There's a lie being told in wins and losses that do not tell the whole story. Six weeks into the NFL season and statistically speaking, Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton is a better quarterback than Bears signal caller Jay Cutler. Again, statistics have never told more of a lie.
While the numbers may point in Orton's direction, that does not mean the he is the better quarterback. Fist we must take into account that we are not even one third of the way done with the season. So we can throw records out the window.
Now even though Orton may have the better record at 5-0, the Broncos schedule hasn't been the most difficult this far into the season. The Broncos have seen two of the worst teams in the league in the Browns and the Raiders. Not exactly formidable opponents.
In the Broncos first game of the season, Denver was bailed out on a last second "never going to happen again" play. Without the improbable catch (and catch of the year) by wide receiver Brandon Stokley the broncos would no longer be undefeated, and in the same position as the Bears.
I bet Denver is ecstatic with the NFL schedule makers, who have doomed the Broncos from the beginning. The remaining schedule for the Broncos won't allow them to roll through the rest of the season, the way they did to start the season.
Denver will see the Ravens, Steelers, Giants, Colts, Eagles, and the Chargers. Now after this rough stretch I might be willing to anoint them among the best in the league. But until then let's just leave them where they are. An undefeated, but unchallenged team.
Don't even get me started on their supporting casts. The Bears haven't done anything to help Cutler. Forte isn't rushing the way he did when Orton was there. The O-line is suspect. I think it is unfair to compare Cutler to Orton this year.
Denver's defense is dominating this year. Their defense is the second best defense in total yards allowed per game. Last season the Buckin' Broncs were No. 29 out of 32 NFL teams when Cutler was in the saddle. Now one could argue, how in the world is this an even level of comparison when the two teams are drastically different than a year ago, and set up for Cutler to take the blame.
When a defense can't stop the other team, you're forcing your quarterback to play catch-up on a consistent basis, only calling for picks. How fair is it to compare them?
Ask anyone in the Bears organization who they think got the better end of the Cutler deal, and I'm willing to bet every single one of them will tell you the Bears did. They already say they have seen nothing like him, and he has the tools to be one of the greats. Even Denver would rather have him, I guarantee it.
Orton isn't going to win them any games, but he won't take them out of many either. Cutler has the ability to win games. He has the ability to take the team on his shoulders and win games by himself.
With more time to develop a rapport with his receivers and tight ends, he's sure to improve. Week after week they seem to be developing trust in one another.
I'm liking what I'm seeing from Cutler, not just for this season. But for years to come.
I know it's not too early to say this, but... I wouldn't want it any other way.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I totally agree with everything you said. It's way to early to compare these teams, these quarterbacks, the situations. There's a lot of games left to be played, this season and in the future, that will determine who got the better end of this deal. But for now, I think you're correct in that just about everyone thinks Cutler is more adapt at leading a team, an offense. He is way more talented. But again, time will tell on this case.
ReplyDelete