Take your pick: Cam Newton or Andy Dalton

So as we sit nine weeks into the season, it is pretty obvious that there are two breakout rookie stars in the NFL. Those two players are the Carolina Panthers’ Cam Newton and the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton. Both rookie quarterbacks have seen some pretty unprecedented success so far this season, with Newton’s coming more from a statistical point of view and Dalton’s coming in the shape of victories for the Bengals team.

But here is the real question, from this season and for the next few years who do you take? Do you take the young red haired quarterback that has won at every level from Texas Christian University into the NFL or do you take the highlight real and ultra athletic Cam Newton, who may have a bit of bagged but has proven he can do some extraordinary things on the field?

But here is the real question, for this season and for the next ten years who do you take? Do you take the young red haired quarterback that has won at every level from Texas Christian University into the NFL or do you take the highlight real and ultra athletic Cam Newton, who may have a bit of baggage but has proven he can do some extraordinary things on the field?

Before we answer lets first look at the stats between the two young quarterbacks. Like I have said, both players are playing unbelievably well this season, something that is unheard of from a rookie quarterback unless your name is Ben Roethlisberger.

Newton has already broken a ton of rookie records including most passing yards in his first career start, breaking Peyton Manning’s record, and most rushing touchdowns for a rookie quarterback, as Newton already has seven. Here is Newton’s official numbers passing this season.

Now here is Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton’s numbers.

Looking at the numbers they are very similar. The two players have both thrown for double digit touchdowns and complete about 60% of their passes. Newton has thrown for far and away more yards, 697 yards more to be exact, but Dalton has thrown for two less interceptions and has only fumbled once, compared to Newton’s three.

As far as passing goes, I would give it pretty much a push. Newton has been more effective moving the ball downfield, but Dalton has been a lot more careful with the ball. The one factor that would push the statistical argument in Newton’s favor is his rushing ability. He has ran for 319 yards and scored seven rushing touchdowns. Dalton on the other hand has run for just one touchdown and 26 total yards.

Bottom line: Newton has been the better quarterback in terms of statistics. He has moved the ball up and down for the Panthers all season both through the air and on the ground. Dalton may be the better game manager in terms of being careful with the ball and not putting his team in tough spots but Newton seems to be the better player based on the stats.