Why I Would Want Jason Campbell over Jay Cutler

As reported on ESPN, Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder attempted to trade for former Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler. I imagine the trade fell through because neither side could agree on compensation; more than likely draft picks.

But what surprises me about this move isn’t the fact that the Redskins wanted to trade for another quarterback, it’s that they wanted to trade for Cutler. Jay’s record as starting quarterback for his former team was a paltry 17-20. Campbell’s record as a starter for the Redskins you ask? 16-20.

So if we judge the two signal callers by their records, they are both equal. But Jay Cutler is perceived to have more upside than Campbell because is arm is stronger and he’s a better quarterback. 

Not judging by the record.

Campbell seems to be the type of quarterback that may need another year or two to develop.

Not because he doesn’t have the skill or the capacity to become great, but because the Redskins can’t seem to make up their minds on offensive coordinators, let alone head coaches.

So here are my reasons for wanting Campbell over Cutler.

1. Jason Campbell has had over 5 offensive coordinators; college and pro.

Campbell has the ability to adapt. During his college career, Campbell never had the same offensive coordinator for longer than a season. Granted he had the Cadillac behind him as well as Ronnie Brown, but he still was able to perform at a high level year after year.

Cutler was in Denver with a decent offense and a terrible defense and ranked ahead of Drew

Brees in the category of passing yards in the fourth quarter. But that still did not translate to wins. Campbell has a hurt running attack, an inconsistent wide receiving core, and rookie head coach to boot.

I’d take Campbell

2. Jay Cutler has the makings of Jeff George

Remember how strong Jeff George’s arm was when he was in the league? Remember how many passing yards he would rack up at one time? Remember how many teams he played for? I’ve heard Skip Bayless drown himself in love for Jay Cutler over and over even going so far as to call him Brett Favre Jr...While I have lost respect for Brett over the years, he was never one to complain (until late in his career).

The 1^st instance of trouble in Denver, Cutler wanted out. Is this what the Bears have to look forward if the head coach changes soon? Look, I understand we have players like Terrell Owens and Jared Allen; but Cutler doesn’t seem to have the mental toughness to become a great leader.

This brings me to my last point…

3. Jay Cutler is not mentally tough

Five or more offensive coordinators, scrutiny over if he can actually play quarterback, and the death of a close friend seem to have hardened Campbell; but not in a bad way. He knows what it takes to win and he has been though enough to have his skin thickened.

While I am more familiar with the career of Campbell than Cutler; Jay doesn’t seem like the type of guy that takes bad news well. He also seems to have the arrogance of a star quarterback without the statistics to match. Stating that your arm is stronger than John Elway is fine, but your Super Bowl trophy case is collecting dust in the meantime. 

Maybe Jay needs to focus on his play on the field and let go of the off the field distractions.

Jay Cutler may become the next Jeff George or Brett Favre, but if keeps heading down his current path, we may only know him for his mouth rather than his strong arm.