Leinart to play against Skins

[thirty-two]

Nope. He was just a glimmer of hope. nothing more or less.

Well, yeah, NOW that's the case. But don't tell me you didn't think he was the QBOF when he he fell to us at #10 ?

 

[Shane]

Oh please, Shane. Must you really contest the simplest of statements on this subject? Can we at least agree that it was of the future or should I have said near future? Or distant future?

He was drafted to be the QB of the future. Sure. But the simple fact is he never was. He failed.

 

[Shane]

Well, yeah, NOW that's the case. But don't tell me you didn't think he was the QBOF when he he fell to us at #10 ?

I hoped. Didnt know or think. Only hoped. Seen to much 1st round misery with us to believe it that day.

 

[moklerman]

I haven't seen this article from NFL.com posted but it has some quotes by Whis that I missed that seem to have been left out of the other articles I read.

As reports circulate that Matt Leinart is being shopped by the Arizona Cardinals, the team announced Derek Anderson will start at quarterback again Thursday night when it plays the Washington Redskins in their final preseason game.

FoxSports.com's Jay Glazer, who appears on NFL Network, reported Wednesday that the Cardinals have reached out to teams around the NFL to gauge trade interest in Leinart, a former first-round draft pick.

Meanwhile, Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said he will use the same playing order as he did in last Saturday's 14-9 win at Chicago, meaning Leinart will replace Anderson at some point in the preseason finale.

Boldin not surprised
Speaking on a Baltimore radio station Wednesday, former Cardinal Anquan Boldin said he is not surprised by the Matt Leinart-Ken Whisenhunt situation:

"I’ve been there and witnessed the relationship between both Matt and coach (Ken) Whisenhunt. So I’m actually not surprised. I don’t really want to speak too much on that, because it’s not my problem. If it doesn’t refer to anybody in black and purple, I really could care less.” More ... "It worked for us," the coach said, "so we'll see if it continues to work that way."

Whisenhunt said neither quarterback will have as much playing time as they did against the Bears, "but both guys will get the opportunity."

Whisenhunt's decision came following a Monday afternoon meeting with Leinart after the former Heisman Trophy winner told reporters that he had outplayed Anderson in training camp and preseason and that his problem with his coach "probably goes beyond football."

Whisenhunt called it "a good talk."

"We obviously touched base on where everything was, which I've always said I wanted," he said, "If players have an issue or a problem, (they need) to come see me. We had communicated before about where we were, and, obviously, we needed to talk a little bit more, but it was a good talk."

Leinart didn't make himself available to reporters after the Cardinals worked out Tuesday for the first time at Arizona State University's indoor practice facility. His meeting with Whisenhunt came amid widespread speculation that his days with Arizona could be numbered, that the team was looking to trade him or might even release him.

Unless the Cardinals acquire another quarterback, the team could be left with the unlikely prospect of having two rookies -- John Skelton and Max Hall -- back up Anderson.

Cardinals general manager Rod Graves didn't return a message left on his cell phone Tuesday.

Whisenhunt said he has been consistent in the way he communicates with players since he took over as head coach in 2007.

"I'm comfortable with the way we've done that," he said. "Obviously, there must have been some breakdown because he didn't hear what he wanted, but hopefully we got that cleared up yesterday."

He said he has nothing personal against Leinart.

"I've always liked Matt," Whisenhunt said. "I think Matt is a tremendous person, and he's done a lot for this city and this community, but it's my job as the head coach of this team to pick the best players for our squad. I didn't think, as the preseason progressed, that we were as efficient as we needed to be."

Whisenhunt said the Cardinals played better last week.

"I don't know if that was a function of making the changes or whether that was a function of our guys waking up a little bit," he said. "We get an opportunity to see this week."

Whisenhunt hasn't announced the starting quarterback for the regular-season opener Sept. 12 at St. Louis, but Anderson appears to be the front-runner, considering he's making the last two starts.

Leinart said Monday that he didn't know what else he "could possibly do" to earn the job.

"It probably goes beyond football, beyond the field actually," he said. "For me, I am not making excuses. I am not going to complain. For me, I just really want an explanation, and I haven't been given one."

Whisenhunt wasn't happy that Leinart had expressed his feelings to the media.

"Would I have rather he come to me and talked to me? Yes, to be perfectly honest, I would," Whisenhunt said. "But you know, that's what sometimes happens in this business. Matt and I had an opportunity to talk yesterday. He definitely had some feelings that he needed to get out, and he came up and saw me, and that was important."

