Cassel > Cutler by Mel Kiper Jr.

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Tuesday with Mel Kiper Jr.

Mel says Cassel is better than Cutler


This week, Jay Cutler's moaning has distracted Mel Kiper Jr. from his usual draft content. "Talk about whining and complaining -- this is at the top of the list," Kiper says.
Kiper: Cassel > Cutler

Cutler's complaining came about because the Denver Broncos tried to trade Cutler in a three-team deal that would have brought over Matt Cassel from New England. But when the trade fell through, Cutler started to complain.

Kiper says Cassel would have been an "upgrade" over Cutler and that Cutler is, to put it mildly, overrated. "[Cutler] throws one pass, he's a Hall of Famer," Kiper says. "I've seen the media put him in the Hall of Fame. I had to run to the bathroom quick. It was making me ill. I've been hearing this overhype. "This guy was overhyped at the combine, he was overhyped at Senior Bowl week, he's been overhyped before he was drafted. The media, they love Jay Cutler. Jay Cutler can do no wrong. I've been saying he's overrated since day one. Everyone's been pounding their chests saying, 'Oh, I love Jay Cutler, I'm a genius.' They have egg on their face now." Kiper points out that Cutler has yet to lead the Broncos to a winning record or a playoff appearance. Also, Kiper says, "[Cutler] makes throws that leave you scratching your head, which I said on draft day when he was picked. Yeah, he's got a strong arm, but my daughter knew he had a strong arm. She could've written that report."

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Kiper compares Cutler to Jeff George. "Jeff George had a great arm, and Jeff George had a lot of great games in this league, and people were putting Jeff George in the HOF early in his career," Kiper says. "So I'm just telling you, this is ridiculous." Also, Cutler once said he had a better arm than John Elway. Not surprisingly, Kiper isn't a big fan of that comment, either. "So what? Who cares? Why would you make a comparison to John Elway? That could be taken like you're in a position to critique the quarterback that is a legend."
Cornerbacks

Back to discussing the draft. "There isn't that one true shutdown cornerback available this year," Kiper says. "And after the subpar 40 times run by the defensive backs at the combine workout, this position isn't really as strong or as deep as originally anticipated." Michael Jenkins, Ohio State: "Jenkins is barely maintaining his spot as the No. 1 cornerback," Kiper says. Although Kiper points out that Jenkins "brings a ton of experience and sound technique to the position," he ran a 4.55 40-yard dash at the combine, which makes Kiper worry whether he's worthy of first-round consideration. Vontae Davis, Illinois: Davis is on Jenkins' heels as the top cornerback in this class. But "he lacks the necessary consistency and is still a work in progress," Kiper says. "But physically, he has the awesome physical talent you look for to warrant a first-round grade." D.J. Moore, Vanderbilt: Kiper says he has impressive cover skills, good return skills, smooth hips and good ball skills, but he lacks good recovery speed. Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest: "The 5-9, 193-pounder would be a first-round lock if he were a few inches taller and a bit faster," Kiper says. Darius Butler, Connecticut: Butler is a multiskilled athlete with outstanding recovery speed, Kiper says. Butler also saw action on offense, with nine receptions, and is a solid kick returner.

Underrated: Donald Washington, Ohio State: Washington left school early, a move that many people questioned, but Kiper says he is a solid second-rounder and will draw consideration in the latter portion of Round 1. "He has the physical skills you look for," Kiper says.

Others with early-round potential

• Jairus Byrd, Oregon
• Keenan Lewis, Oregon State
• Brandon Hughes, Oregon State
• Captain Munnerlyn, South Carolina
• Sean Smith, Utah
• Asher Allen, Georgia
• Jerraud Powers, Auburn

Safeties

Because USC's Taylor Mays opted to return to school, there isn't a true star at safety in this draft, Kiper says. William Moore, Missouri: After his junior season, in which he made eight interceptions, he was considered a first-round pick. But Kiper says a foot injury early in his senior season caused him to have just one pick last season. However, he ran an "impressive" 4.5-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. "He could turn out to be a steal in Round 2," Kiper says. Louis Delmas, Western Michigan: "A true ball hawk at free safety." Rashad Johnson, Alabama: "Had a spectacular year in the SEC, evidenced by his three-interception performance against LSU back in early November," Kiper says. He adds that Johnson is smart and instinctive, with his only weakness being a lack of ideal size (5-foot-11, 202 pounds). Others with early-round potential

• Emanuel Cook, South Carolina
• Patrick Chung, Oregon
• Sherrod Martin, Troy
• Darcel McBath, Texas Tech
• Chip Vaughn, Wake Forest
• David Bruton, Notre Dame
• Michael Hamlin, Clemson

