ESPN say's Cardinals name starting QB

[cardsloco]

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.

Reports coming out of camp said Warner was outperforming Leinart, not by much but non the less. It is complete body of work in which the decision will be made. If you think Wiz is going to make the choice based on that game alone, you have no confidence in our coach. I think Leinart will be a very good QB down the line, he just doesn't look ready now.

P.S You said two good pre-season games. He was not very good in the K.C game and forced our first stringers to play in the second half.

 

[Renz]

If Warner had started every game last season, and not gotten hurt, we would have made the playoffs, IMO. We definitely would have won the first S.F. game and most likely the Carolina game as well.

I think the team would vote for Kurt to start also. Like someone said, they just seem to have more confidence when he's out there.

 

[moklerman]

Are we failing to remember that Leinart had two good preseason games prior to this one bad game?

I don't think that's an accurate statement. Leinart struggled very much vs. the "1's" in KC.

Are we failing to realize that when Warner was put in that same situation that he was nailed and lost control of the ball

This is also inaccurate. He was stripped while throwing the ball, not losing control while sacked.

I went back, I saw that two of the three picks were 100% on him.

Which one do you consider not to be "his"?

St. Pierre had a better game than either of them.

You'll quickly lose any credibility, even in sarcasm, trying to argue what Pierre has done vs. guys who won't make the roster vs. starters.

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.

I agree that basing the decision on the Oakland game alone would be wrong. However, I think his performance last year while healthy and this preseason combine to show that he's not quite ready to be a full time starter. Whatever progress he's made in the weight room, film room and OTA's will forever be unknown to us fans but what all of that progress has translated to on the field isn't deserving of the starting job at this point.

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.

I agree that the defense on Saturday and in general this preseason has showed well and seems to be continuing where the left off before the rash of injuries last year.

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

dressing and leaving the locker room early was not a good start to evaluating his reaction.

 

[Hog'sWad271]

I couldn't agree more, very very well said. It's less than half of one preseason game, against a desperate team that took the game very "seriously" and blitzed and frustrated Matt, who had not the game plan to combat it. I agree with Whiz that it does not erase the other accomplishments. Let's play some real games and see what happens.

Warner is still accurate and can move the chains, but starting him is the best way to turn the ball over a LOT, and also probably get him hurt. If Warner goes down we face the entire year with only one serviceable QB. He is our George Blanda, not a workhorse.

 

[moklerman]

against a desperate team that took the game very "seriously" and blitzed and frustrated Matt

For what it's worth, the Raiders commentators brought up how surprised they were at how little the Raiders were blitzing.

 

[Redheart]

Lienart will not spoil with another year on the bench, IF he gets a year on the bench...this is a rough sport. Lienart still has some learning to do; I think Romo spent 4 or 5 years sitting.

More importantly, the Cardinals have some winning to do. I think Warner can get the most out of our Offense. Warner has another couple or three years left in him, Lienarts job is to retire him early.

I absolutely LOVE the fact that Whiz said it was a competition, that it was Matt's job to lose, but he would go with Warner if he was better...and he has. Same rules will apply next year, come get the job if you want it Matt.

For now, stay ready, we will need our backups, as we do every year.

 

[red desert]

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.

The difference between Kurt and Matt in training camp was palpable. That's not just me talking either. I know Shane shared the same thought. But even more, every individual that I happened to sit by, or talk with, told me Warner was simple perfoming better. That he should start the season, based on what they were seeing play out in training camp.

This train has been coming down the tracks for a while now. The fact that you refuse to acknowledge it, well, that's certainly your perogative.

But the train's a gonna keep a comin'...

 

[TJ]

How bout something we can all agree on....


our front 7 is amazing!!!!!

 

[ajcardfan]

How bout something we can all agree on....


our front 7 is amazing!!!!!

Haggans may well turn out to be one of the best free agent signings of the year in the entire NFL.

 

[moklerman]

Urban's blog has an (non)update on the QB situation.

 

[TJ]

Urban's blog has an (non)update on the QB situation.

ESPN also has a blog on the financial implications of the QB switch

 

[clif]

The difference between Kurt and Matt in training camp was palpable. That's not just me talking either. I know Shane shared the same thought. But even more, every individual that I happened to sit by, or talk with, told me Warner was simple perfoming better. That he should start the season, based on what they were seeing play out in training camp.

This train has been coming down the tracks for a while now. The fact that you refuse to acknowledge it, well, that's certainly your perogative.

But the train's a gonna keep a comin'...

No it's not something that I'm ignoring, it was something that was not evident.

All the camp reports I've heard or read stated that they were about even in practice. Some good and some bad.

In fact the argument could be made that Matt was in fact solidifying his hold on the starting position. So there was no "train" heading anywhere.

Unless the likes of Pat Kirwan, Jim Trotter, and Usa today are all completely wrong.

 

[Hog'sWad271]

Good point Moklerman, though I think the Raiders' commentary was a little slanted b/c the coaches made those statements before the game about "doing a Buddy Ryan" and how this was like a real game to them. It may have been a little tongue in cheek, but they were obviously taking it very very seriously and had game-planned to stop our passing game. Teams that are insecure about their own talent tend to do that stuff in preseason. See the Joe Bugel era.

Redheart, you are taking ESPN way too seriously. It is not an understood fact that Leinart will be benched. Nobody knows yet. "Sources" said Boldin was going to be traded too, or going to sit out training camp etc.

What happens with very old QB's is they tend to look very, very good in training camp -- why wouldn't they? -- and throw the hell out of the ball in preseason. Then the season is a different story. They have to face a "varsity" pass rush. Warner will fumble when hit and throw a lot of interceptions like he has for the last 20 years. He is also going to wear down severely and possibly be hurt. None of this is a knock on his obvious accuracy throwing, and courage on the field. He brings a lot to the table but remember that Joe Namath looked great in Rams camp too.

