Ryan Fitzpatrick: Bills Star Proves Big Brain Better Than Brawn

How does it feel to get dumped by the Cincinnati Bengals? Just ask Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

After starting 13 games for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008, the team refused to bring him back. He then joined the Buffalo Bills and the rest is history.

Fitzpatrick is quickly proving to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL this year, and it isn't because of his talent. He is far from the most talented quarterback in the league, but he is without a doubt the smartest.

He scored a 1580 on the SAT back when the perfect score was a 1600, he then scored a nearly perfect score on the Wonderlic. He registered either a 48 or 49 depending on whom you ask, but either way it was nearly perfect.

The simple fact of the matter is that intelligence can surpass physical talent. Some of the best quarterbacks in the NFL are the best because of their brains not because of their talent.

No one thinks that Tom Brady is the most physically gifted quarterback in the NFL, but he is without a doubt one of the smartest.

He is an accurate passer, and has a relatively strong arm, but no one is going to confuse Brady's arm for Brett Favre's arm.

The same thing can be said for Peyton Manning. He has a strong arm, and is extremely accurate, but he wouldn't be the quarterback he is today if it wasn't for his superior intelligence.

Being an intelligent quarterback that can read defenses, and learn the ins and outs of an offense is more important than physical tools.

JaMarcus Russell has all the talent in the world, but he lacked the ability to read a defense, and couldn't learn an NFL offense. The same can be said for players like Ryan Leaf and David Carr.

The simple fact of the matter is that intelligence trumps talent.

The best quarterbacks in the league wouldn't be where they are if it wasn't for their superior brains. If you don't believe it just go watch Russell's pro day workout, then watch him in an NFL game.