IRVING, Texas – Tony Romo missing minicamp means backup quarterback Kyle Orton is getting the repetitions with the first offense.
Orton said this is the most practice time he's gotten in at least a couple of years, and he plans on making the most of it. He also said the time he's getting now should help carry over to the regular season if he's ever needed.
"This is the most time I've been able to spend with the guys that are on the field," Orton said. "Each one of those guys do great things themselves. To know how they like the ball and how they're going to run the routes and all that stuff is a great benefit for me."
Orton, who's thrown to talented receivers before, including Brandon Marshall and Demaryius Thomas, now gets to continue the trend with Dez Bryant, who gets better looks because of Jason Witten.
Bryant's been a favorite target for Orton early in minicamp. He already trusts the receiver to go up and get a pass no matter the coverage.
"There're a few guys around the league that are like that," Orton said. "They can make plays that other people can't. He's one of those guys. The great thing is he's such a young player. You only get better at that position. He's got a lot of room to grow.
"We've got so many good players at the special positions. Witten draws so much attention on the inside that these guys get just great looks on the outside. You've got to pay so much attention to Jason and DeMarco [Murray] running the ball inside."
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Orton knows the system and the personnel much better this season than he did last year in his first year with the Cowboys, when he entered for Romo in a loss to the Bears and completed 9-of-10 passes with a touchdown.
Right now, Orton is focused on playing as well as he can while he still has an opportunity with the starters. But he also understands his role in Dallas as a backup, and he embraces the opportunity to help out Romo and the offense however he can.
"Tony and I have got a real good relationship," he said. "I certainly respect his game and his mind. It's fun to bounce ideas with him."
IRVING, Texas – Tony Romo missing minicamp means backup quarterback Kyle Orton is getting the repetitions with the first offense.
Orton said this is the most practice time he's gotten in at least a couple of years, and he plans on making the most of it. He also said the time he's getting now should help carry over to the regular season if he's ever needed.
"This is the most time I've been able to spend with the guys that are on the field," Orton said. "Each one of those guys do great things themselves. To know how they like the ball and how they're going to run the routes and all that stuff is a great benefit for me."
Orton, who's thrown to talented receivers before, including Brandon Marshall and Demaryius Thomas, now gets to continue the trend with Dez Bryant, who gets better looks because of Jason Witten.
Bryant's been a favorite target for Orton early in minicamp. He already trusts the receiver to go up and get a pass no matter the coverage.
"There're a few guys around the league that are like that," Orton said. "They can make plays that other people can't. He's one of those guys. The great thing is he's such a young player. You only get better at that position. He's got a lot of room to grow.
"We've got so many good players at the special positions. Witten draws so much attention on the inside that these guys get just great looks on the outside. You've got to pay so much attention to Jason and DeMarco [Murray] running the ball inside."
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Orton knows the system and the personnel much better this season than he did last year in his first year with the Cowboys, when he entered for Romo in a loss to the Bears and completed 9-of-10 passes with a touchdown.
Right now, Orton is focused on playing as well as he can while he still has an opportunity with the starters. But he also understands his role in Dallas as a backup, and he embraces the opportunity to help out Romo and the offense however he can.
"Tony and I have got a real good relationship," he said. "I certainly respect his game and his mind. It's fun to bounce ideas with him."