The defense looking so scary-good plays into the QB situation also. Warner might be a better starting choice on a team with a bad defense, that has to open up & go for broke. I think Leinart is a better choice for a team with a good defense and a running game.

 

[Redheart]

Redheart, you are taking ESPN way too seriously. It is not an understood fact that Leinart will be benched. Nobody knows yet. "Sources" said Boldin was going to be traded too, or going to sit out training camp etc.

I have not read anything from ESPN yet. I have now searched the offical site and, of course, there is nothing offical.

However, I think the handwriting is on the wall; from what I have seen, read, and my own judgement; I would decide on Warner.

 

[TheCardFan]

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.

Nope. I have seen every game Leinart has played in a Cardinal uniform. It's not based on one game or even just this year. I watched him flounder last year and probably cost us the playoffs. And with my own eyes...I see the same Leinart.

I wanted us to draft Leinart...I celebrated. I thought we had a legit QB for the next 10 years but all the expectations and hope set aside, he is flat out not getting it done.

Warner didn't turn the ball over. Warner is a Super Bowl MVP. Without Warner, we would have had another losing season last year. Matt hasn't done crap to earn anything other than a headset and a clipboard.

I hope that changes but hope doesn't win games.

 

[red desert]

No it's not something that I'm ignoring, it was something that was not evident.

All the camp reports I've heard or read stated that they were about even in practice. Some good and some bad.

In fact the argument could be made that Matt was in fact solidifying his hold on the starting position. So there was no "train" heading anywhere.

Unless the likes of Pat Kirwan, Jim Trotter, and Usa today are all completely wrong.

Let me ask you the following:

Is it impossible for those guys to be wrong?

Do you think they've been wrong before?

Did they attend training camp and observe out qbs with their own eyes? Or did they rely on second hand info?


I don't know the answer to those question, but I sure would like to before putting much stock into what they wrote.

 

[Evil Ash]

Something seems very off with this report.

With Whiz's talk after the game, you'd think Leinart still had a chance (he was making mention of the fact that on some of the INTs our WRs ran the wrong routes and he wanted to see "how he recovers next week" - could be covering for Leinart, I don't know). As well as the fact that naming a starter now serves no real advantage from a competitive standpoint in regards to the Niners game. As well as a national guy is breaking this story before a local writer (this rarely happens)

If that is Whiz's choice then I'll support him and Warner. However I will have strong doubts until someone like Somers reports this (he said on an interview on ESPNews he thought Leinart was going to start - this was before his poor performance last night) or Whiz says this himself.

 

[Bigdez22]

The only time Matt has even looked ok this pre season is when he is hitting the check down guy. The first int of the game yesterday was so badly under thrown that Huff was able to recover and pick that ball off. The third int was ugly. I'm not even sure how you can throw a football that bad, and of course the 2nd where he forgot what team he is on.

The point being he can not attack down field. I dont think he has the arm. Someone said it the best yesterday. When Matt is in the game. you see completions to the back up TE and the FB. When Kurt is in the game, #81 and #11 are making plays.

I'm with Kurt.

 

[Evil Ash]

After reading Somers' blog, I think he has a very good point. The original report from Mortenson the word "EXPECTED" was used instead of something more definitive (ie Warner will be Cards starting QB)

This whole report could be simply be based on the opinion of one source rather than based on any actual facts.

 

[PoolBoy]

After reading Somers' blog, I think he has a very good point. The original report from Mortenson the word "EXPECTED" was used instead of something more definitive (ie Warner will be Cards starting QB)

This whole report could be simply be based on the opinion of one source rather than based on any actual facts.

or that they have already decided and are expected to make the announcement soon....

 

[Evil Ash]

or that they have already decided and are expected to make the announcement soon....

That's also possible but like I said this report seems to be anything but definitive.

 

[40yearfan]

azcentral.com is reporting this also. According to them the QB comparison for the pre-season is:

Preseason comparison

Matt Leinart is 18 of 31 for 177 yards with 1 TD and 3 Int's and a QB rating of 45.4

Kurt Warner is 8 of 13 for 94 yards with no TD an no Int's and a QB rating of 83.5

 

[RedLine]

I don't know why so many of you are accepting Mortensen's report. ESPN is Notorious for putting out false or incorrect stories. They are just like a newspaper trying to sell papers by making up or misrepresenting stuff, except they do it on the air.

 

[Evil Ash]

azcentral.com is reporting this also. According to them the QB comparison for the pre-season is:

Preseason comparison

Matt Leinart Kurt Warner

18-31, 177 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT 8-13, 94 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT
45.4 QB rating 83.5 QB rating

AZcentral is repeating the report from ESPN. Basically this is what Mortenson is reporting.

If you look on Somers blog, he says he hasn't been able to confirm it and does mention the language in the original report. I'm not saying that the original report is wrong. I'm just saying it isn't a certainty at this point.

 

[Skkorpion]

Lienart will not spoil with another year on the bench, IF he gets a year on the bench...this is a rough sport. Lienart still has some learning to do; I think Romo spent 4 or 5 years sitting.

More importantly, the Cardinals have some winning to do. I think Warner can get the most out of our Offense. Warner has another couple or three years left in him, Lienarts job is to retire him early.

I absolutely LOVE the fact that Whiz said it was a competition, that it was Matt's job to lose, but he would go with Warner if he was better...and he has. Same rules will apply next year, come get the job if you want it Matt.

For now, stay ready, we will need our backups, as we do every year.

Agree on Warner. We need to win now.