Leinart & Sports Center

[john h]

Last night around midnight I was watching Sports Center gurus (including ex nfl player) discuss the Matt Leinart situation. First they all agreed this may be the first time in history that a team got better when their starting QB went down.

The next few minutes they discussed Leinart. These are not exact quotes but their general line of thinking. They think he has regressed and that Whiz is wondering if he will ever fit into his type of system even if he is healthy. They also thought the Cards would rethink Matt as their QB of the future and will likely make some new decisions on that matter come next year and the draft. Suggesting they may look for a new QB of the future. They generally did not think much of Matts progress to the point you wondered if they even thought he would ever be a good NFL QB. Overall they sure were not positive at all about him. Frankly they expressed some of the doubts I have had this year. He should have been better this year but seemed to struggle with the basics such as knowing the plays, having happy feet, seeing the field and recognizing defenses and perhaps spending more time with Hollywood than learning his QB duties and becoming acquainted with his fellow football players. Matt was drafted 12th. Maybe it was not just luck we got him. Perhaps the other teams saw his deficiencies?
There are a lot of reasons to be concerned about Matt. Just because he was a high profile QB of a great college team does not guarantee he will be a good NFL QB and just because we want him to be the QB of the future does not mean anything. What has he done to be named the QB of the future? I was really high on Matt when we drafted him and thought we were very very lucky. I am now very concerned and certainly not ready to name him the QB of the future. What if we win 10 games under Warner this year? What do we do next year? There is no reason to think he will have suddenly got better. If somehow Whiz does not think he fits into his system what do we do? There is no simple answers here. Just liking Matt does not make him a good QB or a team leader. The team leader right now is clearly Kurt Warner. You see it in his body language in the way he talks to the players after a play and for now in the way he plays. Unfortunately Kurt is 36. He could possible play 2 more years and we really do need the next QB on the bench now learning? Is it Matt? You make the call. At the moment I give him no better than a 25% chance of being our QB of the future. When we drafted him I thought around a 75% chance.

 

[justAndy]

He's looking more and more like the former college stud - who was surrounded
by great talent - that turns into an NFL dud.
Why he hasn't been grinding film and playbook instead of hanging out with celebretards?
Also - why can't he move the baby momma and kid to AZ?
Football seems NOT to be a priority for him.

 

[Russ Smith]

He's looking more and more like the former college stud - who was surrounded
by great talent - that turns into an NFL dud.
Why he hasn't been grinding film and playbook instead of hanging out with celebretards?
Also - why can't he move the baby momma and kid to AZ?
Football seems NOT to be a priority for him.

To an extent that surrounded by great talent thing is hard to defend.

Bush so far is a disappointment, I would say huge disappointment, even last week when they got him the ball 29 times, he barely got over 100 yards total offense and didn't score, and I already read he was so sore after the game they had to reduce his practice load this week.

White is just starting to produce, so far a disappointment. Williams, huge bust, Jarrett had a hamstring injury and so far hasn't caught a single pass with Carolina, I think he's slated to actually play this weekend. The TE Byrd has been a bust 2 catches last season, none this season. Justice was part of giving up 6 sacks to Umenyiora a couple of weeks ago. I said this at the time you can argue the most successful NFL player off that USC juggernaut offensively so far is Lutui.

I think eventually they will have some good players, I think White is coming on, I think Bush will find his niche(but it doesn't appear he's going to be the stud everyone expected), Jarrett will get healthy and make an impact. But right now it looks like that was just a group of very good college players many of whom might not be that good in the NFL.

I think Matt will be ok frankly I think all these weeks of getting to work on mechanics without having to play is going to help him.

 

[Rivercard]

I think Matt will be ok frankly I think all these weeks of getting to work on mechanics without having to play is going to help him.

Yep. He had some good moments last year. Let's give him some time to develop before burying him.

 

[SeattleCard]

My prediction:

- Warner has a great rest of the season, and leads us to the NFC West title & playoffs
- Coaches are then stuck with the 'what do we do' question at the end of the season.
- Whiz sticks with Warner as his starter next year.

Just my prediction, could certainly be wrong.

 

[D-Dogg]

Here's a quick answer for all that ails you.


STOP WATCHING ESPN!!

Good lord. It's like the myspace of broadcasting.

 

[Dr. Jones]

To an extent that surrounded by great talent thing is hard to defend.

Bush so far is a disappointment, I would say huge disappointment, even last week when they got him the ball 29 times, he barely got over 100 yards total offense and didn't score, and I already read he was so sore after the game they had to reduce his practice load this week.

White is just starting to produce, so far a disappointment. Williams, huge bust, Jarrett had a hamstring injury and so far hasn't caught a single pass with Carolina, I think he's slated to actually play this weekend. The TE Byrd has been a bust 2 catches last season, none this season. Justice was part of giving up 6 sacks to Umenyiora a couple of weeks ago. I said this at the time you can argue the most successful NFL player off that USC juggernaut offensively so far is Lutui.

