FanPost

A Quarterback Comparison

Let's compare two QB's.

QB  #1:   In 2006 he helped lead his team to the SB.  He had a 54.6 Completion %, 23 passing TD's, 20 INT's and a 73.9 QB Rating.   A few  years later he was out of a job.

QB #2:    In 2007 he helped lead his team to the SB.  He had a 56.1 Completion %, 23 passing TD's, 20 INT's and a 73.9 QB Rating.  A few years later he signed the (then) highest paid contract in NFL history (106.9 million dollar contract - 97.5 million dollar extension).

Virtually identical stats in four major QB categories (the difference between a 54.6 Completion % and a 56.1 % is, according to my math, about eight more completions for the entire season.  One completion for every two games. Big deal).

QB #1?   Rex Grossman.

QB #2?  Eli Manning.

Fumbles?   Eli had more in 2007 (13) than Rex did in 2006 (8).

Rex's offense in 2006 was ranked 15th in yards gained.  Eli's offense in 2007 was ranked 16th.

And yet, in recent years Rex has been vilified and Eli has been considered to be in a QB group just below the elite QB's in the game.

Makes no sense to me.  Looking at these facts and figures tells me that either Eli is way overrated or else Rex is underrated.

As a Bear fan I watched every snap Rex took in 2006.  He was named NFC offensive player of the month in September that season.  They don't name you offensive player of the month for nothing.  He helped the Bears jump out to a very fast start that season (7-0).  Teams that start out that well are almost assured of making the playoffs.

Further, half of his INT's (10) came in just three games (the infamous MNF Cardinal game, and games against the Patriots and Vikings).

Rex's passing abilities had a lot to do with the success the Bears had that season.  He also, obviously, had a few HORRIBLE games that year too.

I wasn't surprised at all he played as well as he did last Sunday. Rex is not nearly as 'bad' as the general football public believes him to be.

With the passage of time, a few years of sitting on the bench, added maturity, and better offensive coaching,  I believe that Rex is ready this season turn his career around.

And I predict he'll have a better season than will Eli in 2011.