Which quarterbacks are ready to make an immediate impact in the upcoming NFL season?
Preseason games mean nothing but it does provide a glimpse of a how well a quarterback throws the football and moves around the pocket. Here is our take on quarterbacks so far.
Jay Cutler
Disgruntled quarterback Jay Cutler traded his way out of Denver and landed on the Chicago Bears lap. During his second preseason game against the New York Giants, Cutler showed Broncos fans everything they’re missing. Unlike in his first preseason game against the Buffalo Bills Cutler looked comfortable and well-adjusted to the Bears offense against the Giants.
He played in only three series’ but completed 8 of 13 passes for 121 yards and helped build a 17-0 lead.
Cutler was inconsistent against the Bills but it was the Bears defense that had problems against Buffalo’s no-huddle offense. Based on two preseason games, Cutler looks to provide the Bears immediate offense.
Kyle Orton
Cutler’s trade partner Kyle Orton on the other hand is having a hard time adjusting to life in Denver. Denver Broncos fans have been spoiled with Pro Bowl quarterbacks and aren’t shy about expressing their displeasure with Kyle Orton. Orton made a horrendous preseason debut, throwing three interceptions on his first three series’. It’s going to be hard for Orton but he has to play good enough to be out of the shadow of former Broncos Pro Bowler Jay Cutler.
Orton did have a better second preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks. He completed 18 of 26 passes for one touchdown and one interception. What should be a point of concern is that Orton threw the interception under pressure. Denver fans have to be patient with Orton’s adjustment and seemingly lack of decision-making skills. Any takers for Kyle Orton being the interceptions leader this season?
Brett Favre
The legendary quarterbacks’ drama queen antics are not doing his legacy any good. Favre had a dismal preseason debut, completing only 1 of 4 passes for an incredible 4 yards. Whoop-de-doo Vikings fans, presenting your gleam of hope to overturn the Minnesota franchise, Mr. The Shell of the once great Brett Favre.
Vikings fans should not be concerned with purchasing newly stitched Favre jerseys but with the franchises’ future. It is obvious that the purpose of signing Favre was based on commercial needs rather than improvement. Brett Favre showed glimpses of former greatness last season for the Jets but failed to lead New York to the playoffs.
He is now a step slower and a year older, so how can the Vikings expect Favre to lead them to a successful 2009-10 campaign. It would’ve been better if Minnesota invested in a young skilled quarterback instead of taking a chance on a legendary quarterback on his way to a retirement home.
Tom Brady
Rejoice Patriots fans! Brady looked sharp and in Pro Bowl form in New England’s preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He more or less played two full quarters and completed 10 of 15 passes for two touchdowns.
But it has yet to be seen if his surgically repaired knee holds up in a 16-game NFL season full of sacks, movement around the pocket, practices, fatigue and wear and tear. Not to mention keeping his left knee away from hot burning objects like Gisele Bündchen.
Trent Edwards
Based on two preseason games, Edwards seems well adjusted to the newly installed no-huddle offense in Buffalo. He is piling up completions and yards but is having a hard time throwing touchdowns. Edwards completed 20 of 25 passes so far for two interceptions, a fumble and no touchdowns. Plus, Buffalo’s no-huddle offense had a hard time against the Packers 3-4 defense.
Don’t worry though, it is certain that Edwards will throw touchdowns once outspoken receiver Terrell Owens returns from toe injury. But that gives Edwards only one target to throw to, Bills receivers Josh Reed and Lee Evans better step up.
*Stay tuned for Part II of our Fall 2009 NFL Quarterback Showdown
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