I've always felt that Andy Dalton seems to be comparable to Drew Brees. I did a little research on Drew's first year in the league as a starter and wanted to compare them to Andy's rookie season. I found them to be very much alike.

Drew Brees Chargers 2002 8-8

Comp % 60.8

Yards 3284

TD's 17

Andy Dalton 2011 9-7

Comp % 58.1

Yards 3398

TD's 20

Okay now let's be honest here in saying that 9-7 and 8-8 are realistically only one game away from being the same thing. These stats are close when you take them at face value. However, a little more research and you find out that these teams are very different.

Drew Brees didn't have a A.J. Green on his roster to throw to, his leading receiver was Curtis Conway 57 catches for 852 yards, 5 td. What he did have that Andy didn't was a prolific LT in his prime 372 rushes for 1,683 yards, 14 tds, & 79 catches for 489 yards and 1 td. Another thing I'd like to point out is that Drew would go on the following year to slump quite a bit, which would ultimately be the reason he was traded to the New Orleans Saints.

I did this because I had and still have my doubts about Andy Dalton. Based on what I seen last year, and the little tid bits we got in the pre-season, I felt we really were getting ahead of ourselves in thinking he's a franchise guy that is going to lead us to the promise land. After looking in to the one guy I have felt most comfortable comparing him to, I have found a little bit more ease in believing he MAY have what it takes to becoming one of the best in the game. If Andy Dalton can get as comfortable playing in the NFL as he was playing at TCU, than I feel like we have ourselves a special player.

That's the question though. I hold my reservations because he seems extremely nervous and overwhelmed at times. I just don't seem to feel like he's the next Rodgers or Brees. I don't know why I just can't get behind him completely yet. But I'm wondering if I'm alone in this lack of confidence. Do you guys REALLY think in all HONESTY, do you have the confidence, that Andy has what it takes to get comfortable in the NFL and become the next Drew Brees type of prolific passer?