Broncos Already Winners in Cutler Trade

On April 2nd, 2009, the Denver Broncos traded quarterback Jay Cutler to the Chicago Bears after a month long struggle between the player and team. The trade was universally greeted with a combination of disbelief and outrage. Only a few months earlier, the then twenty-five year old Cutler had played in his first Pro Bowl, and was seen as one of the bright, young stars of the game. Now, all of a sudden, the helm of the Broncos passing attack was to be trusted to Kyle Orton, a benchwarmer for the Bears for the last few seasons.

When the trade happened, there were very few who believed Denver hadn't significantly set themselves back. But flash forward a few months forward and the Broncos couldn't be sitting in a better position. They remain undefeated after five games of play, including quality victories over the New England Patriots and the Dallas Cowboys. And the unheralded Orton, while unspectacular, is a big reason why.

Of course, there are many reasons why Denver is 5-0, starting with a revamped and improved defense that ranks among the league's best. But also critical to the team's improvement has been the steady play at the quarterback position. In 2008, Cutler threw for eighteen interceptions to go along with his twenty-five touchdowns. He was second-worst in the league in turnovers, only behind Brett Favre of the New York Jets. The turnovers were a major hindrance to the 8-8 Broncos, perhaps costing them games they should have won.

Orton, on the other hand, has only turned the ball over once thus far in 2009. He has smartly allowed himself to be integrated into the offense, using his skills to compliment Denver's existing weapons. He did the same in Chicago, but inexperience, a lack of trust by his coaching staff, and lesser receivers led to mediocre production.

Attitude is another key difference between Orton and Cutler. Cutler's hissy-fit upon learning of the possibility he was being shopped around is a good example of the sense of entitlement he must feel. And his scowling swagger has been reminiscent of the well-traveled former talent Jeff George by many fans. Not a shining comparison for any developing quarterback to have made. Kyle Orton, perhaps because of his constant struggle to play in Chicago, has no such qualms about a lack of playing time. His selflessness is a great attribute to have, especially in a leadership role. Early comparisons for him thus far in 2009 have been to New England quarterback, and former MVP, Tom Brady early in his career. While that is most likely too generous of a comparison to make, the level of respect given to Orton is clear.

In addition to receiving Orton, the Broncos also received two future first-round draft picks, for 2009 and 2010, and a third-round pick from 2009. In a league where one good draft can set a team for a decade, these selections could prove invaluable to the young and growing squad. The New England Patriots, the team where Bronco's head coach Josh McDaniels was signed from, are one good example of a team sustained by smart draft picks.

There is little doubt Jay Cutler is a better athlete and quarterback prospect than Kyle Orton. Jay didn't make a Pro Bowl by accident. But factor in the additional compensation received by Denver and the well-balanced play of Orton thus far, and the Broncos are looking like runaway winners of the trade made last spring.