MNF Showdown: Jay Cutler vs Michael Vick

It's about time that Monday Night Football airs a game worth watching.  This week's game features the Chicago Bears and the Philadelphia Eagles, but more importantly, Jay Cutler and Michael Vick,  two of my favorite players in the league and definitely my favorite quarterbacks.  Here's why:

Jay Cutler is misunderstood.  After being drafted 11th overall in the 2006 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos, he was expected to turn around a struggling franchise.  After the 2008 season, Mike Shanahan was fired and replaced by Josh McDaniels, previously the offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots.  Once McDaniels took over as head coach, there were thoughts of Matt Cassel taking over in Denver and re-joining with his former coach.  Cutler sensed McDaniels' motive and immediately wanted out of Denver.  The Broncos gave Cutler his wish and ultimately traded him to the Chicago Bears for QB Kyle Orton.

Currently in his third year as the Bears quarterback, Chicago fans still think Cutler is a coward.  He is still having to answer critics who saw him sit out in last year's NFC Championship game against the rival Packers after suffering a sprained MCL on the first possession of the game.  After the game, Cutler received harsh criticism for not returning despite specific orders by doctors and head coach Lovie Smith to sit out.  The Bears ended up losing 21-14 and the Packers defeated the Steelers next week in the Super Bowl.  After the Bears loss, the media made Cutler out to be a selfish coward, thinking that he should have played through the injury due to the magnitude of the game.  Screw 'em.

To me, Jay Cutler is an under-appreciated and talented quarterback who often takes more blame than he deserves.  People need to understand injuries are a part of the game.  In addition, football is the ultimate team sport.  So, Troy Aikman, next time you mouth off about Cutler, consider the fact that he doesn't have Emmitt Smith in the backfield or Michael Irvin on the perimeter.  The only decent player on offense for the Bears is RB Matt Forte.  Other than that, it's a patchwork offensive attack.  His offensive line allows 2.8 sacks per game and none of his receivers or tight-ends are making a fantasy roster, let alone are even recognized by fans when seen in downtown Chicago.

The bottom line is this: Cutler has talent, he just doesn't have any around him.  Pile on negative criticism and that's a tough situation for anybody.  I think it's time to lay off the guy, he has enough to worry about with 300-pound defensive lineman constantly hitting him in the mouth.

Now, to the ever-so-talented Michael Vick.  Say what you want.  I love dogs as much as Sarah McLaughlin, but in regards to football, Michael Vick is something else.  I've expressed my opinions on Vick in my blog before, so it's simple; the guy is an athlete.  I'll let the film speak for itself.  And for those of you that argue Vick isn't a championship quarterback, I argue that winning a championship in the NFL is more difficult than winning a championship in any other sport.  Just ask Hall of Fame quarterbacks Dan Marino (0), Warren Moon (0), Dan Fouts (0), Y.A. Little (0), Fran Tarkenton (0), and Jim Kelly (0).