The phrase “franchise quarterback” is thrown around as commonly as kids tossing the pigskin in backyards across America. Legends like Johnny Unitas, Otto Graham, Bart Starr, George Blanda, and Y.A. Tittle; they, along with more recent greats; Roger Staubach, Bob Griese, Fran Tarkenton, Warren Moon, Dan Marino, Terry Bradshaw, Joe Namath and John Elway are just some who have been worthy of the label Franchise Quarterback. They have subsequently been deemed deserving of football’s highest honor, enshrinement in Pro Football’s Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. These were truly great players who led their respective franchises to the highest plateaus.
What does it mean to be worthy of the label Franchise Quarterback? This issue came to a head last season when the Denver Broncos were roundly chastised for trading their Franchise Quarterback, Jay Cutler, to the Chicago Bears. The condemnation involved the fact that, everyone knows you do not let go of a Franchise Quarterback. Is it possible the Broncos did not let a Franchise Quarterback go? Rather, they parted ways with a disgruntled mid-level quarterback? The Bronco’s current leadership has, in my opinion, made many missteps (look to the most recent NFL draft); but moving Jay Cutler was not one of them.
The point of this piece is not to “diss” on Jay Cutler or the Denver Broncos — it is rather to look at the larger issue of what it means to be blessed with the label, Franchise Quarterback. To begin, it must be made clear that it is not necessary to put together a Hall of Fame worthy career to warrant the elusive label. There have been and will continue to be several players whose likenesses will never grace the great hall in Canton, but remain worthy of being among those deserving the title Franchise Quarterback.
Present day examples can be found with the N.Y. Giants, Eli Manning; Packers, Aaron Rodgers; Cowboys, Tony Romo; or Texans, Matt Shaub just to name a few [I have intentionally avoided present day players like Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, and Tom Brady because they have likely already done enough to stamp their ticket to the Hall]. Jake Delhomme was comfortably mentioned as worthy of that label, until the end of the 2008 campaign when a disastrous five interception performance in a NFC Divisional playoff game led to a complete collapse in confidence and possibly his career. Like those other present day examples mentioned above, things can happen in their career that remove them from the list of present day great players.
What then is a proper criteria? Ability, winning, leadership, and that rare attribute of making teammates better than they would otherwise be. I would be remiss if I failed to mention the newest criteria: a quarterback who keeps himself out of the headlines for the wrong reasons (e.g., Ben Roethlisberger). This is not as much a morality judgment, but more an observation of the cultural shift in what society expects of players off-the-field. It is a reality that cannot be ignored or taken too lightly.
Quite a daunting list of stuff one needs to possess to be considered among the best. It is impossible for all 32 teams in the National Football League to possess one. It so rare that the San Francisco 49ers in the late 1980’s found themselves in the virtually unprecedented situation of simultaneously having two: Joe Montana and Steve Young both went on to have Hall of Fame careers. What’s interesting is that they played in an era when it was not as essential to have a Franchise Quarterback. Until recently, defense ruled the day.
A stifling defense could contain even the most prolific offense. Experts now concede that this is a very different era: one driven by the quarterback. Now it is a common belief that the requisite building block for winning is owning a Franchise Quarterback. This leads to the dilemma of the shortage of men who live up to these criteria.
I believe the bar has been subsequently lowered. By lowering the standard by which we measure greatness at the quarterback position, more clubs can count themselves as contenders. This is how middle-of-the-road quarterbacks like Jay Cutler become elevated to a class he is not worthy of being in. Organizations are desperate to believe they are close to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. What’s needed today is a sobering reality-check of just how few Franchise Quarterbacks there actually are. Organizational denial about the quality of the guy throwing the rock can actually set a team backward in its pursuit of attaining the ultimate prize.
Really well written, Jeff. All I have to contribute is that you can’t overlook their body of work, which sort of goes along with your point of ‘winning’. A franchise quarterback should, just by his presence on the field, allow the team to win 2 or 3 more games on the field every year, and should win consistently over time, like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady have been able to do in the present day game. Also, a franchise quarterback should lead your club to the promise land and should at least make a Super Bowl in his career.
Sensational article which i thoroughly enjoyed reading. You left out Drew Brees in the “franchise QB’s of today” which i hope was not intentional. But I love that you included Matt Schaub, who I am a huge fan of.
Although i do wonder to which degree do the fans decide who their “franchise QB” should be? I am talking mainly about The Eagles and McNabb, McNabb who was seemingly hated by Eagle nation despite doing everything next to winning a Superbowl title.
