For NFL Quarterbacks, It's All About Throwing Touchdowns
Like Jay Cutler, Ben Roethlisberger and Michael Vick received intense scrutiny for things that happened off the football field. While Cutler's criticism didn't steam from legal or serious personal issues, the solution is still the same.
"It's not a popularity contest," Dan Pompei, of the Chicago Tribune, said on the Mully and Hanley Show. "It's about throwing touchdown passes."
LISTEN: Dan Pompei On The Mully And Hanley Show
audio https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/i/cbslocal/wp-content/uploads/sites/15116062/2011/02/pompei-winning-all-that-matter-for-qbs.mp3]
Both Roethlisberger and Vick were suspended from the NFL for actions they took off the field. Roethlisberger for an alleged sexual assault and Vick for being convicted of running a dog fighting ring. They quickly became two of the most disliked players in the NFL.
Compared to Roethlisberger and Vick, Cutler has given fans and players no reason to dislike him. But still, some Bears fans just can't fully get behind Cutler as the team's quarterback.
Fans cite his demeanor and personality as reasons for their dislike. They want to see him fired up on the sideline or see him yelling at and getting in teammates faces or interacting more with the media.
"It would be nice," Pompei said of quarterbacks possessing only positive qualities. "But really when a guy is throwing touchdown passes and winning games, you don't notice all that [negative] stuff."
Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Fran Tarkenton talked about how difficult it could be for Cutler to change the perception of those around the league. But Cutler only has to do what Roethlisberger and Vick did to recover from their scandals - win.
"The only thing that really matters in the NFL is winning football games," Pompei said. "Everything else is just really icing on the cake."
