From Somers: Whis not Upset about Leinart Talk

[Gambit]

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cardinals/articles/1001leinart-ON.html

Selection from article:

Kent Somers
The Arizona Republic
Oct. 1, 2007 11:25 AM
Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt didn't appear bothered Monday by critical comments quarterback Matt Leinart made the previous night about sharing playing time with backup Kurt Warner.

Leinart's comments to Yahoo.com columnist Michael Silver weren't inflammatory, but he did express his frustration at the situation.

"I just want them to ride or die with me," Leinart told Yahoo hours after the team's 21-14 victory over Pittsburgh. "If I'm the franchise quarterback, play me and let me stumble, because I'll fight through it, and that will help me and our team in the long run. I know coaches want to win now, and I guess they have their reasons. But I don't understand it, and this switching back and forth is almost worse than getting benched."

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Leinart went on to praise Warner and said "the bottom line is doing whatever it takes to help this team and we won a very big game today, so I can't be mad."

Continued at link

 

[Gambit]

An important paragraph:

"He's a competitor. He wants to be in there," Whisenhunt said. "The way he responded in the fourth quarter on that drive, which essentially put the game away for us, is more what I'm going to look at. His play is improving. It was very evident on that last drive. If he can focus like that, that's good for our team."

 

[Wild Card]

An important paragraph:
"He's a competitor. He wants to be in there," Whisenhunt said. "The way he responded in the fourth quarter on that drive, which essentially put the game away for us, is more what I'm going to look at. His play is improving. It was very evident on that last drive. If he can focus like that, that's good for our team."

Gambit:

Good for Ken Whisenhunt, taking Matt Leinart's popping off to the press in stride. But as I've commented elsewhere, Whis and Kurt Warner are the ones acting like grown-ups in this *********.

WC

 

[DutchmanAZ]

Whiz and Kurt are acting like grown ups because they have the most to gain. Leinart stands to "lose" the most. Overall, Matt appears to be taking it the best he can.

 

[TheCardFan]

Whiz and Kurt are acting like grown ups because they have the most to gain. Leinart stands to "lose" the most. Overall, Matt appears to be taking it the best he can.

Are you serious?

They are acting like grown ups....

...because they are grown ups!

Kurt and Whis have each won a Super Bowl...Matt hasn't done anymore in this league than David Carr or Joey Harrington.

He will be another lottery bust unless he puts his hurt little feelings aside and steps up like he is supposed to do.

He has all the talent in the world but if he doesn't make the quantum leap between the ears...he will fail.

Signed,

Ryan Leaf

 

[DutchmanAZ]

Yep - I'm serious. Think about it - they are handling it better because it's working to their benefit (in addition to the points you made).
Agreed about Matt who in this situation stands to lose his luster.
Hell - they're winning. I'm happy with that.

 

[RedViper]

Gambit:

Good for Ken Whisenhunt, taking Matt Leinart's popping off to the press in stride. But as I've commented elsewhere, Whis and Kurt Warner are the ones acting like grown-ups in this *********.

WC

Agreed. Its also important to note that those two are actually the grownups in this deal. Matt isn't. He hasn't faced much adversity until now and I don't think he has much perspective. So I can forgive just about any foolish thing he says at this point. Its what he does from this point out that will make all the difference. I'm really pulling for the kid.

 

[JC_AZ]

Agreed. Its also important to note that those two are actually the grownups in this deal. Matt isn't. He hasn't faced much adversity until now and I don't think he has much perspective. So I can forgive just about any foolish thing he says at this point. Its what he does from this point out that will make all the difference. I'm really pulling for the kid.

I think KW needs to take ML back to the grocery store to stock some shelves... maybe he will understand what it takes to never give up and push yourself to experience your dreams and be the best... kind of like the "wax on, wax off" theory

 

[Gambit]

I think KW needs to take ML back to the grocery store to stock some shelves... maybe he will understand what it takes to never give up and push yourself to experience your dreams and be the best... kind of like the "wax on, wax off" theory

New Cards Music that the team runs out to: "You're the Best" from Karate Kid

 

[Linderbee]

I don't think he said anything particularly whiny. Yes, he expressed frustration. So what? ANY quarterback would be frustrated. He SHOULD be frustrated. So, he was honest? Big deal. Would you rather Kevin Costner teach him some rehearsed lines to repeat like a robot?

1) We gotta play 'em one day at a time.
2) I'm just happy to be here. Hope I can help the ballclub.
3) I just want to give it my best shot, and the good Lord willing, things will work out.

He said he's happy we won; he said he wished he could be given the opportunity to fail. Would you rather he say, "yeah, I'm really glad Kurt came in & bailed me out, because I'm terrified of losing?" Hell, NO. I want someone that WANTS to be in there, and do what he needs to do, and isn't afraid of screwing up.

I think Matt's attitude is just fine.