Jeff, I cannot believe you left Alex Smith of the modern day ‘Franchise QBs!’ Shame on you! Haha!
Great article. Extremely well written and thoroughly enjoyable. Is it fall yet???????
I’m just curios to know what is your take on Donovan McNabb, is he a franchise quarterback or even be considered for the Hall of Fame? Great article and looking forward for the next one
Bobo: Donovan is clearly a Franchise QB, but is on the downside of his career. I think he is a sure-in for the Hall of Fame. 5 NFC Championship games in such a short span. Don’t matter how the Eagles fans treated him.
Excellent article and we finally have the much talked-about Franchise QB requirements! It’s hard to argue with anything you say here, especially the parts about Roethlisberger and Delhomme. Am I right to think that it’s not enough to tick most of the boxes, you need to have every facet to be at the very top level, and should you fall short then you drop into the second tier? If so then I’m in complete agreement.
Very good article, and I especially agree how QB have lower standards of greatness compared to other positions. I heard a stat last year that around 8% of starting QB’s at any given time make the HOF, compared to around 3% for other positions. Also I’ll make the point that the phrase “Franchise quarterback” is open to conjecture. The phrase could simply mean QB’s who are the face of a franchise, not just the top echelon of QB’s in the league. You hear people talk about Sam Bradford and Matthew Stafford as franchise QB’s when they’re simply QB’s who are the face of the team they play for.
Manning has proven his paladin character, Cutler hasn’t and I doubt that he is capable of doing so
I just realised that from the first two sentences I can tell who wrote the article (Jeff or Steven). Great article Jeff well written.
If a Franchise Quarterback determains if your team is a “winner” or not, then I would like Jeffs take on the teams who compeded in last seasons playoff.
How many teams in the playoffs have a Franchise Quarterback and how well did these teams do?
Ian: I hadn’t done the math on missing one tick putting you on the second tier, but it sounds right. I was very ambivalent about what to do with Dan Marino. He is a great example of someone who won, but never the big one. Does that remove a tick from his list???
Interesting article Jeff – looking forward to reading more. Glad you got it off your chest with Steven not letting you have the much anticipated “Franchise QB show” ;-)
Really liked the article. Would love to see articles like this posted every day. Darn. If only you guys didn’t have lives.
I would have to agree with some of the other posters in that, to me, franchise QB would refer to someone who is the face of the franchise. Not necessarily HOF destined, such as Mark Sanchez.
Cant wait to see how my Sammy turns out!
Good question Jeff. My natural instinct is to say that winning a Superbowl does not make you a Franchise Quarterback, and not winning one doesn’t disqualify you. I think this tag is something that is judged on a season-by-season basis during your career, whereas the lack of a ring is something that will count against you in the final reckoning when The Media and fans have their debates of Top Ten QBs ever etc.
Having said that, a consistent failure to take your team to ‘the next level’ would probably be enough to put a cross against your name and drop your rating. Tony Romo might be a good example in that if he’d have kept losing first round play-off games then sooner or later it would have reflected badly on him, but having addressed that last season his FQ tag is in place.
That might not stand up to scrutiny but it feels like how it should work.
An interesting article, but after all the hype over the years I was hoping for something more in depth than winning, leading and being good :-)
Your remarks about McNabb and Marino seem contradictory – McNabb is “clearly” in the group, but you were “very ambivalant” about Marino because he didn’t win the big one? For the record, I think they are both definitive FQBs.
Great article Jeff.
In my opinion a franchise quatre back is someone who can can lead a team and take all the responsibilities of a team on his shoulders. Peyton Manning, Drew Brees and Tom Brady always look liek they are the ones in control and take full blame if the team looses and pass out the credit if the teams win.
Certain other QB’s, not mentioning any names (ayjay utlercay), seem to want to pass out any blame for the team fails, be it on the line or the recievers the coaching or even the defence.
A francise QB isn’t intrested in personal achievement, he just wants to take his team to the promise land!
Dan Marino is the definition of a FQB, no doubt about it for 3 more reasons:
– His persona helps define the team. When someone mentions a Dolphins Dynasty, names like Don Schula, Bob Griese, and Dan Marino come to mind.
– Accomplishments: Schula – Undefeated Season; Griese – Super Bowl; Marino – Record Holder of some of the most cardinal stats in the book.
