Can you believe they’re using the “f” word in Denver to describe their new quarterback, Kyle Orton?

Let that settle in for a second: Kyle Orton, a franchise quarterback.

By and large, Broncos fans were angered when first-year coach Josh McDaniels drove gunslinging QB Jay Cutler to the point that he wanted out of town, prompting the offseason trade that sent him to Chicago and Orton to Denver. That was then, though. Opinions have changed now that the Broncos are off to a 4-0 start.

Rick Morrissey of the Chicago Tribune writes that what Bears fans didn’t like about Orton as a quarterback, fans in Denver have embraced with open arms. What Orton lacks in style, he makes up for in results. He’s 25-12 as a starter:

“Denver is looking at Orton differently than it did when he arrived in the blockbuster trade that sent Jay Cutler to the Bears. And Denver certainly is looking at Orton differently than many in Chicago did. What lots of people scoffed at in our town — Orton as the dreaded “game manager” — Denver is embracing.”

Other stories around the Web on Saturday:

• Eagles president Joe Banner indicated in a television interview that he expects the team to renew coach Andy Reid’s contract.

• With Fred Taylor sidelined indefinitely, the Patriots’ other running backs are ready to run with the opportunity of more carries.

• The 49ers’ Aubrayo Franklin is playing like one of the best nose tackles in the NFL.

• Miami Herald blogger Armando Salguero writes that the Dolphins would be wise to give RB Ronnie Brown more carries.

• The Cowboys’ two-tight end sets are a work in progress.

• With the offseason departure of Tony Gonzalez, the Chiefs are pleasantly surprised by TE Sean Ryan’s production in the passing game.

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