You will not be scored on this test.  It will take only 10 seconds and you may make one answer and one answer only.  Experience has proven that your first answer has a better chance of being correct.  Relax and pick up your pencils.  Here is your question.

Vick or Romo and why?

Put your pencils down.  Pass your papers to the front.  We will now go over your answers.

Those of you who picked Vick cited his tremendous athletic ability.  "The forerunner of a new breed of quarterback who accelerates the game with his speed and running ability.  Powerful arm that can make any throw from anywhere on the field.  Reminds you of Bobby Douglas."  OK, who is the wise guy?  "Star quality.  Creates an excitement around team."  Very well then.

Let's hear from the Romo supporters.  "Can buy time in the pocket.  A competitor.  Quick release.  Involves all weapons in the offense.  Tough.  A leader.  Dating Jessica Simpson."  Rumored to be dating, just rumored.  Alright class, do we have statistics to back up either arguement?

Let's look at the numbers.  Romo has a 15 point higher completion percentage, a 30 point higher passer rating, more yards, and compable touchdown to interception ratio.  And he's done all this in fewer games. 

Anyone wish to change their votes?  A few of you Vick supporters appear to be wavering.

OK, for what it is worth, and it is probably not much, here is my vote.  I pick Vick.

 NFL scouts are alot of things.  They are often wrong about overprojecting upside, but they seldom miss by underating anyone.  Vick was a 1st round pick, Romo wasn't picked.  Unless this is the biggest blunder since Unitas, Vick will have a better career.

Arm strength and speed do matter.  Perhaps Vick has so much of both that he overthrows some balls or gives up on plays too early when he sees the chance to run, but at the end of the day he is a nightmare to defend against.  Atlanta hasn't found the combination of players to put with him to exploit his unique ability.  Yet.  But if they ever do, and get a game plan that doesn't consist of two running plays to Dunn and going for a big play from Vick on third down he could be special.

Romo puts the ball at risk on occasion by hanging it up high.  Vick puts his receivers at risk by drilling them in the chest with balls that are hard to react to.

If you look at the reasons people give for picking Romo, alot deal with personality and perceived leadership.  What makes Romo a leader and Vick a selfish modern player?  Imagination.  The truth is we don't know either player and don't work around him.  The perceptions may be right, but just as easily could be wrong.  And "character" players who suddenly emerge at QB tend not to last.  Ask Joe Kapp.

Romo's upside is what it is right now.  He is at a level that will be hard to sustain.  Vick has so much potential there is still upside that is untapped. 

It's not an easy choice.  It's not the only defendable choice, but I'd go with Vick.  If I had to win a game tomorrow, though, it's Romo.  With any luck we'll be having this debate for years to come.