FanPost

Let the Debate Begin! Newton or Luck

The stats say it. The Pundits are saying it. The fans are saying it. Carson Palmer has finally become the latest QB bust in Cincinnati. He shows some glimmer of talent here and there, but continues to make such horrendous decisions that TV's all across Bengals nation find themselves with random objects lodged in them - be they remotes, forks, or newborn babies - as men hurl the closest object they can find in disgust. Carson's throws look like they are coming from the starting pitcher in your local slow pitch softball league, and the heavy hitters like Polamalu are knocking them out of the park.

We could make loads of excuses for Palmer's bad play, but ultimately he is the one making the throws and whether it's in our end zone or theirs, it seems that they always come at the wrong time. It's probably time to move on, but fortunately there are two QBs in the draft that stand out.

Andrew-luck-e1290804764610_medium

via drafttalkcentral.com

Andrew Luck #12 QB
2010 STATS
RATING YARDS TOUCHDOWNS
166.10 3,051 28
CAREER STATS
YARDS TOUCHDOWNS
5,626 41

The general consensus is that the best QB in the draft is Andrew Luck. He has incredible field vision, and seems to be able to read defenses with amazing clarity. He's being hailed as a once-a-decade type QB ala Peyton Manning. The only problem is that he'll likely get drafted #1, and Carolina is currently sitting on that spot. Here's a few key stats from his season at Stanford.

-He lead Stanford to an 11-1 record this season

-He has posted an eye-popping 166 passer rating -

-He's completed 70% of his passes, and only thrown 7 int.

-He has thrown 28 TDs on the year

-And if that wasn't enough, he's also rushed for 438 yards, averaging 8.6 yds/carry - he's more mobile than you might expect.

Cam-newton_medium

via collegefootballperformance.com

Cameron Newton #2 QB
2010 STATS
RATING YARDS TOUCHDOWNS
188.16 2,589 28
CAREER STATS
YARDS TOUCHDOWNS
2,643 28

Cam Newton, the freshly crowned Heisman winner is also climbing up draft boards. Though he's not as prolific a passer as Luck, he's the more athletic of the two. What appeals to me about Newton is his ability to scramble away from players like Sugs, Timmons, and Harrison. I imagine that this guy would give our sack happy division fits. Here are some key stats from his season at Auburn:

-He's rushed for 1500 yards on the season

-He lead his team to an undefeated season, and BCS Championship game

-He threw for nearly 2600 yards, with a 67% completion percentage.

-He only threw six INTs on the year.

-His passer rating of 188.16 leads all of college football.

So who would you rather have? The new Peyton Manning (or maybe Steve Young would be a more apt comparison), or the new Michael Vick? If Luck gets drafted #1, should the Bengals take a look at Cam Newton? or should they go another route? Should the Bengals trade up to get Luck, or should they be patient and take what the draft gives them? Let the debate begin!

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Cincy Jungle's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan, which is as important as the views of Cincy Jungle's writers or editors.