– Trend of Failure. When the Dolphins failed to win the big one with Marino under the helm, was the real cause because Marino choked? (LACES OUT!!! sorry, I couldn’t help myself) If the answer is no, then you CANNOT put a cross over him. And that tick should only be a 1/2 tick. Any team back then to present day would kill to have Marino throwing the rock for them.
Now, here’s an honest comparison. Let’s pretend that Drew Brees didn’t get it done last year and ended up retiring in another decade without a ring. At the same time, he manages to consistently have one of the highest passer ratings and gets his name into the NFL’s all-time record books for most passing yards in a single season.
I rest my case.
In no way am I saying that Dan Marino doesn’t deserved to be mentioned amongst the greatest of all-time. I am just trying to get as close to a perfect definition as possible. In the case of Marino, it is clearly the definition that requires tweaking. The Brees example is a sound one. The only reason he was not mentioned in the original piece is that people had to be left out and I excluded those I most root for.
Another thing I want to make clear. In my opinion, there is a HUGE difference in being a Franchise Quarterback and the quarterback of a franchise. These are completely different issues that might end up with the same guy as the answer to a particular question. Byron Leftwich is the quarterback of the Jacksonville Jaguars, but hardly a Franchise Quarterback. He could (conceivably) become one, but so could Trent Edwards and… Jeff Ellis.
Rex Grossman: QB of a franchise that went to the Superbowl but most definitely not a Franchise QB.
PERFECT EXAMPLE, Listener Ian. Brad Johnson would be similar. Better yet, Rich Gannon – NOT an FBQ even though he was undoubtedly Tom Brady-esque the year he took the Raiders to the Super Bowl. I remember during the playoffs he set the record for the most consecutive completions. Since his time there was short, he did make a large impact during a couple seasons but did NOT make a large impact on the Franchise to the point that they can look back and say “Gannon really set the tone for this organizations success.”
“I believe the bar has been subsequently lowered”
The bar hasn’t been lowered, but the media need things to talk about, so they drag players into the discussion who woudn’t really belong there (Cutler probably being the best example).
To me it’s just as much about the off the field as the on the field. An ambassador for the team, a person of repute within the community, a shirt seller, in some cases a poster boy. Yes they should win the team an extra 2-3 games a year, but the term “face of the franchise” goes hand in hand with “franchise QB”.
“at this time…” Brett’s not sure if he’s a FQB or not!
Great article Jeff, which brought forth the ongoing debate about franchise QB’s. Here’s what I think. I like the term ambassador for the team used by boomer07uk, however I think you could expand that to include the game as well. A QB who consistently performs well makes the players around better, which in turn makes him a better player. A QB who is actively involved in the community and is a positive role model, attracts fans to the game through his excitement and self-driven winning attitude. A QB who I would pay to see regardless of what team they happened to be playing for at the time, like a Brett Farve, Payton Manning, Tom Brady or Doug Flutie to name a few. These players play consistently well and ignite a passion for the game not only within the fans, but within their fellow teammates.
Jeff-
I have a two part question. Was Big Ben a FQB before the scandal and if so, is he still a FQB? I’m curious due to your mention of ben and delhome in a similar context.
Thanks for a Great article Jeff!
Not having much experience on NFL yet but eager to lear more. now I can understand when you speak about franchise this franchise that.
Nice article Jeff.
I think the term ‘Franchise QB’ is as much down to legacy than actual achievement, the question I would ask first and foremost would be ‘does this QB define a team’. Although I’m a Pack fan I’d question for example whether Aaron Rodgers is a FQB – yet – I’m sure he will be with a couple more playoff games. To me the most essential criterion would also be, does the guy have those defining moments in his career. I don’t think Schaub, Rodgers or Romo are necessarily FQBs yet although all have excellent chances, simply because they haven’t got close enough to the big one or had games where you could say ‘that game was won solely down to the QB’.
just wanted to say hi. been listening to your podcast for three years and just wanted to say hey
Great article Jeff.
I think that another criteria for a franchise quarterback is that he is the first (or maybe second) person that you think of when you think of the team. When you think of the Indianapolis Colts, the first name you think of is Peyton Manning, New England Patriots … Tom Brady. When you think of the Houston Texans … Andre Johnson then Matt Schaub (let’s give credit where credit is due).
What about drew brees
How is Romo more of a Franschise QB than Cutler?
Because Romo has that awesome playoff winning percetage of what 20%?
Or his amazing record of December dives?
Jay Cutler is not a “middle of the road QB”, when the Bears get someone for him to throw too, like he had in Denver with Marshall and also where he would have had a shot at the playoffs if their defense hadnt been so bad, he has the ability to be a franchise QB. Middle of the road is so wrong! And I’m no Bears fan!
