Because the wound on Broncos QB Kyle Orton's index finger is still healing, the he has continued to wear the glove throughout practices this week, even though he said there is nothing he likes about keeping the hand covered up. Orton had dislocated the knuckle on the index finger so violently that the bone punctured the skin. Orton had stitches removed last Sunday.
Given the pain and discomfort of the injury, why has the glove been such a sore spot for Orton?
Basically, it is all about feel.
The layer of fabric changes the way the ball feels inside the quarterback's hand and the way he feels the laces from the moment he catches the snap through the release of the pass.
The palm of the glove is also slightly sticky, so it changes the entire grip and the release. The ball won't come out quite as quickly, so a quarterback wearing a glove might have to alter his release point.
All of these factors are most challenging on quick passes and shorter touch passes — both staples of the Broncos' offense.
So it's no wonder Orton, who has never before worn a glove — not even during those brutally cold Chicago winter games — can't wait to go barehanded again.
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