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Perhaps the biggest topic of conversation this past preseason was over the Cutler-Orton trade.
Many people, not just Bears' fans, felt they had the best end of the deal, getting a Pro Bowl gunslinger while giving up a weak-armed check-down passer.
Most Bronco fans were glad to get rid of Cutler after his fight with management. His poor red zone percentages also played a role in Denver's joy.
Now, after eight weeks of regular season play, how do the two compare? Who really got the better end of the deal? While many points may go into a debate on a player's skills, statistics provide an even playing field.
Jay Cutler - Cutler is 153-239 passing, 63.6% Comp., 1677 yards, 7.02 YPA, 11 TDs, 11 INTs, and 80.8 Rating
Kyle Orton - Orton is 147-231 passing, 64.0% Comp., 1617 yards, 7.00 YPA, 9 TDs, 1 INT, and 95.5 Rating.
It is easy to compare stats, as they both have had near identical attempts passing. Both are virtually the same in completion percentage, Cutler holding a microscopic lead in that category.
Yards are very similar as well. Cutler has 60 more yards. Again, almost identical with a 0.02 percent difference in yards per attempt.
The differences are in the last three stats. Cutler has thrown two more TDs than Orton. However, Cutler has thrown 10 more INTs than Orton. This has earned Orton a 95.5 rating, while Cutler owns a career-low 80.8.
Orton has not shown skill running, posting a 1.8 average. He has fumbled once.
Cutler has been more eager to run, with a 4.6 average, one TD, and four fumbles.
Although statistics are not the only thing that need to be taken into consideration when judging a quarterback, many will agree that Orton has a significant edge on Cutler.
Orton has done what he was expected to do, which is to make smart decisions and manage games. As a result, he has been pleasantly effective.
Cutler has done what was expected of him (at least by Broncos fans). He's gone for home run and highlight plays, even if they were bad decisions. As a result, he has the same number of INTs as TDs.
Orton and the Broncos have a 6-1 record. Cutler and the Bears have a 4-3 record.
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