. “To have a great offense you have to have a guy that demands it from everybody, starting with yourself, so I’ve got to demand perfection out of my play. I’m going to expect that from everyone on our offense as well.”
Orton is a restricted free agent and hasn’t signed his one-year, $2.261 million tender offer. But he said he’s participating in the Broncos’ offseason program without a contract because he thinks as the team’s leader, he needs to be there.