AP Question: Orton vs. Cutler?

by Matt Conner on Jul 9, 2009 11:25 AM CDT in 2009 Offseason Comment 19 comments

Hey in our latest AP Question, we went back to our source at MileHighReport, Stephen (HoosierTeacher), for some logical thought processes behind the seemingly chaotic, circus-like atmosphere surrounding the Broncos handling of the QB position this spring. Specifically, we wanted to ask Stephen just exactly what were the Broncos thinking and why shouldn't the Chiefs be ecstatic that it's Kyle Orton suiting up for the Broncos. His answers just might surprise you.

Q: This offseason demonstrated once again that the most prized possession in football is a young, proven quarterback. Why would the Broncos even try to persuade anyone that they're pleased with the way the chips fell with the Cutler trade and how real is Orton in the starting role?

A: Here's my take on Orton and Cutler. Cutler has more potential. He has a great arm, and great feet. His problem is that he doesn't look off his target, and can over rely on one target. His field vision isn't too good. In other words, the guy is built to win games physicaly, but he makes a lot of mental errors. He gains a lot of yards, but does next to nothing in the redzone and forces too many passes. He throws a lot of interceptions.

Orton on the other hand is more stable. His arm is better than advertised, but not great. He doesn't have the potential of Cutler, but he makes better decisions. He can manage a game better than Cutler, and is willing to check to another receivig option when a play falls apart. He has a better presence in the huddle, and is a more mature leader.

Is Orton better overall? Of course not. But that misses the point (in my opinion).

1. The trade was picks 1,1,3 for Cutler, and a 5 for Orton. That's a tremendous trade value for Denver. (Denver was trading for the picks, not Orton).

2. Cutler will be going to a team without much of an offensive line, and with receivers that are sub par. Orton will now have an incredible offensive line, and terrific receiving options.

I think Denver and Chicago both got a good deal. I also think Cutler isn't as great as advertised, and Orton isn't as bad as advertised. Look at the wins that each guy has had over the last couple of years. Folks seem to miss that Orton has actually outperformed Cutler where it counts - TDs, wins, and less INTs.

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yeah but you have to take into consideration that Orton was not asked to win games on his own. He never had to but the Bears on his back. He was asked in Chicago to manage the game and not turn the ball over because the defense is the strong point of that team. I mean the guy had trouble beating out Grossman. Also Denver’s defense is terrible which is not going to set Orton up for very good field position. The only thing i agree with is that Chicago gave up way too much for Cutler. Orton is not bad and will do okay but doesn’t touch a pro bowl caliber QB in Cutler.

by dwill_pittst on Jul 9, 2009 11:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

watch some games or scores...

First off…dude, did you watch any of the Bears games last season…or are you jst commenting based on what you heard somewhere…The Bears defense stunk last year…Orton led them to score over 49 points against the Vikes who, as much as it hurts to say this, were amazing last year…I was a hardcore bears fan for a lng time, but they have been terrible at judging QBs…u wanna talk abt beating out Grossman…? do u realize that Grossman led them to the SB…I hate Grossman…but still, give the idiot some credit….I guarantee that Cutler is gng to be booed sooner than u thnk, the fans here are ridiculously demanding…Grossman led us to a SB in his first FULL year starting…come on, they din’t give him a chance, how long will it be before cutler cries abt the fans treating him badly…I stdy at Purdue, and my freshman year was that season that Orton was a Heisman candidate, lemme tell you, it is a HUGE misconception to say he doesn’t have a strong arm….look at who he was throwing to in Chi-town, Hester, a converted kick returner/ DB, was the number 1…When Lloyd was healthy, they gelled amazingly, after that…it wnt downhill to say the least…btw, did you know that we played our TE as starting receivers, during the last half of the season….if you don’t believe me go find any footage…Hester was the only “receiver” that we had…

by ickul on Jul 11, 2009 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

crazy.

