ESPN say's Cardinals name starting QB

[cardsloco]

Warner to be named the starter

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3551359

It seems early so I will wait to hear from Wiz, but it wouldn't shock me.

 

[40yearfan]

Warner to be named the starter

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3551359

It seems early so I will wait to hear from Wiz, but it wouldn't shock me.

Hmmmm, that's Chris Mortenson. Must be something to the rumor.

 

[black]

After the game Matt had you can't blame Whiz for pulling the trigger. We need wins with the hot hand at the moment.

 

[cardsloco]

Hmmmm, that's Chris Mortenson. Must be something to the rumor.

I was thinking the same thing, but could they have watched the tapes and decided already?

 

[TJ]

Looks like the future is now

What doesnt make sense is that the game was 12 hours ago and Whis has already made this decision after sticking up for his player?? Either the source is inaccurate or Whis is indeed a total jackass, as Q says he is

 

[RedLine]

I wonder who the "team source" was? (Couldn't have been Jeremy Green this time...)

Mortensen is probably just making assumptions, he likes to jump the gun even if incorrect. Remember when he said Leinart would be the starter a 2-3 weeks before it happened in `06?

 

[TheCardFan]

I was thinking the same thing, but could they have watched the tapes and decided already?

Don't think you needed to see tape from last night. It was pretty clear that Matt stunk up the joint.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Looks like the future is now

What doesnt make sense is that the game was 12 hours ago and Whis has already made this decision after sticking up for his player?? Either the source is inaccurate or Whis is indeed a total jackass, as Q says he is

Sticking up for his player is one thing.

Where did Whiz say "Leinart is the starter no matter what"?

Thus sticking up for a guy, and naming a starter is two different things.

Whiz has been under the gun for every single word coming out of his mouth, by his own players, and by the local media.

He has been very careful with what he says.

I like that he stood up for Leinart, because I think Matt needs it. All you got to do is go to this thread, so see the Leinart bashers act like wolves on meat. The ridiculousness in there is atrocious.
http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/f4/dang-it-the-more-i-see-leinart-117535.html

And for the record, Whiz can be a total jackass..... as long as he wins.

 

[cardsloco]

Don't think you needed to see tape from last night. It was pretty clear that Matt stunk up the joint.

I understand that, but the consensus around here has been that Leinart had the job wrapped up. So I am assuming that Wiz would try to find whatever positives from the tapes ie footwork, audibles, and circumstances to justify Leinart starting.

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

Looks like the future is now

What doesnt make sense is that the game was 12 hours ago and Whis has already made this decision after sticking up for his player?? Either the source is inaccurate or Whis is indeed a total jackass, as Q says he is

This is a ridiculous comment...

I really like Lienart and am a little skeptical about Warner's abitlity to not fumble at crucial times, however Matt has been given a fair chance by bieng annointed the starter before training camp, but Whis was honest and said it was still an open competition.

From what I have see, Warner has been better in the preseason and probably should be named the starter, though it is still very close.

Whis stood up for Matty last night, but that does not mean he should just ingore his responsibility to the team and name the starter he feels provides them the best chance to win now.

If he decideds Warner it is probably the right decision; if he decides Matt is it probably the right decision.

Also, you have to remember Matt was drafted by Denny and not Whis, so there really is no reason for him to have the same loyalty or willingess to stick with Matt than if he had drafted himself.

If Matt is not progressing the way he should be, then he should be held to account for it.

That is what I like about Whis and that is what REAL coaches do.

 

[clif]

Can someone please tell me where kurt has played better this preseason? kurt hasn't even played enough IMO to perform better than Matt. Matt has been uneven. Why is everyone so quick to COMPLETELY ignore Matt's first game, and yet state that Kurt has OUTPLAYED matt in very limited time?

IF you want to start Kurt based on his performance last year thats one thing but for people to act like he has won anything based on what we've seen THIS year is ludicrous.

