NFL: Who Is the Most Overrated Player in the NFL

NFL players are superstars.  Even offensive linemen are becoming stars, yep looking right at you Kyle Long.  But when we consider the most overrated players, there is only one direction to turn our gaze, and that is towards the quarterback position. 

Quarterbacks are the focus of the league.  They are paid generously.  They are protected by the league.  And they are awarded MVP's even when there are those who are more deserving.  J.J. Watt, and Julian Edelman know what I am talking about. 

But which quarterbacks should be ashamed?  Who is the most overrated player in the NFL?

Our contestants are:

Washington's quarterback Robert Griffin III, Chicago Bears current quarterback Jay Cutler and Denver Broncos maybe quarterback Peyton Manning.  It's a tale of the tape, people.  And in a what have you done for me lately universe, these three have not met their obligations of doing. 

Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos

Manning was brought into Denver to win a Super Bowl.  It hasn't happened.  What has happened this season is that the Broncos finished second in points overall.  For the 2014 season Manning finished with 4727 passing yards, 39 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.  Manning was good during the first half of the season.  He wilted toward the end of the season.  Yes, he finished in the top ten in most quarterback ratings.  Yes, the Broncos will owe him 19 million dollars if he is on the roster after March 9.  And yes he took his team to the playoffs. 

But for the Broncos that isn't a win.  Manning was brought in to win a Super Bowl.  And since his time in Denver the Broncos have only reached the Super Bowl once, and that was hardly memorable.  But most overrated? Nah, too much competition.

Robert Griffin III, Washington

Griffin slashed into the league winning Rookie of the Year.  That was two years ago.  Since then Griffin has suffered injuries and poor play.  He has been benched twice by two different head coaches.  He completed four touchdowns and six interceptions in 2014. 

Griffin has not been good.  And he has been paid: $21,119,098 contract, fully guaranteed. Last year he played in nine games.  He sat because of injuries and ineffective play. 

But in order to be overrated, there has to be expectations.  And well, except for Dan Synder it has been awhile since anyone expected anything from Griffin. 

Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears

Ah, Cutler the player everyone loves to hate.  Why?  Could it be the contract?  Cutler signed a seven-year $126.7 million contract.  In that sum $54 million is guaranteed. 

Could it be the production?  Cutler has not taken a team past the first round in the playoffs.  Last year Cutler passed for 3812 yards.  He passed for 28 touchdowns and 18 interceptions.  He finished the season with a 66.0 quarterback rating.  Cutler has been in the league for nine seasons.  Two of those nine were winning seasons.  And in the last three games of 2014 he was sat for Jimmy Clausen.  Clausen whose last start before that was in 2010.

While Cutler is routinely villified, there are still expectations.  Unlike Griffin III,  Cutler is expected to produce.  His offensive line is good.  His running back is real good.  And his receiving options are top five in the league.  To whom much is given much is expected.

Not to pile on, but Cutler is the most overrated player in the league.

You think there is a player more overrated than Cutler?  Give me a name!  And a reason why this person is more overrated than Cutler?  Anyone?

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