Tom Brady and Andy Dalton against Texans

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Tom Brady
G ATT COMP %
2006 New England Patriots 16 516 319 61.8 3,526 24 12 87.9
2005 New England Patriots 16 530 334 63.0 4,110 26 14 92.3
2004 New England Patriots 16 474 288 60.8 3,692 28 14 92.6
2003 New England Patriots 16 527 317 60.2 3,620 23 12 85.9
2002 New England Patriots 16 601 373 62.1 3,764 28 14 85.7
2001 New England Patriots 15 413 264 63.9 2,843 18 12 86.5
AVERAGE FOR 6 years: 61.97% 3592 24.5 13 88.48

Andy Dalton
2016 Cincinnati Bengals 16 364 563 64.7 4,209 18 8 91.8
2015 Cincinnati Bengals 13 255 386 66.1 3,250 25 7 106.2
2014 Cincinnati Bengals 16 309 481 64.2 3,398 19 17 83.5
2013 Cincinnati Bengals 16 363 586 61.9 4,293 33 20 88.8
2012 Cincinnati Bengals 16 329 528 62.3 3,669 27 16 87.4
2011 Cincinnati Bengals 16 300 516 58.1 3,398 20 13 80.4
Average for 6 years: 62.83% 3,793 23.67 13.5 89.68

So, at the same point of their careers, Dalton only trails Brady on TD average by less than 1 TD per season (he did play two fewer games in that time as well), and has .5 more INTs per season. Dalton does have a slightly higher completion %, yards per season average, and quarterback rating.

Do I think Dalton is the next Tom Brady? No. Do I think he is as good as Tom is now? No. Do I think he has had a really good start to his career and isn't deserving of crap like "they shouldn't be mentioned in the same sentence"? Hell, yes.

Dalton plays in a MUCH tougher conference, didn't have a year to learn on the sidelines, and has not had the talent nor coaching afforded to Brady. We won't even bother with officiating (Tuck Rule, anyone?). Let's remember that he has been in the league six years and the needle has pointed up after almost every season, despite losing two of his OC during that timeframe.

You can give me all the hate you wan't for defending Dalton, and I am sure the number of Super Bowls Brady has won will be thrown at me next but let's not forget the defense that Brady had when he first entered the league and the coach that he has always had. It still makes me laugh when announcers say "Brady really doesn't like pressure right in his face" and are quick to point out his struggles in those situations, but that is what Dalton has faced pretty much every snap of his career.

The bottom line is: Andy Dalton is capable of winning a championship here.