Outside linebackers

"While there are several high-profile inside linebackers, there's no question the outside linebacker spot is much better when it comes to talent and overall depth," Kiper says. He predicts that as many as four outside linebackers could be chosen in Round 1 of the draft. Aaron Curry, Wake Forest: Curry is the top player on Kiper's draft board. The multidimensional linebacker gets "high grades in all aspects of outside linebacker play." Kiper says he is destined to be a perennial Pro Bowler. Brian Cushing, USC: Kiper says Cushing is able to perform effectively in a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. Also, he is more "proven and battle-tested" than his teammate Clay Matthews. Clay Matthews, USC: Matthews is in the Mike Vrabel mold and excels as a pass-rusher, Kiper reports. He is rocketing up draft boards after one season as a starter at USC. Larry English, Northern Illinois: "He was a force to be reckoned with with the Huskies." Clint Sintim, Virginia: "He has the talent and wingspan to operate on his feet or shift to a down defensive end position." He likely will be drafted in the second round. Inside linebackers

Rey Maualuga, USC: "He ranks as one of the hardest-hitting tacklers you will ever come across." James Laurinaitis, Ohio State: "He isn't flashy and lacks awesome computer numbers, but he gets extremely high grades in the consistency department." Kiper believes he needs to be protected by quality defensive tackle play. Others with early-round potential

• Jason Phillips, TCU
• Scott McKillop, Pittsburgh
• Jasper Brinkley, South Carolina
• Gerald McRath, Southern Mississippi
• Darry Beckwith, LSU

T.O.'s replacement?

With Terrell Owens gone, Kiper thinks Roy Williams will have to step up and be the No. 1 receiver in Dallas. "When he was at [the University of] Texas, he had great talent -- he flashed it time and time again." But Kiper believes Williams needs to be more assertive. "Don't be necessarily T.O. or Randy Moss. But you've got to go out there and have a little bit of an attitude -- a little chip on your shoulder," Kiper says. So who will play opposite Williams? Kiper says the Cowboys could find a quick slot receiver in the second round, like Brian Robiskie from Ohio State or Juaquin Iglesias from Oklahoma. Or they could roll the dice and go for Pat White from West Virginia, a quarterback whom many teams view as a wide receiver. Kiper says White could be the next Antwaan Randle El. But those are the Cowboys' options only if Hakeem Nicks (North Carolina) and Kenny Britt (Rutgers) are off the board by the time the Cowboys make their first pick of the draft in Round 2.








LOL. Cutler fans have egg on their face.... hahaha what a great insult.

[Que Card QB]

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

You can do that with any team...

My point was, the previous poster was simply comparing the two QBs and W/L records... it's just not that simple.

Here's a nice link with QB comparisons. http://www.milehighreport.com/2009/3...stats-on-cutle

Yes you can do that with any team. You brought up the 3 game spread between records.

[Mile High Mania]

Originally Posted by Que Card QB

Yes you can do that with any team. You brought up the 3 game spread between records.

You're reeruned.

[FAX]

I pretty much agree with Mr. Mile High Mania that wins and losses don't tell a quarterback's entire story. But if you win a lot, it will get you a long term contract. Don't, and you get fired.

Personally, I've thought Cutler was overrated for a long, long time. It's true that he made Vanderbilt a better football team, but in retrospect, I realize that Aunt May playing tackle would have made Vanderbilt a better football team.

Unless or until he can set aside the excuses (bad defense, dropped balls, crummy coach, etc.) and start winning games it's going to come to a sad end for him. That's it. There is no more. The bird is morte.

Many are the quarterbacks who have come and gone in this league with phenomenal physical tools who weren't successful for one reason or another.

FAX

[Mile High Mania]

Fax... I don't think he's using any of these as excuses... just those of us on the forums. Hell, the Great Peyton never won his ring until the Colts woke up one post-season and figured out how to play defense after what had to be one hell of a good night's sleep. Prior to that, many viewed Peyton as a stats freak at QB that liked to blame his OL for mistakes and would never be able to win the big one.

Things certainly changed when his defense played better.

Cutler definitely has areas of improvement and is far from being the best QB he can be...

It took Rivers some time to grow up a bit, and some still debate if he has done that. But, many think he's now got "it" and can lead a team, pointing to his ability to put them on his back late in 2008.

Just don't forget it took him some time to get there...

This is Jay's 3rd full year going into camp as the starter, with a new coach and system... last thing we needed was this big drama, especially with Marshall's dumbass staring at a suspension.

We'll see what happens.

[Just Passin' By]

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

The difference was 3 games... and had the NE defense given up 30 points or more in 9 of their games, I'm willing to bet they wouldn't have reached 11 wins. But, don't let that spoil your fun...

1.) 3 games is a big difference when you only play 16. You must know that.

