Jay Cutler is talented but does he stack up to Peyton Manning?

Offseason acquisition Brandon Stokley thinks so. The nine year veteran who played with Manning from 2003-2006 is ecstatic about playing for the young quarterback with a big arm.

“It’s early in Jay’s career, obviously. And you never know what could happen,” Stokley said after a practice at Dove Valley. “But you definitely can see (comparisons to Manning) out here. You see what he has in him and what he can do.”

Those are definitely encouraging words for Cutler, someone who will be under the NFL’s microscope this season while the Broncos make another run at the playoffs. But Stokley didn’t stop there; he went into better detail regarding those “comparisons.”

“Jay and Peyton both have great arms. They both have a great feel for the offense,” Stokley explained. “That’s what you ask in a quarterback. They have to know the offense in and out. You can definitely see that Jay does.

“And he’s a great leader out there on the field, like Peyton. You can definitely see the qualities.”

This is definitely great news for Broncos fans who, while knowing Cutler had potential, may not have been aware of the fact that he is the complete package. Certainly, he’s a skilled quarterback who can throw a dart anywhere you ask him to; move effectively in the pocket; and launch a 60 yard bomb through the air to keep defenses honest. But Stokley highlighted another important characteristic: leadership.

Some quarterbacks have the physical ability but not the mental capacity to play in the NFL. But if what Stokley says is true, and I personally believe it is, Cutler has the makings of a Pro Bowl veteran quarterback and maybe, just maybe, he’ll stack up to Manning when his career is complete.

Interesting Side Note: Cutler also drew comparisons — from columnists and scouts — to future Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre, prior to being drafted.

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What do you think? Is Cutler the next Manning or Favre? Or will he be another Brian Griese? Sound off in the comment box?

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