The problem with that argument is Romo is better than Cutler. It’s not an opinion. It is simple fact. Everything from the numbers to the wins bear that out. Don’t believe it? Here is a breakdown of their key stats since 2009 when Jay joined the Bears.
Record
- Cutler: 51-51
- Romo: 51-37
Playoff Appearances
- Cutler: 1
- Romo: 2
Passing Yards
- Cutler: 23, 443 (102 games)
- Romo: 23, 621 (88 games)
Passing TDs
- Cutler: 154
- Romo: 167
Pro Bowls
- Cutler: 0
- Romo: 2
That should pretty much quash any debate that Cutler is superior or even equal to Romo. Keep in mind this isn’t counting the other two Pro Bowls and playoff appearances he had prior to 2009. People also love to say that Romo is a choke artist. He always comes up short in big games. The thing is that’s not entirely true either. Romo has 26 fourth quarter comebacks in his career, including one in the playoffs. Cutler has 21. Romo also has two playoff wins. Cutler has one.
People are so focused on the future regarding the Bears quarterback position that they aren’t stopping to recognize reality. This coaching staff doesn’t have that luxury. John Fox is 9-23 in his first two seasons with Chicago. He went from 6-10 to 3-13. Anybody with a lick of common sense knows he’s coaching for his job this coming season. If there isn’t a significant improvement from this team, he will be fired.
Would Fox really be willing to put his likely last shot as an NFL head coach in the hands of a rookie draft pick or an unproven backup? Or would he go down an avenue that has brought him so much success in the past? Signing a quality veteran in free agency. It worked for him in Carolina with Jake Delhomme and again with Peyton Manning in Denver.
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There really isn’t any argument against the idea from a logical standpoint. Romo is 15-4 in his last 19 starts. The Bears would likely get him at a reasonable price if and when Dallas cuts ties. Even if he wanted similar money they could still afford it. Latest estimates put them at over $58 million in cap space this March. That would go even higher once they part ways with Cutler and his hefty contract.
The only counterargument that makes any sense is the health concerns. Romo missed significant time in 2015 and part of 2016 with an injured back. While a fair worry, nothing is won in the NFL without risk. Don’t forget Manning had questions about his neck when the Broncos signed him in 2012.
Besides that the Bears could easily build injury protections into whatever contract he signs. Then they just re-sign Brian Hoyer to serve as backup in case something does happen. Something the 30-year old seemed quite open to.
“Being a free agent, I’d love to have that continuity, especially after what I went through the last three years. I have a really good comfort level. We had a difficult year and dealt with a lot of injuries, but I really like our team and would love to be a part of it.”
This plan would not remove the idea of drafting a quarterback, but it wouldn’t make it a necessity. At least for one more year. That would allow Pace a prime opportunity to get two or three more impact guys for the offense and defense. Then when they do come around to drafting a QB high, they’ll be eve more prepared than they are now.
Often the best decisions involve not overthinking the obvious. A Chicago Bears Tony Romo connection would be better than anything else they could put together for 2017. If it’s about winning now (and it may have to be) this is their best hope.