Anderson, signed as a free agent after the Cleveland Browns released him, has seen far more playing time than Leinart in the preseason. The former Oregon State quarterback has completed 31 of 53 passes (59 percent) for 287 yards and two touchdowns, with two interceptions.

Leinart has completed 83 percent (19 of 23), most of them short-range throws, for 161 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions.

This article is more fleshed out than the one I saw with snippets of the comments from Whisenhunt and for some reason, the things Whisenhunt says makes me think about him still continuing to test Leinart. Like he has the cooler head and although he's disappointed he isn't going to let the heat of the moment or emotions dictate what he is doing.

Leinart not making himself available and Graves not returning calls makes me think that Leinart is gone.

I find myself thinking that Whis is going to keep Leinart. I don't know if it's my bones, my tooth or second site but something in all of this has me thinking it's all been a ruse of some kind. Like he's been waiting for Leinart to be the one to go to his office and open the lines of communication.

So much has been speculated about Whis not liking Leinart but maybe for whatever reason, Whis needed Leinart to initiate the bridge of communication? I'm sure he realizes that he and Leinart don't have a good relationship and this may be his way of developing one? I know, I know, I'm reaching but why would it be "important" to Whis that Leinart finally came and shared his feelings?

 

[azsouthendzone]

I haven't seen this article from NFL.com posted but it has some quotes by Whis that I missed that seem to have been left out of the other articles I read.

This article is more fleshed out than the one I saw with snippets of the comments from Whisenhunt and for some reason, the things Whisenhunt says makes me think about him still continuing to test Leinart. Like he has the cooler head and although he's disappointed he isn't going to let the heat of the moment or emotions dictate what he is doing.

Leinart not making himself available and Graves not returning calls makes me think that Leinart is gone.

I find myself thinking that Whis is going to keep Leinart. I don't know if it's my bones, my tooth or second site but something in all of this has me thinking it's all been a ruse of some kind. Like he's been waiting for Leinart to be the one to go to his office and open the lines of communication.

So much has been speculated about Whis not liking Leinart but maybe for whatever reason, Whis needed Leinart to initiate the bridge of communication? I'm sure he realizes that he and Leinart don't have a good relationship and this may be his way of developing one? I know, I know, I'm reaching but why would it be "important" to Whis that Leinart finally came and shared his feelings?

I hope............but I mean come on. This is the NFL not Melrose Place. I hate the drama. Although I will admit I have posted on ASFN more in the last week than I have in the last year.

 

[Shane]

Although I will admit I have posted on ASFN more in the last week than I have in the last year.

Matt seems to do that to a lot of you guys

Need to add you to my list: http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/f4/thanks-ken-156760.html

 

[moklerman]

I hope............but I mean come on. This is the NFL not Melrose Place. I hate the drama. Although I will admit I have posted on ASFN more in the last week than I have in the last year.

I agree the speculation and implications are pretty overwhelming at this point but what has Whis actually said on the subject? Nothing's changed, hasn't named a starter, said he really likes Matt, was glad that Matt finally came to him.

It's hard to ignore all of the other reports, not to mention Leinart's frustration and comments but for Whis to say those things at this late stage seem like odd timing to me.

I still haven't forgotten that Whis gave a 37 year old Warner the starting job in '08. In that case, it was crazy to commit to such an old QB, Leinart lost his job to injury, etc.

Even though I disagree with what everything looks like at this point, and regardless of how it turns out with Leinart, I still think Whis is a master motivator. Not to mention how calculating he is. And considering those things, the possibility that he will do something that will surprise everyone can't be discounted.

Not to mention how so much of this whole situation doesn't make any sense. Whis doesn't like turnover prone, inaccurate QB's. There is no magic glove fix for Anderson. I have a hard time believing that Whis would make a football decision like this for personal reasons. I also have a hard time believing that Whis would let the players or my pet theory, Fitzgerald dictate who he should choose at QB.

I mean, there's a long list of things that just seem contrary to who I thought Whis was that leave me thinking that 2+2 isn't going to equal 4 in this case. I'm perfectly aware that ALLLLLLL the signs are pointing a certain way but to believe them, you would have to believe that Whis was completely clueless about Leinart leading into this year. You would have to believe that Whis has a personal vendetta against Leinart and is petty and spiteful enough against the front office if they wanted Leinart and he didn't.

Whatever the case, something really doesn't add up and it won't surprise me at all to see Matt starting the season for the Cardinals, he and Whis having a much better relationship and Leinart being a better QB for it. I think Whis is that good at this particular game.

 

[THESMEL]

I still have hope, last moment Matt Started in 2007, same with Kurt in 2008, Kurt secure in 2009, back to last minute announcement in 2010.

