Broncos QB Orton hears boos after a couple of boo-boos

DENVER • Kyle Orton’s first impression at Invesco Field at Mile High couldn’t have gone much worse.

Orton, who is replacing Pro Bowler Jay Cutler as the Denver Broncos’ starting quarterback, threw a pair of interceptions to cornerback Andre Goodman and misfired on a few other passes during a scrimmage at Invesco Field.

A crowd of 13,402 grew restless and booed Orton for two poorly thrown passes to Chad Jackson and then Jabar Gaffney in a 2-minute drill.

“Fans can cheer, they can boo,” Orton said. “We have good fans. They’re passionate about their football, that’s for sure.”

The discontent from the fans, which started early when they jeered punter Brett Kern for a bad kick, was at its loudest after Orton’s incompletions. Kicker Matt Prater missed two straight 43-yard field goals, drawing loud boos with each one. Prater rebounded to make his final three kicks to end the scrimmage.

Coach Josh McDaniels said he wasn’t bothered by the boos. McDaniels didn’t seem concerned with Orton’s mistakes, and said Orton has had a good camp.

“He’s fine,” McDaniels said. “Kyle is progressing every day. Great attitude and understands the system.”

Orton has struggled on deep passes in camp, and had the same problem Thursday.

On a post route, Gaffney was open but Orton underthrew him and Champ Bailey and David Bruton recovered to knock away the pass.

One of Goodman’s interceptions was on an underthrown deep ball. Goodman returned his other interception for a touchdown.

“We’ll come back and hit those from now on,” Orton said.