I think eventually they will have some good players, I think White is coming on, I think Bush will find his niche(but it doesn't appear he's going to be the stud everyone expected), Jarrett will get healthy and make an impact. But right now it looks like that was just a group of very good college players many of whom might not be that good in the NFL.

I think Matt will be ok frankly I think all these weeks of getting to work on mechanics without having to play is going to help him.

Kalil is also pretty good.

I wonder what the disconnect has been with the Offensive side? The defensive players look good. Tatupu, Polamalu, etc...

That's it..... We need Defensive players from the S. Pacific from USC.

 

[joeshmo]

He's looking more and more like the former college stud - who was surrounded
by great talent - that turns into an NFL dud.
Why he hasn't been grinding film and playbook instead of hanging out with celebretards?
Also - why can't he move the baby momma and kid to AZ?
Football seems NOT to be a priority for him.

Since when can a guy force his babies mom to move to another state. She has her own free will an all. They are still going through the process of custody and once that is done Matt will have his kid here in PHX part time and not have to travel to LA every week.

As for this regression, It should have been seen from a mile away. The guy went through his first real training camp, he is on his 3rd offensive coordinator, his 2nd QB coach, and is just this season asked to change his footwork and mechanics. Not to mention QB's dont come into the league and just light it up in the passing game. How long did it take Rivers, Cutler is still going through growing pains, How long did it take Brees or any other QB for that matter. He has been in 17 real NFL games and ESPN is already making these speculations is actually pretty comical.

As for ESPN's comments they are complete idiots if they think we would go in another direction for QB of the future next year. We are not going to keep paying Warner, Matt, and new QB of future. We are not going to cut or trade Matt and take the huge cap hit it would take to do such a move. Complete idiots and morons trying to see if crap sticks to the wall.

 

[Totally_Red]

Message to Matt

To an extent that surrounded by great talent thing is hard to defend.

Bush so far is a disappointment, I would say huge disappointment, even last week when they got him the ball 29 times, he barely got over 100 yards total offense and didn't score, and I already read he was so sore after the game they had to reduce his practice load this week.

White is just starting to produce, so far a disappointment. Williams, huge bust, Jarrett had a hamstring injury and so far hasn't caught a single pass with Carolina, I think he's slated to actually play this weekend. The TE Byrd has been a bust 2 catches last season, none this season. Justice was part of giving up 6 sacks to Umenyiora a couple of weeks ago. I said this at the time you can argue the most successful NFL player off that USC juggernaut offensively so far is Lutui.

I think eventually they will have some good players, I think White is coming on, I think Bush will find his niche(but it doesn't appear he's going to be the stud everyone expected), Jarrett will get healthy and make an impact. But right now it looks like that was just a group of very good college players many of whom might not be that good in the NFL.

I think Matt will be ok frankly I think all these weeks of getting to work on mechanics without having to play is going to help him.

More time with Peyton, less time with Archie!!

 

[Russ Smith]

Kalil is also pretty good.

I wonder what the disconnect has been with the Offensive side? The defensive players look good. Tatupu, Polamalu, etc...

That's it..... We need Defensive players from the S. Pacific from USC.

Had to look but yes Kalil is starting at RG. Seems odd he was C at USC
but he is starting as a rookie so that adds him to the success column so far with Deuce.

I don't think they're all busts but I think 2 or 3 were expected to be breakout stars and so far none of them have shown that. Bush has the best chance starting at RB for the rest of the year.

 

[Chainthroer]

JMO - I would have taken Cutler at #10. Denver got a deal. Still, I was not unhappy with Matt's selection. Anyway, we have Matt and we'll have to hope for the best. Maturity has to enter into the equation somewhere reference everyones doubts. And it's really too bad he got injured - that's going to hurt his development. He needed the reps this year. Hopefully, he'll be standing on the side lines near the QB coach to better learn the schemes for next year.

 

[SuperSpck]

Here's a quick answer for all that ails you.


STOP WATCHING ESPN!!

Good lord. It's like the myspace of broadcasting.

 

[gamebird98]

Say what you want to about ESPN, but untill Matt proves them wrong....THEY ARE RIGHT!

 

[D-Dogg]

Say what you want to about ESPN, but untill Matt proves them wrong....THEY ARE RIGHT!

Not really. Matt struggles, so they have carte blanche to make up their own crap about why, and what the team is going to do?

Read joeschmo's post above and understand that just because ESPNspace says it is true, does NOT mean it is.

Just a few weeks ago, most of these talking heads would take Leinart over VY or Cutler. Now, he's so terrible the Cards should cut bait and get a new QBOF. Please.

 

[abomb]

Not really. Matt struggles, so they have carte blanche to make up their own crap about why, and what the team is going to do?

Read joeschmo's post above and understand that just because ESPNspace says it is true, does NOT mean it is.