Sorry, I live in lafayette for a long time. I remember Breeze though. Much better of the two.

"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"

by Jux on Jul 12, 2009 12:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The picks were an opportunity.

I was really sweating the draft, but, in all honesty, I think that the Broncos came about as close as you can get to blowing it. If this rosie assessment of Orton doesn’t pan out, fewer TDs Wins & more Ints, JM will have a short stay in Denver. I definitely agree that Cutler was a bit overated and Chicago gave too much, but expect the Bears to be playing after the 3rd of Jan while Broncos try to manage expectations of drafting a franchise QB with the 25th (or worse) pick and doubt that they’ll be pointing to the jockey/cb they got for their top ten pick with any enthusiasm.

by Kane on Jul 9, 2009 11:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Cutler and his bonehead mistakes

If you look at the interceptions and fumbles, in the red zone, that Cutler has commited you wouldn’t think he was that good of a QB. I live in Denver so I watch all their games and I can tell you he makes a lot of bonehead mistakes. There’s no doubt he’s got a great arm but it’s the brain/decision making part he’s short on. I think the Donkey’s came out way ahead on this deal …. especially with the crop of QB’s coming out in the draft next year. That’s where they’ll find Cutler’s replacement. Orton will do a good job, won’t cost them any games and will keep the fans happy. After Cutler’s antics, in the off season, most of the city was happy to see him gone.

by RatsoReily on Jul 9, 2009 12:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Comparing the wins between Cutler and Orton only works

if you COMPLETELY ignore the fact that Chicago has a fabulous defense, and the Broncos have a Chiefs-esque defense.

Look at Cutler’s record when Denver’s opponents were held to fewer than 24 points. In those cases, I think he has lost ONE game.

Marley will be walking soon...she could probably play Linebacker better than some of the guys we had.

by PVChiefsfan on Jul 9, 2009 12:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Not once

have I ever dimissed the Cutler loss for Orton the demise of Denver. Chicago has had lots of trouble at QB, and I think those troubles will continue with Cutler and the lower-eschelon recievers in Chicago. Maybe not, but I wouldn’t bet the farm on it.

With Orton, he’s coming into a team 180-degrees different than where he’s coming from. Can he handle the pressure of being the guy expected to win a game? Who knows, but I’m betting he won’t do nearly as terrible as people first expected him to. He’s not a terrible QB, and not being able to take the job from Grossman isn’t nearly as big of a deal as it would seem. You never knew which Grossman was going to be on the field, the 120 qb rating, or the 40 qb rating… it was like roulette, and Smith played the odds.

My crystal ball says that the Chiefs will not be drafting Aaron Curry. Their record at the end of 2009 will be 10-6. After witnessing the 2009 draft, their record will be 8-8.

by IISaiNtII on Jul 9, 2009 12:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

hmm

it seems like the broncos fans are just delusional right now

and in self-denial

that they just lost their franchise qb

in all seriousness how can anyone say that orton is a better “fit”

in their system than cutler

denver’s d was the third worst defense and yet cutler

singlehandedly almost got them into the playoffs

by andrew33 on Jul 9, 2009 1:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Since when

does “almost” count? I’ve never been enamoured with Cutler, mostly because of his attitude, and I’m of the opinion that his attitude will keep him from being the best player he could be.

I don’t think anyone is saying Orton is a better fit, if you had both guys to choose from, I’m 99% sure every team would take Cutler over Orton. The point is that while Orton isn’t as gifted as Cutler, he still is able to get the job done. With the talent around him in Denver, I don’t think he’s going to have many problems being more sucessful there than in Chicago.

My crystal ball says that the Chiefs will not be drafting Aaron Curry. Their record at the end of 2009 will be 10-6. After witnessing the 2009 draft, their record will be 8-8.

by IISaiNtII on Jul 9, 2009 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Unless Denver's defense improves by leaps and bounds

I think there may be trouble in Donkeyland. I’m not sure that Orton can make enough of the big throws to keep them in a high scoring game.

