Leinart getting a screwed in Arizona?

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

Whis is starting to piss me off re: Leinart.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

I feel at this point since Leinart has outplayed Anderson all preseason that not only is he getting a raw deal, but the team has wasted years off his career.

In my heart of hearts, I feel Leinart can be a top flight QB. His ceiling is that high. Leinart possesses some of the skill sets many coaches covet in a QB. He's accurate, smart, makes good decisions in and out of the pocket, and he can be a leader (despite what anyone else says).

For my sake, I hope he starts and tears it up this season so he can show not only the media but the coaches and the fans at this point who have treated him like garbage that he's worth a damn. Additionally, even if he starts winning ball games and becomes successful here, Leinart may not even want to re-sign here given the series of events that have gone on between him and Whisenhunt. But it is perplexing for me that if Whisenhunt truly has a vendetta out for Leinart, why is he still on the team? All I know is since we signed anderson, Whis has gone out of the way to praise his new starting QB. Now it has become a REAL QB competition, which in all reality wasnt supposed to go down like that, according to what we've heard "Leinart is THE guy"

I am all for the "In Whis we trust" statement, but the way he is handling this situation is odd to say the least. If he knows something we dont know (probably) then I guess it makes sense, but I havent seen a QB situation run this strangely since the 1999 Buffalo Bills, when they were 10-5 going into week 17 and Rob Johnson throws 4 TD passes in a meaningless game. Wade Phillips then decides that Johnson is the new guy after catching lightning in a bottle and starts him against the Titans in the playoffs (music city miracle game). Of course they lose and two years later, the coach and both QBs are no longer on the team.

IMO, Leinart is the guy based on skill set and familiarity with the ball club. My hope is that Whis makes a decision based on football facts and not malice.

And who today doubts that Doug Flutie was the better QB.

 

[MrYeahBut]

It would be nice if Hasselbecks wife was my source

 

[SunsTzu]

Or, maybe we should take this all at face value until week 1. If leinart starts, then all of this hand wringing about "whiz just doesn't like Matty" is going to look pretty silly.

The only thing that gives me pause is that Wiz has stated not to get hung up on stats. Seeing how Leinart's stats crush Anderson's why would he say that unless he was really thinking about keeping DA as the starter?

 

[freebyrd]

is there any kind of escalator clause in matts pay this year and were cutting off our nose despite our face over money again?

which was no longer supposed to be an issue with the new stadium revenue and all that was no longer supposed to be an issue damnit!

 

[Arizona's Finest]

I think that we should all start to get used to the idea that Wiz is REALLY hard on QB's, thats the way it is. If he lit into Big Ben everyday, whata ya think he is doing with Matty.

But there is too much smoke here guys. There is no way Matt starts game one and anyone who says otherwise is deluding themselves.

Personally I think he is getting the raw end, but at the end of the day, he had 4 years to prove to this staff he is the guy. I can't take the onus off of Matt.

I did notice with Tim Hightowers comments after the game he went back to Matt time and time again to commend him so I see some validity to this report. Looks like we have a divide.

And by the way O - Tim Hasselbeck is probably the MOST reliable national voice on the Cardinals based on who his bother is and his time here under this regime. Lets not all just be like "oh because its ESPN it sucks." Thats probably a little close minded, no?

 

[AzStevenCal]

And by the way O - Tim Hasselbeck is probably the MOST reliable national voice on the Cardinals based on who his bother is and his time here under this regime. Lets not all just be like "oh because its ESPN it sucks." Thats probably a little close minded, no?

You're probably right but I see no problem in living by the axiom that you can never be too judgmental when it comes to ESPN. They are the Sports Devil Incarnate.

Steve

 

[Crazy Canuck]

I think that we should all start to get used to the idea that Wiz is REALLY hard on QB's, thats the way it is. If he lit into Big Ben everyday, whata ya think he is doing with Matty.

But there is too much smoke here guys. There is no way Matt starts game one and anyone who says otherwise is deluding themselves.

Personally I think he is getting the raw end, but at the end of the day, he had 4 years to prove to this staff he is the guy. I can't take the onus off of Matt.

I did notice with Tim Hightowers comments after the game he went back to Matt time and time again to commend him so I see some validity to this report. Looks like we have a divide.

And by the way O - Tim Hasselbeck is probably the MOST reliable national voice on the Cardinals based on who his bother is and his time here under this regime. Lets not all just be like "oh because its ESPN it sucks." Thats probably a little close minded, no?

So you say...

 

[dogpoo32]

Matt needs to start, if he doesn't it is obvious that Whis is biased against him, and for the good of the team, and Matt, should have traded him years ago. Whis is being a dick in this matter.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

So you say...

Lets put it this way. I hope you are right.

But common sense is telling me you are not.

 

[devilalum]

Tim Hasselbeck?

Isn't he somebodies wife?

 

[Shane]

Lets put it this way. I hope you are right.

But common sense is telling me you are not.

i think Steve and I are the only ones who actually notice how much Whiz perks up in the post game meeting when he talks about DA. He was pretty much Giddy compared to the way he was when he was referring to Matt unfortunately!

 

[CardinalChris]

He's not getting screwed, he didn't perform. Sure, quote me his completion numbers, but it has been pointed out that he looked tentative and passive. Even Somers said he could hear Titan defenders taking bets on Matty checking down. It is a massive problem. Play action means nothing with a 3 yard swing pass. The one thing DA does is push the ball down the field. So Whiz put pressure on his anointed starter to move the ball or sit down. I think we all know how much turnovers bother Whiz, but when they are playing second fiddle to the concern you have over your QBs ability to get a first down, he had to do something. I say best QB plays. He isn't getting screwed. How many players have you heard publicly come to Matt's defense? It was strange how silent the team has been. Matt has every chance to start and has only screwed himself. Competition and best player plays, right? But he has to play like he is the starter, not like he is hoping to keep his job.

