Why bother captioning the photo in the article about this argument with this statement: “the debate in the NFC North ultimately comes down to its two best quarterbacks.” Of course they are the two best quarterbacks; they are the ONLY actual quarterbacks in the division. The other two teams (the Vikings and the Lions) have an overpaid rookie and two sub-par QBs between them. That’s like saying the top 2 in a 2 person race. But, I digress..
Ever wonder what $41.7 million guaranteed looks like?
When you put Cutler and Rodgers next to one another from a statistical standpoint, they are evenly matched. Sure, Cutler has more rushing yards, but Rodgers has more rushing TDs. Cutler may have fewer completions, but he also has fewer pass attempts.
Thus, to me, it seems that statistics are about as important to this argument as explaining what’s ACTUALLY going on during Monday Night Football is to Tony Kornheiser.
So, what then? Well, character, of course.
Rodgers: Blue-collar working man
Aaron Rodgers has led his Green Bay Packers to a successful 2008 season. The guy never complains and, despite all the Brett Favre talk, he kept his head up and did his job to the best of his ability. To me, getting rid of Brett Favre helped the Packers become a team, instead of a team with this famous guy in the front. Rodgers fits the feel of a blue-collar team like the Packers. He’s gritty and not afraid to take a hit.
The Green Bay minicamp closes today and practice does not start until July 31. Rodgers won’t be stopping, though. The guy has committed to going through intense workouts until the start of practice. That is dedication to a job, regardless of your career path.
Cutler: Unproven, immature strong arm
This is the guy who was working for Mike Shanahan and wanted to be traded. That is really all the information you need, but I’ll continue. He complained about Denver and gets traded to Chicago, a team with even weaker receiving depth. He has yet to truly prove himself, even according to people like Tony Dungy. I could see him being potentially successful with people like Devin Hester, who was never really given a chance to shine with Orton, but leadership is something I simply do not see in this guy.
This is the NFC North. These teams are made up of tough, grid-iron players who are not afraid to put themselves out there. In such a league, I don’t see someone like Cutler, who’s hair is perfect, even after he removes his helmet, lasting long.
Verdict
If you really couldn’t tell, Rodgers is clearly at an advantage. He’s been with his team for an extra season than Cutler and he has proven himself. I believe that Rodgers will shine this year. That said, I’d probably pick Cutler over Rodgers for fantasy football as a secondary QB because, despite his pretty-boy demeanor, he’ll score you points with that arm.
If I was a GM, I’d take Rodgers.
Either way, both teams will be better off than these guys.
