Bears Blitz

Published by Matt Eurich on October 1, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

America’s most hated quarterback is not exactly the contest that either Tony Romo or Jay Cutler want to win.  Ask most football fans who their least favorite quarterback in the NFL is and the majority would immediately mention Romo or Cutler.

Fans hate them for their publicized celebrity relationships—Cutler with reality star Kristin Cavallari and Romo with singers Jessica Simpson and Carrie Underwood and more importantly, their less-than-stellar playoff appearances (one win each).

Both throw head-scratching interceptions and can appear to pout when things do not go their way but both can make plays with their arm and feet that will leave you in awe.

So why do fans hate them both so much? 

Both quarterbacks are in the top 12 in passing yards and touchdowns in the last five years along with the greats like Brady, Manning, and Rodgers.

Many would argue that neither quarterback matches up to the success that those quarterbacks have had in the playoffs, which is true, but neither has Matt Ryan or Philip Rivers, yet fans would rather have those two leading their teams before Romo or Cutler.

Perception is unfortunately reality for both quarterbacks, as on-field screaming, sideline grumblings, and playoff miscues have come to define both quarterbacks.

Both have suffered with bad offensive lines, and since his arrival in Chicago, Cutler has been sacked a staggering 121 times and Romo 84 times.  Many of their sacks have been a product of their own desire to hold onto the ball, but both have been saddled with poor offensive line play and seemingly a game of music chairs in front of them on a weekly basis.

Romo has had better receiving weapons with Terrell Owens in the past along with strong play from Jason Witten and Miles Austin more recently. 

Cutler had success with Brandon Marshall in Denver, but when traded to Chicago had to deal with the likes of Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, and Johnny Knox.  All three receivers are serviceable, but not No. 1 options like the Bears made them out to be. 

Cutler got his favorite weapon back this year with Marshall, and through three games has connected with him 16 times.

Monday night, the two quarterbacks will square off in a showdown between two 2-1 teams.  Expectations were high in both Chicago and Dallas heading into the season, and although they have winning records there is still cause for concern. 

The offensive line has been an issue with both teams as they struggle to protect their quarterbacks.  The Bears’ line will need to protect Cutler from vaunted pass-rusher DeMarcus Ware, while Dallas contends with the defensive line of the Bears, which leads the NFL in sacks, that will be out for blood against Romo.

These issues will likely continue to plague both men for the rest of the season and possibly their careers.  Even if both of them eventually win a Super Bowl when fans are asked who their least favorite quarterback is, many will still say “Jay Cutler, but Tony Romo is a close second.”

Matt Eurich is a contributor to Bearsbacker.com. Follow Bears Backer on Facebook and Twitter for up to the minute news about the Bears. Also, check out Matt’s work onBleacherreport.com and follow him on Twitter @MattEurich.

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