Just a few weeks ago, most of these talking heads would take Leinart over VY or Cutler. Now, he's so terrible the Cards should cut bait and get a new QBOF. Please.

Um on Sunday, Keyshawn Johnson said that the Cardinals should trade Warner if they werent going to start him.

 

[Totally_Red]

Um on Sunday, Keyshawn Johnson said that the Cardinals should trade Warner if they werent going to start him.

And the brilliant Terry Bradshaw said "It's a mistake" about the Cardinals playing Warner. This was at halftime of the Ravens game. He was uncharacteristically quiet after that game about it.

 

[cardsfanmd]

Say what you want to about ESPN, but untill Matt proves them wrong....THEY ARE RIGHT!

How about until Matt proves them right they are wrong.

Look, I have not been the biggest supporter of Matt, and never will be. IMO he is physically fragile and his lack of arm strength limits the offense.

However, for you guys to get all over him this early is ridiculous. Actually it is ********. How did Farve and S. Young look their second year? He has a whole new system here and is trying to learn it. Dont forget how good he looked last year when he understood what was going on. He will get there, but it takes time. The guy was here all offseason busting his but and has great confidence in himself. Whats more, his team has great confidence in him. Quan said he will be great, and Q normally doesn't mince words. I dont recall him ever saying anything like that about anyone else. Furthermore, two weeks ago, many of you who are bashing him now were complaining about Kurt taking some of his PT.

He is not an All Pro yet, but you aren't a very knowledgeable football fan if you expect 2nd year quarterbacks to be dismantling defenses week in and week out.

 

[cardsfanmd]

And the brilliant Terry Bradshaw said "It's a mistake" about the Cardinals playing Warner. This was at halftime of the Ravens game. He was uncharacteristically quiet after that game about it.

Yeah, as funny as Bradshaw is sometimes, he will always be known as one of the less intelligent great QBs. He hasn't gotten much smarter hanging out in the booth either.

 

[AZ Shocker]

I think Matt stll has a chance to become a very good NFL caliber qb. BUT not with all the distractions he's got going. He's got to take this NFL thing a little more serious. lol Seriously

He strikes me as the type of athelete that had it pretty easy all his life. Great talent at USC...National Championships, Heisman Winner, blah, blah, blah, blah. Maybe he "peaked" and is content with his accomplishments. Ohh, and he also got the big NFL payday with tons of endorsements. Content???

He needs to learn the NFL game. The question is...does he have the "want to" to do that at this point in his life???

 

[D-Dogg]

He strikes me as the type of athelete that had it pretty easy all his life.

Except for when he was a fat, crosseyed kid that got teased.

 

[Gizmo Williams]

Last night around midnight I was watching Sports Center gurus (including ex nfl player) discuss the Matt Leinart situation. First they all agreed this may be the first time in history that a team got better when their starting QB went down.

I think they lost their credibility with the statement about the Cards being the first team in history that got better when their QB went down. The Pats got better when Bledsoe went down. Same for the Rams when Green went down and Warner got his break.

However, I do think for this season Warner will be the better choice for QB. The NFC West is pretty much up for the taking and the Cards just need some competent play from that position to have a good shot at winning the division. The Rams are done, the 49ers are getting no offense out of either Smith or Dilfer, and the Cards are in good shape with tie breakers with Seattle. A mediocore team will win the division and it might as well be the Cards.

 

[D-Dogg]

However, I do think for this season Warner will be the better choice for QB. The NFC West is pretty much up for the taking and the Cards just need some competent play from that position to have a good shot at winning the division. The Rams are done, the 49ers are getting no offense out of either Smith or Dilfer, and the Cards are in good shape with tie breakers with Seattle. A mediocore team will win the division and it might as well be the Cards.

Yep, yep and yep.

 

[Team G]

All Matt needs is time to develop like most other young QB's. Think about where he would be if he had all of last year with this coaching staff instead of Denny's bunch.

 

[abomb]

I think Matt stll has a chance to become a very good NFL caliber qb. BUT not with all the distractions he's got going. He's got to take this NFL thing a little more serious. lol Seriously

This whole thing is getting so old, so quickly.

Matt Leinart played in LA, for a national championship team. He is handsome. His is friends with actors and musicians. He banged hotel heiresses. As such, he is always going to be overly-scrutinized and have the spotlight on him.

He has no more distractions than any other NFL player; the media just reports on every, single one of his distractions because it sells papers, gets viewers, keeps the talking heads employed, etc. Get used to it.

Travis Henry has 9 kids by 9 women and it was never mentioned before last month. It wasnt mentioned because middle-america, suburban housewives, Gen-Y chicks in the dorm and my Mom dont care about Travis Henry. They want to hear about "Hollywood" Leinart.

The sooner we as Cardinals fans start to ignore the media's incesent reporting on Leinart, the sooner we can all correctly judge him for what he does (and doesnt do) on the field.

 

[Mulli]

Less than a year ago, people were questioning Peyton Manning.

Heck, people still question Jesus.