My main thought on the subject is that franchise QBs are what they are. I came up with 8 on the survey and I think that number has been reasonably consistent over the years.
If you think there used to be more, just go onto NFL.com and look at the historical QB rankings for (say) 1986, slap bang in the middle of the “golden age”. It wasn’t all superstars like Dan Marino & John Elway, Bernie Kosar & Boomer Esiason – enjoy the memories of some of the other QBs in that year…
– like Jay Schroeder & Tommy Kramer (both voted to the pro-bowl),
– the Colts fearsome duo of Gary Hogeboom and Jack Trudeau (who needs Peyton Manning!),
– the injury replacements for Joe Montana and Jim McMahon (those would be the unforgettable combos of Jeff Kemp/Mike Moroski and Mike Tomczak/Doug Flutie/Steve Fuller respectively)
– And the rookie seasons of Jim Everett, Chuck Long, Bubby Brister, Hugh Millen and Doug Gaynor!
Hmmm.
Great article Jeff!
Love the fact that you finally explained your thoughts on the “franchise QB”.
While I do agree with your choices for franchise QB (except Eli Manning) I’m not sure if I’m wrong but isn’t the franchise quarterback the guy that is gonna be “The Guy” for a team. A guy like a Carson Palmer or a Joe Flacco. QB’s that you plug in and start adding pieces to compliment their strengths and minimize there weaknesses.
I mean look at what happened with Drew Brees. People thought he was done when he hurt his arm/shoulder, but Sean Peyton saw his potential. Peyton acquired players that complimented Brees and after many tough years the New Orleans Saints were no longer the “Aint’s”, they were Superbowl Champions!
Obviously, there are guys like Peyton Manning and Brett Farve that clearly elevate the players around them, but what about the Trent Edward’s and Jason Cambell’s? Edward’s got pounded behind a shredded offensive line and Campbell has to learn a new offense every year! Its hard to give some a fair evaluation. Is Matt Cassel a frachise QB because he came into a “plug and play” NE Patriots team and pulled off 10 wins when Brady went down? Could Edwards or Campbell done the same in the same situation? Its a slippery slope my friend. I guess this is why the “Elusive Franchise QB” will continue to be elusive.
Thats my take,
Naumann
I think part of the definition should include the additional margin or the additional contract risk that a club is willing to assume to keep a QB with the club. If we assume that GMs are rationally valuing their players, then this `overvalue` must include the intangible value to the franchise.
Although recent examples such as Jamarcus Russel, Jake Delhomme who are highly paid boat anchors demonstrate how this could only be part of the definition. You could also argue that a true franchise QB might sign with a team for slightly less for non-monetary reasons (location, relationship with coach, wants to win etc). But ultimately the contract does define the mutual value of the QB-Team relationship, and the probability of the player remaining with the team.
My personal definition of a franchise QB is whether or not the QB or a team is defined by the QB. For example, Seattle Seahawks under Holmgren will always be a “Hasselbeck” team and vice-versa. So for me Vince Young is not yet a franchise QB because Kerry Collins was such a huge part of that team for the past two seasons.
Vince Young, to me, is a franchise QB, his level of play has increased to a solid level over 2008, and although he’s still not a great QB, he elevates the play of everyone on that Tennessee Titans team, and last season was evidence of that. Eli Manning, to me, isn’t a franchise QB, neither is Tony Romo, both are good, solid QBs, but just don’t have the stuff to be considered franchise in my mind
I voted just a few minutes ago and I must say: it was really difficult.
In the end, I didnt choose McNabb and Favre, because in my eyes, they do not “belong” to their current franchise. In my mind, identification and a history with the team a re an important factor.
I thought long about Romo, E. Manning, C. Palmer, but none of them made my list.
– Romo is a fine qb, but I need to see more. One playoff win isnt enough in my opinion.
– E. Manning probably shouldve made my list, but I always felt like he got carried along by the team. A couple of years ago, when they won the SB, they had a very fierce defense along with a powerful running game – he was not the deciding factor.
Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco are very solid, but I just need one more year to judge them. The same is true for Vince Young, who greatly benefitted from having C. Johnson to just throw him the ball 2 yards and then have a 70 yard passing play.
Especially in the case of Flacco – sure, playoffs two times in a row and a tough guy. But I think the Defense and the ground game carried him along the way. He seems to be interchangeable to me.
Ryan had a difficult second year, but I think he and the Falcons in general will be great this season.
