A few analysts have come out saying that they would rather have Redskins’ quarterback Kirk Cousins over the Carolina Panthers Cam Newton…

A take made by Aaron Rodgers brother, Jordan Rodgers recently went viral. Despite being more famous for his role on “The Bachelorette” instead of as a football analyst, Rodgers was quoted on a radio show this week saying that he would take Washington’s Krik Cousins over the Carolina Panthers quarterback, Cam Newton.

Following, the internet did what the internet does and turned this hot take viral. Right after Rodgers’ comment was broadcast, former NFL running back Tiki Barber went on to not only agree with Rodgers’ take, but conclude that he was stating the obvious.

These two individuals obviously have a right to their opinion and statistically there are arguments to be made that Cousins was more consistent than Newton last season. However, when looking at these two side by side and comparing their overall body of work, including the potential ceiling of each, Rodgers and Barber are dead wrong.

Weapons

Cousins success can be linked to the stability that he has in every aspect of his offense. At tight end, the debate between Greg Olsen and Jordan Reed is a good one. Olsen supporters would highlight how much better Olsen is as a blocker, while Reed supporters would call him the better pass catcher. Aside from that potential toss up, Cousins has enjoyed a better supporting cast by leaps and bounds.

DeSean Jackson is underrated because of his ability to take the top off opposing defenses every play demands safety respect. It opens everything in the offense up for players to go over the middle, such as Reed. Carolina has nobody who can even compare to his level of play. On top of Jackson, Cousins has Pierre Garcon, a stud possession receiver and Jamison Crowder, an impactful slot guy on which to rely. When stacking these three up against any Panthers wide receiver, all three of them are better options. If Newton had just one of those weapons in the past two seasons there is no telling where his production would have been.

Offensive Line

Next, Cousins has been blessed with a talented and star studded offensive line. Football Outsiders DVOA, which measures quality of play on a snap by snap basis ranked Washington as the sixth best offensive line in 2016. They have an All-Pro caliber star in Trent Williams and a former top five pick turned stud in Brandon Scherff.

Carolina, a team that had tackle Mike Remmers shift from right tackle to left tackle and guard Trai Turner move to right tackle, did not fare as well. Football Outsiders rated them as the 25th best offensive line in terms of consistency.

How Quickly We Forget

Just over a year ago, there was not a better player in the NFL than Newton. He won the MVP on a team led by Corey Brown and Ted Ginn at wide receiver, it was Newton who led Carolina to a Super Bowl appearance. Before 2016, Newton and the Panthers won three straight division titles in a division with both Matt Ryan and Drew Brees. A division that didn’t have a back to back winner since 2002, when the NFL realignment gave the NFC South four teams.

Newton did this without a top wide receiver like Jackson or Garcon and without a stable offensive line. That is why he won the MVP. Cousins’ team did win their division in 2015, but were quickly up ended by the Packers 35-18. Cousins finished that game with 17 incompletions and 7.1 yards per attempt. In his playoff career, Newton averages eight yards per attempt and only 12 incompletions per game.

The take was hot from Rodgers and Barber but the fact that people are agreeing with it is ridiculous. Playing with a lesser supporting cast Newton has accomplished more. There should be no question as to who is better between Cousins and Newton. Obviously, it is Newton.