Andy Dalton vs Cam Newton: Which Rookie QB Will Have Better NFL Career?

It's not a question that usually comes up so early in both players' rookie seasons. Who's the better long-term bet, the first-overall pick or the guy who landed 34 spots later?

And it's even rarer when the first-overall pick breaks records set by Peyton Manning in his first few weeks of NFL play.

But after watching Cam Newton and Andy Dalton both surprise with their early maturity and effectiveness, it's no longer a sporadic question; it's a valid one. 

As with all individual players in the NFL, the measure of their comparative success will come down, in some part, to the success of their respective teams. So far, it's not even close. The Carolina Panthers are 1-5 after a 31-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons Sunday. The Cincinnati Bengals are sitting in a tie for second in the AFC North at 4-2.

That's not all on the quarterbacks, though. Cincinnati's played Cleveland, Denver, San Francisco, Buffalo, Jacksonville and Indianapolis, teams that are a combined 13-21. Carolina's opponents are 17-17, and include Green Bay, New Orleans, Chicago and Atlanta. So far, the Bengals have faced one playoff team from last season (the Peyton-Manning-less Colts), while the Panthers have already seen four.

Another plus for Dalton appears to be the chemistry he's developed with fellow rookie AJ Green. The first-year receiver has already reeled in four touchdowns and over 400 yards, and forms half of a great young corps with tight end Jermaine Gresham. Newton has Steve Smith for now, but Smith's 32-years-old, and there's not much behind him. Greg Olsen has been a nice find, but he's not capable of holding up as a No. 1 option.

The roles, however, are somewhat reversed when it comes to a strong ground game behind a solid offensive line, both major factors in any quarterback's success. Newton's backed up by DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart and gets to play behind Jeff Otah and Jordan Gross. Dalton may not have the same luxuries for long with Cedric Benson playing on a one-year deal.

There's not much of an edge when you look at divisional competition, either. The Saints, Falcons and Buccaneers are all packed with staying power, and there's never much room in the AFC North. If forced to lean one way, the age of the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense could provide a few cracks at the top of Cincinnati's division.

Still, each players' individual talent will play a large role of its own.

There's no question that Newton carries the category here. He's consistently burned opposing defenses no matter the talent differential, and his ability to improvise with his feet when flushed out of the pocket is an enviable trait. Dalton certainly hasn't been limited to poor play by his physical limitations, but they do exist, at least in comparison to Newton.

It's always difficult to project the entire career of a quarterback who has played only six NFL games, and it's even harder when you include peripheral factors like divisions, teammates and coaches. Despite the stark difference in team records, it's hard not to give the nod to Newton. He's doing more with less right now, if you can believe, and although it's translated into only one win so far, he's the type of player you can build a franchise around.