Tribune: Cutler, Romo not exactly mirror images

[WoodysGirl]

Cowboys QB more efficient, accomplished, while Bears' signal caller has better arm
Dan Pompei On the NFL 7:41 p.m. CDT, September 30, 2012


At this stage in their careers, Jay Cutler and Tony Romo often are portrayed as the same quarterback in a different uniform.

But if you look behind the face masks, they don't have as much in common as you might think.

Perceived similarity: They are about equally productive.

Difference: There is no question Romo has been a more efficient and dynamic quarterback.

Romo has a considerably better passer rating (96.6 to 83.6), average per attempt (8.03 to 7.23) and completion percentage (64.5 to 60.8).

What's more, Romo's passer rating is third highest all-time, behind only Aaron Rodgers' 103.2 and Steve Young's 96.8. He also has the sixth highest yards per attempt all-time, behind only Otto Graham (8.98), Sid Luckman (8.42), Norm Van Brocklin (8.16), Aaron Rodgers (8.13) and Cam Newton (8.08).

Perceived similarity: Both have been defined by postseason failures.
For Romo, it was a botched hold against the Seahawks in 2007, a fourth-down interception in the end zone as the clock was winding down against the Giants in 2008 and three fumbles and an interception against the Vikings in 2010. His record in the playoffs is 1-3.

For Cutler, it was throwing an interception and missing wide-open receivers before sitting out most of the second half with a knee injury against the Packers in the NFC championship game in 2011.

Difference: Even though Cutler actually has one more career start in the regular season than Romo, Cutler has had only one crack at the postseason; Romo has had three.

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