 

[MoeIsBetter]

He's not getting screwed, he didn't perform. Sure, quote me his completion numbers, but it has been pointed out that he looked tentative and passive. Even Somers said he could hear Titan defenders taking bets on Matty checking down. It is a massive problem. Play action means nothing with a 3 yard swing pass. The one thing DA does is push the ball down the field. So Whiz put pressure on his anointed starter to move the ball or sit down. I think we all know how much turnovers bother Whiz, but when they are playing second fiddle to the concern you have over your QBs ability to get a first down, he had to do something. I say best QB plays. He isn't getting screwed. How many players have you heard publicly come to Matt's defense? It was strange how silent the team has been. Matt has every chance to start and has only screwed himself. Competition and best player plays, right? But he has to play like he is the starter, not like he is hoping to keep his job.

What really bugs me about everyone saying this is Warner was the checkdown king!

 

[az jam]

What really bugs me about everyone saying this is Warner was the checkdown king!

But he got first downs and TDs.

 

[Cardiac]

i think Steve and I are the only ones who actually notice how much Whiz perks up in the post game meeting when he talks about DA. He was pretty much Giddy compared to the way he was when he was referring to Matt unfortunately!

Add me to the list as well. As someone posted Whis caught himself when he realized how animated etc he became when talking about DA.

ML is probably a perfect fit for a WCO. CKW seems to put as much or more importance on arm strength then accuracy.

CKW is an accomplished developer of QB's. If he chooses DA over ML then I will trust his judgement.

I still am hoping for ML but...

 

[Arizona's Finest]

i think Steve and I are the only ones who actually notice how much Whiz perks up in the post game meeting when he talks about DA. He was pretty much Giddy compared to the way he was when he was referring to Matt unfortunately!

I saw it too.

Wiz isn't stupid. He understands the political ramifications both internally and to outsiders of naming DA the starter for Game 3. If you think about it, Wiz has shown what his "prototype" for a QB he likes is, and Matt doesn't fit it in any way.

I think Matt has earned the shot going into the regular season but I don't think Wiz wants to give it to him.

My question is if Wiz had seen this for three years, why not make going after a QB a bigger priority this offseason?

 

[Cardiac]

I saw it too.

Wiz isn't stupid. He understands the political ramifications both internally and to outsiders of naming DA the starter for Game 3. If you think about it, Wiz has shown what his "prototype" for a QB he likes is, and Matt doesn't fit it in any way.

I think Matt has earned the shot going into the regular season but I don't think Wiz wants to give it to him.

My question is if Wiz had seen this for three years, why not make going after a QB a bigger priority this offseason?

Bolded, question asked and answered by yourself.

It is rare for any HC to have complete say in everything. I firmly believe that as long as Bowtie still draws breath that our FO and coaches will have to over come obstacles now and again.

 

[Buckybird]

What really bugs me about everyone saying this is Warner was the checkdown king!

What your missing is thats the differance, one's named Warner & one's named Leinart. HOF QB's versus the hated Heisman winner.

 

[PortlandCardFan]

Or, maybe we should take this all at face value until week 1. If leinart starts, then all of this hand wringing about "whiz just doesn't like Matty" is going to look pretty silly.

Dang it Pariah!!! this is the last time I'm going to tell you!!!! Quit bringing logic to these QB controversy threads!!!!

 

[Buckybird]

i think Steve and I are the only ones who actually notice how much Whiz perks up in the post game meeting when he talks about DA. He was pretty much Giddy compared to the way he was when he was referring to Matt unfortunately!

I caught it too Shane. Things I also noticed from his postgame:

1) Wiz said to get teams out of the 8 man box you have to make some big plays in the passing game. We now who likes chunking the rock down the field more.

2) When asked did he see anything from Matt he hasn't seen: Wiz scratched his head & replied he would have to look at the film to see that, though Leinart played well.

Leinart's dead man walking IMO & I hate to see that.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

Dang it Pariah!!! this is the last time I'm going to tell you!!!! Quit bringing logic to these QB controversy threads!!!!

Actually its just as speculative as anything in this thread at this point.

No one knows whats going to happen - we are all grasping at straws. It would be disengenous to say the most recent evidence doesn't point to DA though IMO.

If we are going to speculate - lets really do it. : putsontinfoilhat:

Wiz wants to start Max Hall.....this year. With DA being turnover prone its MUCH more likely that he will be able to go from Anderson to Hall, then Leinart to Hall.

 

[Cheesebeef]

My question is if Wiz had seen this for three years, why not make going after a QB a bigger priority this offseason?

this is my question too. I think the answer lies within the top of the organization but who knows.

 

[ajcardfan]

If Andersen is the starter for the opener, I will have to agree that Leinart got HOSED. He sat two years behind Kurt without bitching for a trade. By all accounts, he was one of the first in and last to leave the facility this offseason. He moved his locker to be with the linemen and took them all to Hawaii for cripes' sake. And, overall, he's been more consistent than Andersen in the preseason games. I've never, ever said of any Cardinals player that they got a raw deal when they were benched. But, in this case I would.


That said, nothing is more important than winning. Win... just win.

 

[Red Dawn]

Sando's hack job today quotes Whiz as saying it is about chemistry with the team and that it's about how you handle everything that's thrown at you. DA has been on the team 5 months. Matt's been on the team 4 years, and has just about everything thrown at him. I'm old school, Matt has earned, and deserves, his shot. If we don't win because of his play bring in DA after 4-6 games. The alternative is to replace DA after 4-6 games with a pissed off ML near the end of his contract.

I wonder if this QB controversy is manufactured to generate publicity. Almost all of the media coverage on the Cards this year involves the QB situation.