 

[Totally_Red]

Looks like the future is now

What doesnt make sense is that the game was 12 hours ago and Whis has already made this decision after sticking up for his player?? Either the source is inaccurate or Whis is indeed a total jackass, as Q says he is

Whoa! Who says the decision is all based on last night? The Chiefs announce crew of Roger Twibell and J.C.Pearson said on their telecast a week ago that a Cardinal insider had told them that Kurt had "looked better in camp" than Matt. Sticking up for your player and naming him the starter are two different things.

My own opinion is that given the injury history of both Kurt and Matt, that both will see significant playing time before this season is over. Matt needs to keep his head up, keep plugging away, and await his opportunity. He'll be needed before the year is up IMO.

And just because he isn't ready to take the reins RIGHT NOW, does not mean Matt isn't the QBOTF. It just means Whis meant what he said about the best player playing at every position, be it right guard, cornerback, and quarterback.

 

[moklerman]

Can someone please tell me where kurt has played better this preseason? kurt hasn't even played enough IMO to perform better than Matt. Matt has been uneven. Why is everyone so quick to COMPLETELY ignore Matt's first game, and yet state that Kurt has OUTPLAYED matt in very limited time?

IF you want to start Kurt based on his performance last year thats one thing but for people to act like he has won anything based on what we've seen THIS year is ludicrous.

With his overall lack of playing time I think that's exactly what Whis is doing. Warner's year last year is his proverbial cap in the ring. It's actually the smart way to do it. Otherwise, the potential for BOTH QB's to come in and struggle is there. It may be a reality either way but it's probably better for the rest of the team if they can have faith in at least one of the two potential starters.

 

[Russ Smith]

Given how Matt played last night I'm not surprised he basically gave the job away with 3 balls that should never have been thrown. 2 he made his mind up to throw the first read regardless of double coverage, the third he should have run and forced it right to Routt.

Kurt didn't play particularly well either that fumble was completely on him not protecting the ball but the way Matt played you can't really fault Whiz for switching.

 

[clif]

With his overall lack of playing time I think that's exactly what Whis is doing. Warner's year last year is his proverbial cap in the ring. It's actually the smart way to do it. Otherwise, the potential for BOTH QB's to come in and struggle is there. It may be a reality either way but it's probably better for the rest of the team if they can have faith in at least one of the two potential starters.

But then that smacks right in the face of open competition. They are not competing against each other.

 

[moklerman]

But then that smacks right in the face of open competition. They are not competing against each other.

It certainly isn't a head-to-head competition but I think it's very "open". I don't know if the staff is assuming or has seen that Warner can offer what he did last year but apparently that's what they feel. Leinart, rightly so, was given every opportunity to show that he was the right choice as starter. He progressively got worse with each preseason game and very obviously isn't ready just yet.

I still think it would have been better for Leinart if he'd been the underdog in the preseason, trying to take the job than it was for him to be the one holding off the experienced veteran. Of course, I can't seem to get any NFL teams to take my advice so what do I know?

 

[TheCardFan]

Looks like the future is now

What doesnt make sense is that the game was 12 hours ago and Whis has already made this decision after sticking up for his player?? Either the source is inaccurate or Whis is indeed a total jackass, as Q says he is

Are you a Cardinal fan or just a Leinart lover?

You sound like Tango in your man love for Matt.

You can't defend his play...he has stunk it up.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

It is what it is and I knew Matt had to have a good game for this controversy to be quelled. Bigger picture it's not a big deal because some of the best have struggled in a half like that before. Its more unsetteling that he didn't step up and seize this opportunity.

Looks like my dreams of 10 years of dominance are laid to waste but I am a Cards fan first so I will be ready to go for Warner and the boys Sept 7th. I hope he is all someof you think he is.

Timing seems kind of funny and even if the decision has been made I bet Wiz is pissed and going to find out who the "source" is....this cant have been the way he wanted this to go down.

