We knew this one was only a matter of time.

While teams prepare for the coming 2008-09 NFL football season, one team finally made a choice that will probably be the difference between a run at the Super Bowl title or another early vacation.

I’m referring to the Chicago Bears. And yes, they finally made a choice, putting an end to this quarterback drama in the Windy City that lasted for two years. People, Rex Grossman won’t be starting.

You read it, Rex Grossman, after leading his team to Super Bowl XLI against the Indianapolis Colts two seasons ago, was finally shelved after head coach Lovie Smith made the decision of awarding Kyle Orton the starting QB spot after Grossman, despite his Super Bowl run, still showed inconsistencies and erratic plays.

Kyle Orton will start for the Chicago Bears on Thursday when they play the San Francisco 49ers in a preseason game. He will also start for the Bears in their regular season opener against their Super Bowl XLI rivals, the Indianapolis Colts.

‘’I think I’ve just continued to get better in the preseason, in the games and in practice, so this will be another step to take,'’ Kyle Orton said, justifying his team’s choice to be their leader on the field for the coming season.

Of course, you just know Lovie Smith will stand by his decision as well until Orton throws three interceptions against, say, the Dolphins. ‘’To come to a decision like that we’ve taken a lot of things into consideration; last year, how [Orton] finished the season, training camp, preseason games,'’ Smith said. ‘’In the end, it comes down to a gut feeling that you have.'’

‘’I feel good about Kyle leading our team.'’

Who will win Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, Florida? Bodog sportsbook has the odds.

New York Giants 17.00

New England Patriots 4.50

Dallas Cowboys 7.00

Indianapolis Colts 8.50

Want more odds? Visit Bodog sportsbook for more football betting odds and the best betting lines on some of today’s biggest sporting events.

Chicago Bears Kyle Orton