Whisenhunt is not a master of BS, He just BS's the masters at ESPN and fans.

Lets see if DD keps his effort up, I tink He will as long as things go well, If not DD bar the door.

 

[daves]

I agree the speculation and implications are pretty overwhelming at this point but what has Whis actually said on the subject? Nothing's changed, hasn't named a starter, said he really likes Matt, was glad that Matt finally came to him.

It's hard to ignore all of the other reports, not to mention Leinart's frustration and comments but for Whis to say those things at this late stage seem like odd timing to me.

I still haven't forgotten that Whis gave a 37 year old Warner the starting job in '08. In that case, it was crazy to commit to such an old QB, Leinart lost his job to injury, etc.

Even though I disagree with what everything looks like at this point, and regardless of how it turns out with Leinart, I still think Whis is a master motivator. Not to mention how calculating he is. And considering those things, the possibility that he will do something that will surprise everyone can't be discounted.

Not to mention how so much of this whole situation doesn't make any sense. Whis doesn't like turnover prone, inaccurate QB's. There is no magic glove fix for Anderson. I have a hard time believing that Whis would make a football decision like this for personal reasons. I also have a hard time believing that Whis would let the players or my pet theory, Fitzgerald dictate who he should choose at QB.

I mean, there's a long list of things that just seem contrary to who I thought Whis was that leave me thinking that 2+2 isn't going to equal 4 in this case. I'm perfectly aware that ALLLLLLL the signs are pointing a certain way but to believe them, you would have to believe that Whis was completely clueless about Leinart leading into this year. You would have to believe that Whis has a personal vendetta against Leinart and is petty and spiteful enough against the front office if they wanted Leinart and he didn't.

Whatever the case, something really doesn't add up and it won't surprise me at all to see Matt starting the season for the Cardinals, he and Whis having a much better relationship and Leinart being a better QB for it. I think Whis is that good at this particular game.

I quoted your entire post because i agree with every sentiment in every paragraph. There's so much smoke that virtually everyone agrees that there's fire. But if you give any credence to what's been said on the record, and if you cling to the hope that the front office and coaching staff are not so utterly incompetent as to have promoted Leinart as the QBOF up to one week ago, without any viable alternative, it makes you wonder whether there's not still some possibility that Whisenhunt will declare that Leinart has earned the starting job after all.

I just find it utterly incomprehensible that Whisenhunt believes it will be easier to turn Anderson into an accurate passer with touch and good judgment after a career of proving he has none of those abilities, than it will be to coach / motivate / prod Leinart into taking some more chances downfield, if that is indeed the issue. I keep coming back to the fact that this was only one year ago:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d81239711/Pre-WK-3-Matt-Leinart-highlights

Sure, after the first drive or two it was against 2nd and then 3rd stringers, but it shows that not long ago, Leinart was capable of throwing boldly and accurately downfield. Perhaps when he lost his expected starting job to Warner after throwing 3 picks vs. Oakland, he decided that he had to just play it safe at every opportunity from then on to keep the job, but that mindset could be correctable. Maybe the fear of being demoted, cut, or traded, "tough love" by Whisenhunt who claims to genuinely like Leinart, will do the trick.

I know that there's a 99.9% chance that that all of this is wishful thinking. But the alternative is so bleak that i just can't face it yet.

...dave

 

[BW52]

What happens if Anderson get hurt ? Or the flavor of month Max Hall? What happens then? Does Whiz keep ML or just keep the tar and feathers ready?

 

[MrYeahBut]

I hope............but I mean come on. This is the NFL not Melrose Place. I hate the drama. Although I will admit I have posted on ASFN more in the last week than I have in the last year.

It's not the drama that draws us in, it's the 'cheap drama'

 

[azsouthendzone]

I keep coming back to the fact that this was only one year ago:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d81239711/Pre-WK-3-Matt-Leinart-highlights

He looked down right stellar in that video. But Fitz would say, "Coach, did you see the play where Early Doucet was hit after the catch? I am scared." and then Whiz would say "It is not about stats. It is about what goes on in the locker room."

Thanks for sharing that video. Now I feel even worse about this. Ugh.

 

[azsouthendzone]

Here is another one to make you throw up this morning

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d800e8eef/Chiefs-23-Cardinals-20

 

[Shane]

Here is another one to make you throw up this morning

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d800e8eef/Chiefs-23-Cardinals-20

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-preseason/09000d5d80a46adc/Leinart-discussion

Watch this and listen to the commentary. Will def make you puke alright.

 

[moklerman]

This is what I haven't seen from Leinart in seemingly years:

Let the guy go out there and get into a rhythm and don't yank him after a little bit of a slow start.

