PRO FOOTBALL | BEARS WRAPUP

CHICAGO | Asked to name his personal choice for the Bears starting quarterback next season, one player very close to the situation was quick to answer.

Kyle Orton chose himself.

Elevated from third on the depth chart when Rex Grossman and Brian Griese proved ineffective, Orton finished the season 2-1 as a starter, beating Green Bay and New Orleans.

Remember, he spent much of the past two seasons on the inactive list.

"It was a rough season for us as a team, but I thought we responded nicely and finished out well," Orton said after Sunday's 33-25 win over the Saints. "I think I'm part of the conversation now. I got all the confidence that, if given the chance, I'll have the job."

Minutes after wrapping up the season at home, players and coaches already were talking about 2008. Orton's name came up frequently. Listen closely.

"Kyle Orton again did things to help us every time he's behind center," said coach Lovie Smith.

"I think he (elevated his status) but we were all high on Kyle coming into those three games," added offensive coordinator Ron Turner. "Kyle's got a lot of poise, a confidence about him, and he's got a big arm. The guys believe in him, no matter what the situation is.

"He played at Minnesota in his first game, a tough environment, against one of the top defenses in the league, and showed great poise. Last week (against Green Bay), with the conditions the way they were, he wasn't rattled at all. He played great and handled it well."

In three starts, Orton threw for 478 yards and three touchdowns, completed 54 percent of his passes, was intercepted twice and sacked twice for a QB rating of 73.9 -- second best behind veteran Griese.

"I think I got better in all three games," Orton said. "(Sunday), I felt more comfortable out there than I ever have on the field. I missed a couple throws but, all in all, did pretty well."

Grossman is a free agent and said he'd like to return, but has no idea if the Bears want him back.

Griese is a servicable backup, but lacks the arm strength of Orton and Grossman.

The Bears' front office believes its fortunes in 2008 start at that position.

"We're a team that's one year removed from the Super Bowl. We've got a lot of character on this team; guys who aren't afraid to work and get ready for next year," Orton said.

Sacks are drive killers, but the former Purdue star was mobile enough to give his receivers a chance.

"He's not the fastest guy in the world, but he's got good pocket presence and good awareness," Turner said. "Pocket presence is crucial. You can't play at this level if you don't have it."

There were key injuries on both sides of the ball, so general manager Jerry Angelo will address the media on Thursday to discuss team needs. Running back, offensive line and linebacker are expected to top the list.

The Bears entered Sunday's finale ranked 25th in total offense and 28th in total defense.

Of their 34 touchdowns, eight were by return and eight by rush as they averaged only 3.1 yards per carry.