It’s the same problem we’ve had here occasionally- a “game manager” QB only works if you have a average or better defense.

Marley will be walking soon...she could probably play Linebacker better than some of the guys we had.

by PVChiefsfan on Jul 10, 2009 7:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I expect to see

something similar to a NE style offense, lots of quick hits and not many bombs down the field… that’s just me though.

My crystal ball says that the Chiefs will not be drafting Aaron Curry. Their record at the end of 2009 will be 10-6. After witnessing the 2009 draft, their record will be 8-8.

by IISaiNtII on Jul 10, 2009 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I really wish

… it were Grossman wearing the horse next season. Orton should’ve been starting more for the Bears but Lovie/Angelo were in such denial.

I’d say the guy at Mile High Report is spot-on about this.

Orton’s gonna really mesh well with Marshall.

… oops. Scratch that. …

"If you shoot me, you're liable to lose a lot of those humanitarian awards."
--Irwin M. Fletcher.

by Arrowheadcase on Jul 9, 2009 1:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

"You play to win the game"-The Germ

If thats true, and it is, then Orton (20-12) is a much better QB than Cutler (17-20)

Perhaps thats not really the best way to judge a QB’s skills, but winning games is more important than throwing for 4,000 yards.

by chicks_love_chiefs on Jul 9, 2009 3:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Well What Else Would We Expect From

a donkeys fan? Of course his answers make sense and are logical, I don’t want to take away from that. This deal is done and there’s no point in complaining about it, you just have to look at the bright side. This is a very rational way to view this.

Here’s my thoughts on the situation (and I’m not alone in thinking this way), I think Cutler will win more games in Chicago with questionable talent at the receiver level than Orton will in Denver with great talent all around on offense. It’s all because of the defense, one team has it and Josh McDaniels doesn’t appear to know he has one (sort of). So if it’s about winning, well IMO, the Bears got the better deal.

However, only time will tell, drafts and seasons will pass before this argument will be decided (if it ever is). I sort of wish I still lived in Denver so I could go to that preseason game…

The offseason is making me sleepy.

by Spiderwomn69 on Jul 9, 2009 4:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

make sense?

they make about as much sense as a slick politician that is just getting past some sort of scandal.

He says cutler has a great arm but lots of mental mistakes, sticks too long to one target, and throws a lot of ints.

Orton on the other hand has a servicable arm and is more steady and consistant and smarter.

Seems to me if u ask any coach, they’ll take the latter every time. Nobody however would take orton over cutler in a straight trade. the draft picks noted are key (the parenthetical notation was his words or ours?)

I guess my point is this guy may be no different than any fan: tell yourself what you need to hear so things don’t come crashing down on you. i dont think thats the case for most of our comments about cassel, but it maybe true about our DL.

nfl is looking for that yao ming money

by chiefsinchina on Jul 9, 2009 6:42 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

and

ur right, it is a matter of looking at the brightside of the silver lining of keeping your head up and staying positive.

2 facts remain, they are worse off at quarterback but they have lots of wonderful draft picks.

Silver lining? Mcdaniels will probably coach himself out of a job soon enough.

nfl is looking for that yao ming money

by chiefsinchina on Jul 9, 2009 6:47 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

+1

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Jul 9, 2009 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

McDaniels was clumsy. Aired a lot of dirty laundry in the whole Cassel-Cutler thing.

Subjected Denver fans to a totally unnecessary Soap Opera. Maybe the Broncos are better off long-term. Maybe Knowshon will make the difference and be Orton’s best friend. He’ll need a safety valve and a man to side him in the backfield, like Marshall Faulk once was in a similar offense. And Cutler’s a punk.

If I were a Denver fan, I’d be pleased to be rid of Cutler’s ego. But I don’t think they’ve solved their problems on D. Cut Cutler a little slack on that account, I reckon.

by hmills110 on Jul 9, 2009 7:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs