LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Kyle Orton will start as the Chicago Bears opening day quarterback — beating Rex Grossman in a competition that lasted through training camp and two preseason games.

The Bears open the regular season on Sept. 7 against the Indianapolis Colts.

Orton started 15 games in 2005 and three last season. He's thrown for more than 2,300 yards and 12 touchdowns in his career.

Grossman led the Bears to the Super Bowl after the 2006 season, but has been often criticized for committing turnovers. He has 30 career starts, with 31 TD passes and 33 interceptions.