When Jay Cutler was ousted from Denver after 2008, some were skeptical some were thrilled. Cutler was not a winner, at best, while playing for the Broncos. Compiling a 17-20 record while there, throwing for 9,024 yards, 54 TDs and 37 int. All good numbers but the QB wanted out, he was unhappy, and his spoiled brat attitude came along with it.

As always, the QB takes the blunt of the blame when a team does badly. And Cutler was no exception to the rule. Even after having pro bowler WR Brandon Marshall to throw the ball to, combining for 2,899 yards and 15 TD to him over 3 seasons, was not enough to keep everyone happy. Changes had to occur.

So the Broncos got a new QB, trading with the Chicago Bears, and their problem child QB that no one was truly happy with, no namer, Kyle Orton. Orton, who while in Denver, with less talent than Cutler had there, in his 2 years there, has put up first-rate numbers. 7,455 yards 41 TD and 21 int, so far. Denver still went and drafted beloved (or hated) QB, Tim Tebow from Florida, showing that Orton, likely, was not going to be considered their solution in Denver for too long. Although after his game in 2010, it’s hard to argue that point, yet.

Cutler, has been with Chicago for 2 seasons, and has won 16 games already, in Denver; he never was on a team that won more than 8 games. Throwing for 6,363 yards, 44 TD, and 38 int in Chicago. The strong armed Cutler led the league with 26 picks in 2009 by 6 over rookie QB Mark Sanchez. His poor offensive line certainly didn’t help matters as he was put to the ground 35 times in 2009.

So far in 2010, things are looking slightly different for Jay, putting up solid numbers, still with no real dominant WR1 to throw to. TE Greg Olsen leads them with 5 TD. WR Johnny Knox leads them with 45 receptions. His yards are decent with 2,697, which is good for 17th in the league. And he has tossed 17 TD passes opposed to 12 int this season. Although still offensive line problems haunt the 6-3 QB, being put down a league leading 43 times in 2010.

So, is Cutler the answer in Chicago? Orton played reasonable there there, but no one had any faith in him to lead the team, they were easily lured by the big armed QB from Denver. Orton has been exceptional, in his tenure in Denver; easily comparable to Cutler was when he played for them with Brandon Marshall at WR.

Personally, I think Cutler is slightly hyped. It’s easy to look at his heavy-loaded arm and “ooh and ahhh.” But, really, there are numerous big arms in the NFL. He takes the risks and gambles that some other QBs typically wouldn’t try to throw (similar to another “old gunslinger” we have all seen play for a long...long time) At times it can be bad, and of course at times it can remarkable. He has incredible confidence his arm strength that he can squeeze a ball to areas it doesn’t belong.

Being the answer in Chicago? I say they may have gotten a nice start for their club. The answer may really lie in getting some O-line aid, maybe an authentic WR1 for him to throw to. Chicago got the sparkle with the named QB in their trade. But I don’t necessarily think dumping Orton was the key to success.
 

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