 

[Rivercard]

He was drafted to be the QB of the future. Sure. But the simple fact is he never was. He failed.

Whatever happens in the next few weeks, the book is not closed on Matt Leinart's career. If Vince Young can turn it around, so can Matt.

 

[Cheesebeef]

guys, hanging your hat on someone's ability to be "bold" when they throwing the ball around while down 30 points... against 2nd and 3rd teamers... with nothing on the line and no pressure of says it all to me.

 

[Treefiddy]

Here is another one to make you throw up this morning

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d800e8eef/Chiefs-23-Cardinals-20

Our Defense was TERRIBLE. I know LJ was awesome in '07, but the only tackle I saw was Rolle pulling LJ down by his helmet.

 

[moklerman]

Whatever happens in the next few weeks, the book is not closed on Matt Leinart's career. If Vince Young can turn it around, so can Matt.

THANK YOU!!! I forgot about all the comparisons they've been doing of the '06 QB draft class and if Young can have his team, city, etc. turn on him, go on suicide watch, look terrible and get beat out by Kerry freakin' Collins and still come back from that with the same team...Leinart's just gotta have a puncher's chance.

 

[nashman]

Cheese seriously Leinart looked great in that game and if was given an opportunity to run this team he would without question be more successful than Derek freaking Anderson thats the whole problem! DA is a proven loser at least Leinart has the potential to be much better!

 

[Bert]

Wouldn't it be kindof funny if after all the freaking out and the media frenzi and all the drama of the past week if there is no cut, no trade, and Leinart totally starts against St. Louis.

lol I'm just saying. Coach and Matt are totally chillin at HQ right now watching espn, eating popcorn, laughing their asses off because this was all just and ingenious ploy to screw with the media. "hey Matt, look look now you're getting traded to New York! Hahahahahahaha"

I know that's not the case, but it would be funny.

 

[Duckjake]

Wouldn't it be kindof funny if after all the freaking out and the media frenzi and all the drama of the past week if there is no cut, no trade, and Leinart totally starts against St. Louis.

lol I'm just saying. Coach and Matt are totally chillin at HQ right now watching espn, eating popcorn, laughing their asses off because this was all just and ingenious ploy to screw with the media. "hey Matt, look look now you're getting traded to New York! Hahahahahahaha"

I know that's not the case, but it would be funny.

That would be really slick. Imagine what would be going on in the defensive meetings in St.Louis next week as they try to figure out a game plan not knowing who was going to actually be the Cards starter.

 

[Rivercard]

Wouldn't it be kindof funny if after all the freaking out and the media frenzi and all the drama of the past week if there is no cut, no trade, and Leinart totally starts against St. Louis.

lol I'm just saying. Coach and Matt are totally chillin at HQ right now watching espn, eating popcorn, laughing their asses off because this was all just and ingenious ploy to screw with the media. "hey Matt, look look now you're getting traded to New York! Hahahahahahaha"

I know that's not the case, but it would be funny.

lol. Matt would be a hero. Talk about taking one for the team!

 

[CaptTurbo]

Wouldn't it be kindof funny if after all the freaking out and the media frenzi and all the drama of the past week if there is no cut, no trade, and Leinart totally starts against St. Louis.

lol I'm just saying. Coach and Matt are totally chillin at HQ right now watching espn, eating popcorn, laughing their asses off because this was all just and ingenious ploy to screw with the media. "hey Matt, look look now you're getting traded to New York! Hahahahahahaha"

I know that's not the case, but it would be funny.

I thought the same thing but then what if Matt comes out starting smiling and laughing about the joke than throws 3 INTS on the first 3 drives LOL

 

[conraddobler]

guys, hanging your hat on someone's ability to be "bold" when they throwing the ball around while down 30 points... against 2nd and 3rd teamers... with nothing on the line and no pressure of says it all to me.

I didn't try to make that point but if you want to look at how he throws just look at the bears MNF they were who we thought they were game.

He was HUGE in that game, then fumbled then rallied back to nearly win it and Rackers shanked one.

I think people are just trying to see what they want to see and keep harping on any crack they can get their hands on.

He's started so few games since losing to KURT WARNER anything else is just a joke trying to make a judgement on him.

WHICH IS WHY SOME OF US WOULD OF LIKED 4 to 6 GAMES AFTER WAITING FOR 4 YEARS just to see what happened.

This is like a TV show getting canceled after they did the teaser, it sucks, WHO SHOT JR?

Well you sorry SOB you'll never know cause we got canceled out of the blue, sorry, thanks for watching.