2.) "Stupid to want a back-up QB over a Pro-Bowler. Cassell is a serviceable back up so long as he has a strong defense keeping the game close." was what I was responding to. It's not as if that poster was busy breaking down tape or talking to scouts prior to making his post. It was particularly foolish given that he was pimping a quarterback that has fewer winning seasons in College and the Pros than Cassel has.

[Mile High Mania]

Originally Posted by Just Passin' By

1.) 3 games is a big difference when you only play 16. You must know that.

2.) "Stupid to want a back-up QB over a Pro-Bowler. Cassell is a serviceable back up so long as he has a strong defense keeping the game close." was what I was responding to. It's not as if that poster was busy breaking down tape or talking to scouts prior to making his post. It was particularly foolish given that he was pimping a quarterback that has fewer winning seasons in College and the Pros than Cassel has.

I'm not sure whether to respond or just let you roll..

You're just not getting the point of my comments.

[Just Passin' By]

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

I'm not sure whether to respond or just let you roll..

You're just not getting the point of my comments.

I'm getting it fine. I'm just not buying it. There's a difference.

[Mile High Mania]

Originally Posted by Just Passin' By

I'm getting it fine. I'm just not buying it. There's a difference.

Ahhhh... ok, so then you are fully expecting 10+ wins from Cassell in KC this year b/c it's all about the QB and not the other factors, like defense or OL.

Gotcha. Good to know.

[FAX]

The term "excuse" was probably poorly chosen, Mr. Mile High Mania. In fact, after reviewing my post, the entire thing makes little sense. I blame the drugs.

Nevertheless, Cutler has to start winning. It's that simple. He never has, so it's tough to compare him to Manning. As for the defense, great quarterbacks find a way to overcome the shortcomings of their team. Trent Green, for example, won a lot of games with a laughing stock of a defense. Literally. Anyhow, we're talking quarterback play - not defense.

My point is this; Cutler has great physical tools, but he's never developed to the point he can make the difference between a win and a loss - and come out on the winning side. He couldn't do it in college and he hasn't yet proven he can do it in the NFL. You're right, he might develop into something special. But, there is nothing in his history or current situation that leads me to believe he's about to make that transition.

FAX

[Just Passin' By]

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

Ahhhh... ok, so then you are fully expecting 10+ wins from Cassell in KC this year b/c it's all about the QB and not the other factors, like defense or OL.

Gotcha. Good to know.

I'm not expecting anything. I wasn't the one who made the post pimping Cutler at Cassel's expense. I merely responded to it. That's why I didn't buy your argument. It wasn't that your point had absolutely no historical validity, it was that it didn't apply to the given circumstances created by the first poster.

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Originally Posted by Just Passin' By

I'm not expecting anything. I wasn't the one who made the post pimping Cutler at Cassel's expense. I merely responded to it. That's why I didn't buy your argument. It wasn't that your point had absolutely no historical validity, it was that it didn't apply to the given circumstances created by the first poster.

Jesus Christ; you can 'Tard Slap-Fight' for HOURS. I must admit; I'm impressed!

Rep!

[Mile High Mania]

Originally Posted by FAX

... great quarterbacks find a way to overcome the shortcomings of their team. Trent Green, for example, won a lot of games with a laughing stock of a defense. Literally. Anyhow, we're talking quarterback play - not defense.

FAX

Ok... Green had 2 winning seasons as the QB in KC.

2001: 6 wins
2002: 8 wins
2003: 13 wins
2004: 7 wins
2005: 10 wins

Defense pretty much sucked in each of those years, but it wasn't just Green... you had a guy named Priest, remember him and all that production?

Hell, in 2003 when Green finally broke .500 in wins... Priest had 1400+ yds and 27 TDs rushing.

So, are we still putting all the glory on Trent for 2003?

Oh and in 2005, the other year over .500 ... some guy named LJ had 1700 yds and 20 TDs.

Still all Trent?

I'm not suggesting he sucked, but c'mon... he was very good, but seriously, those double digit seasons were helped out quite a bit with the nice RB production.

Denver has had issues for a few years now, which is why Shanahan is gone...

[Mile High Mania]

Originally Posted by Darth CarlSatan

Jesus Christ; you can 'Tard Slap-Fight' for HOURS. I must admit; I'm impressed!

Rep!

He's not really that good...

[DrRyan]

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

I'm not suggesting he sucked, but c'mon... he was very good, but seriously, those double digit seasons were helped out quite a bit with the nice RB production.

Denver has had issues for a few years now, which is why Shanahan is gone...

...And McDaniels pass happy offense should shore that right up!

EDIT: added the first part of Mile High's post

[Just Passin' By]

Originally Posted by DrRyan

...And McDaniels pass happy offense should shore that right up!

I actually like what Denver's been doing. It's just unfortunate for them that the team's quarterback is less mature than your average zygote.