Cutler vs Manning

One of the interesting things about match-ups like this week versus Indy is that we get to prattle on comparing or contrasting our players versus some of the great players around the league. Some of these are meaningful, but most are just for fun. In an attempt to walk the fine line between insightful and fun, I decided to compare our hot shot QB with the leagues best active ball-slinger, Peyton Manning. I also wanted to give myself some perspective on new quarterbacks (even the great ones). So, I took a look at both quarterback’s first eight games, and here’s what I found…

I’d have to say Jay Cutler stacks up pretty well against The Great Peyton Manning.

In their first eight games here are the stats:

As you can see Cutler has more wins, a better completion percentage, a higher yardage per pass average, more touchdowns and less interceptions. He also has averaged more points per game than Manning did.

Manning has Cutler on total attempts and therefore on total yardage, but every other stat tips to Cutler’s favor.

Yes, I know, the Colts of 1998, weren’t nearly as good as the Broncos of today, but consider this…

Cutler has been under just as much pressure as Manning in their first eight games. Manning was sacked 12 times in those games while Cutler has been sacked 17 times.

As a side note, Cutler’s number of fumbles (particularly from center) is rather high. Jay had 5 in the first two games and 10 total for these eight games, while Manning only had one.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering… Elway’s first eight games resulted in a completion percentage of 45%, average passing yards gained of 5.68, only 2 TD’s versus 9 INT’s and an average game score of 14 points. He also endured 23 sacks in those games and loss all but two of them.

I would be thrilled by a win versus Indy, but I think this little exercise helped put things in perspective for me. It’s a reminder that we have a very talented QB, who has done extremely well in his first 8 games. He won’t be John Elway or Peyton Manning by this Sunday, but he’s on the right track to become a great QB in his own right – if we give him time.

-Jonathan Douglas
–BroncoTalk.net