I'm still excited for this season but I all think deep down we wanted Matt to come out guns ablazing....(sigh) but I can't help but be disappointed. This has same ol Cardinals written ALL OVER IT.

We have to make the playoffs now or this was all for naught and we are right back at square one next year.

Warner fans who have been waiting for this.....be careful what you wish for.

 

[TJ]

I dont think Cards fans and local and national media are asking themselves the right questions:

Are we failing to remember that Leinart had two good preseason games prior to this one bad game? Are we failing to remember that Warner wasnt exposed to very many passing situations and he still only went 2 for 4? Are we failing to realize that Leinart made an excellent play to evade a blitzing LB that someone on the line missed? Are we failing to realize that when Warner was put in that same situation that he was nailed and lost control of the ball (career flaw; see Bulger and the Rams). With a broad brush, I will answer "yes"

Did Leinart make some dumb decisions last night? Of course. I went back, I saw that two of the three picks were 100% on him. Up until this point, the two QBs were neck-and-neck in the race. But to automatically hand the torch over to Warner because he didnt do squat when it was his turn is uncomprehensible. St. Pierre had a better game than either of them. By all means, let him start. That goes parralel with that logic. My point is; you can't make this determination after one preseason game. But how quickly we forget that all he has accomplished after recovering from the collar bone injury, got stronger, had excellent OTAs, excellent training camp, two very good preseason games that this one stinker is what he'll be remembered for.

 

[PoolBoy]

lets get behind our starter now. both QB's have huge weaknesses and strengths. Warner is not going to learn anymore, lets face it, his game is his game. Leinart can incorporate Warner's game into his to see what works in the NFL. i am a Leinart fan, but i am muuuuuuch more a Cardinals fan, so if this is what is best, lets do it.

this is not a Warner or a Leinart bash. i think this could be best for both of them.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

While I like Warner and think he gives us the best chance to win, I am also really disappointed that Leinart is now in limbo. Best case scenario, Leinart would have a great training camp and we would have the best backup in football. Good for now, bad for later...

On the bright side, I really don't think our offense will have problems scoring. We had a nice rhythm at the end of the year, and I am confident that the offense will only get better. In addition, our defense looks really good, and it looks like we'll have plenty of guys that can get after the QB and create some turnovers.

 

[Renz]

Kurt gives the Cards the best chance to win, IMO. That's all that should matter.

 

[PoolBoy]

the big thing will be how Leinart reacts. that will determine his Cardinals future.

 

[TJ]

Are you a Cardinal fan or just a Leinart lover?

You sound like Tango in your man love for Matt.

You can't defend his play...he has stunk it up.

Im not defending his play. But you are attacking him for one preseason game. Had Warner did the same (which he essentially did with the sack/fumble) youd be in my shoes.

 

[clif]

I dont think Cards fans and local and national media are asking themselves the right questions:

Are we failing to remember that Leinart had two good preseason games prior to this one bad game? Are we failing to remember that Warner wasnt exposed to very many passing situations and he still only went 2 for 4? Are we failing to realize that Leinart made an excellent play to evade a blitzing LB that someone on the line missed? Are we failing to realize that when Warner was put in that same situation that he was nailed and lost control of the ball (career flaw; see Bulger and the Rams). With a broad brush, I will answer "yes"

Did Leinart make some dumb decisions last night? Of course. I went back, I saw that two of the three picks were 100% on him. Up until this point, the two QBs were neck-and-neck in the race. But to automatically hand the torch over to Warner because he didnt do squat when it was his turn is uncomprehensible. St. Pierre had a better game than either of them. By all means, let him start. That goes parralel with that logic. My point is; you can't make this determination after one preseason game. But how quickly we forget that all he has accomplished after recovering from the collar bone injury, got stronger, had excellent OTAs, excellent training camp, two very good preseason games that this one stinker is what he'll be remembered for.

Well said.