For me, the franchise QB’s are:
– Rivers
– Roethlisberger
– P. Manning
– T. Brady
– A. Rodgers (you could argue with that, especially since this was his second year – but look at him, he single handedly carried the packers the last season!)
– M. Hasselbeck (maybe that is homerism. But he is a long time member of the seahawks, has always been the unquestioned starter. has been to a superbowl and multiple playoff wins. face of the franchise. and in my eyes, though his performance declined because of injuries to him and the o-line, he still is a franchise QB).
A franchise quarterback, to me, is a quarterback that the franchise is counting on, seemingly without the help of his teammates, to take it to the proverbial promised land. A franchise quarterback is not, to my mind, an MVP who happens to be the quarterback.
This is because a quarterback does not a franchise make. I believe Tom Brady, or Payton Manning, or any other top quarterback you care to name, can be placed in a franchise where he would not have succeeded and will not succeed. Moreover, there have been championship teams without an MVP or top quarterback: the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, to name one.
If one wishes to say that a quarterback is the MVP of a team, then one should say that and not that the quarterback is a “franchise quarterback”.
“…the criteria for a Franchise Quarterback. “Ability, winning, leadership, and that rare attribute of making teammates better than they would otherwise be. And the newest criteria: a quarterback who keeps himself out of the headlines for the wrong reasons.” Keep that in mind as you answer the following question regarding the 32 starting quarterbacks in the NFL.”
The only way I can abide this definition of a “franchise quarterback” is if I imagine a quarterback who can take his team to the playoffs in spite of the rest of his team. Or put another way, could another quarterback have taken that team to the playoffs? Often the answer is yes: Matt Cassel nearly did, in place of Tom Brady, very recently.
Hence, quarterbacks like Tom Brady or Payton Manning I cannot call “franchise quarterbacks”, for it is obvious to me that their success has been utterly dependent upon sensational OLs, RBs, WRs or strong defenses that kept them in the playoffs year after year.
By my way of thinking, John Elway was the quintessential “franchise quarterback”. When he was leading the Broncos to those early Super Bowls he had very little help from his OL, RBs or WRs. That “he” lost those championships is practically irrelevant given the lack of talent around him in those days. He nevertheless had the uncanny ability to make things happen, repeatedly during the course of a game, practically on his own. It was amazing stuff to watch (and I’m not a Broncos fan).
So I guess the question for me is: Is there a John Elway in the league today?
There seems to be two types of use of the phrase ‘Franchise QB’. Firstly, to describe an elite QB, and secondly to describe the QB who is or will be for years to come the centre of a franchise. The two are clearly not necessarily identical groups.
I think this whole debate initiated from the clash of these two definitions, with Jay Cutler possibly falling into the second group, but by no means into the first group. Personally, I think the phrase is relevant to the second broader definition rather than the first, otherwise the phrase “Elite QB” or such like would be used. Therefore assuming the second definition is more relevant, what are the key indicators of this tag?
Firstly, how do we assess the internal value to the franchise? I think the comments on leadership etc are relevant, but these are difficult for a simple fan such as myself to assess, so therefore I decided on using the simple indicator of which QBs will start for their franchise at all times unless injured? Therefore you have the Bradys and the Mannings (well at least one of them), but also the Cutlers and the Romos. But you probably don’t have the first and second year pros by very definition that a disastrous three game spell for a Sanchez or a Bradford could see them benched. And of course definitely not the Leinarts or anyone else facing uncertainty such as a Hasselback.
Secondly, how do we assess the external value to the franchise? I think this has to use some form of intangible assessment. Which QBs have create fan base confidence or excitement? On this basis for example, Garrard fails the test, whereas Cutler, for at least another season, passes the test…
Ergo, Jay Cutler is a franchise QB. Surely I’ve got this wrong?
The 80’s was an era that didn’t require a franchise quarterback? I don’t know about that. While it’s true that defenses were dominant and teams didn’t pass as much (though was that true of the 49ers?), when you think of the great teams of that era, you think of QBs–Montana, Elway, Marino, Kelly, Theismann, Simms. About the only really great team of that era that I can think of that didn’t have a really dominant QB was the Chicago Bears. McMann was a great leader, but I wouldn’t call him a franchise quarterback.
