Eli Manning didn't start putting up any big passing numbers until he was 29. Before that, he was statistically very mediocre. The past 3 years, and more specifically last year, are what have him in the elite QBs category. If we are talking numbers, Cutler has put up way better numbers up to the same point in their careers. Like another poster said, Cutler needed to learn how to win. He has done that over the last two years. It' a matter of putting some talent around him and letting him do his thing. He is ready to break out and just about everyone is seeing it coming. Similar to how Forte was primed for a huge year last year. It's his time.