Think you have to add a certain amount of longevity to a Franchise QB. I would not add Shuab or Eli as Franchise QBs since only one or two seasons of success should not put you in that group. I also think it should be a guy that does not make you hold your breath every time he throws the ball (I am looking at you mister Romo and Rivers). I think this is a very elite class of guys as mentioned in the beginning. Out of this group I only see 4 guys… Brady, Breese, P Manning, along with Brett Farve. I would be close to adding a 5th in Big Ben but his off the field actions and the fact his throwing accuracy is something to be desired keeps him out of that list. I would say he would be in the second group which includes Eli, Ryan, The Baltimore QB (cant think of his name but it is like Falco from the replacements), Schaub, McNabb, Romo and Rivers. Basically there is whole lot of people behind these guys and I am omitting all Rookies and second year guys since they really have not had their shot yet.
Gregory I think your Elway logic is a little lacking. Elway did have a good defense and I would not say that his OL was really that bad. To turn it around on you a bit, if Brady, Manning, or Breese were not in the lineup do you think that those teams would of had the same amount of success. I remember in 2001 when Brady came in to relieve an injured Bledso, I believe the Pats were 0-2 …. with Brady in there they in the Superbowl.
Manning, and as a gator kills me to say this, only carves up every team that he plays. I mean what he did to Miami last year was just sick… he had the football for a whole 15 minutes of that game and Indy crushed Miami.
This reminds me of the same foolish argument my brother in-law uses when he wants to prove that Dan Marino was the greats QB ever and Joe Montana was a punk. He keeps saying how Marino had nothing around him and had tons of success while Montana had all these great players. Lets be honest, those 49ers (except for Rice), were 0nly great because of the fear that Montana and the West Coast offense put into people.
Wonder what would happen if a Rookie won he superbowl in his first year. Instant Franchise QB? Could totally see that thrown around
Great article though Jeff, sorry I missed it beforehand
Been waiting for a while to hear your thoughts on what a FQB is since Cutlers’ move last year. Not disappointed!
Keep ’em coming.
I would still really love for you guys to put out a ‘what is a FQB?’ show. Just to get Stevens opinion and to see how your thoughts differ.
I’ll hold my hands up to being a lollygagger Jeff. Fully up to date now. No more late blitz emails. :)
Listened to the new podcast today. Sorry guys, I answered the poll before I read the article. If I was to vote strictly based on your criteria, there’s very few. I’ll even put them in order:
1. Peyton Manning
2. Drew Brees
3. Brett Favre (… but not “at this time”)
4. Tom Brady
5. Tony Romo
6. Phillip Rivers
7. Donavan McNabb
8. Aaron Rodgers
9. Matt Schaub
10. Eli Manning
11. Vince Young
12. Jay Cutler
Now, before you guys flame me for Jay Cutler, hear me out (and this is coming from a life long Packer fan, so TRUST ME, I’m being objective here). Over the last two seasons, he’s averaged over 4000 yards per season, 26 touchdowns, and has completed over 60% of his passes. That’s what you want from a franchise QB. I’ve heard from multiple pundits that “Jay hasn’t won anything,” including from Mr. Ellis. That is true, but, I don’t blame the Broncos not being serious contenders on anything Cutler did in Denver. I would blame that on their defense not being able to stop anybody. It also didn’t help that they play in the same division as the Chargers, who have perennial Super Bowl contender since Jay has been in the league.
Last year in Chicago, he managed a career high in touchdowns despite the fact that they didn’t have a legitimate number one WR and a suddenly anemic running game. It could be debated that they didn’t even have a legitimate number two WR last season.
I know. I know. Whate about the interceptions? The number everybody wants to focus on is the interceptions. But, I liken his numbers to Brett Favre’s seasons in 1994 and 2005. When he lost Sterling Sharpe as his security blanket in 1994, Brett had one of his worst seasons with 24 interceptions. In 2005, Brett played most of the year with either one legitimate WR or none and was on I believe their fifth or sixth starting running back (Noah Herron? Really?). He of course had his worst season as a pro and threw 29 interceptions. Both Brett and Jay play with that same “gunslinger mentality.” Both players play the game with a very high risk, high reward style, and if they don’t have at least a servicable receiving core, these are the types of results you are going to get.
Now, I am DEFINATELY not saying that Cutler is in Favre’s league (that is obvious), but I think that if Jay Cutler and the Bears can get a legitimate number one WR (T.O. maybe? Why not? Lovie is out the door if they don’t win this season, so what’s the risk?), I think his numbers would improve overall.
That’s my take on it.
Correction: I double checked and Favre’s first bad season was in 1993… It’s only been what, seventeen years since then… I think I’m allowed to forget what happened that long ago:)