My theory on Matt's mojo and who stole it?

[Arizona's Finest]

As many of you know I am what is considered on this board to be a Matt apologist. And after last Mondays game, I am not sure what to do anymore. This is definitely the low point in my confidence if he is ever going to be THE guy for this team. And like many have brought up its not necessarily the production that’s the issue, it’s the total package. My fiancé was watching the game and highlighted to me how nervous Matt looked even before the game. She knows nothing about football.

Then you watched him in the pocket and he just looks….afraid. Afraid to make a play, afraid to throw a turnover, and afraid of getting hurt again. I think his shoulder getting banged up in that fateful Rams game three years ago was a big NFL lesson for him, but actually I think it goes deeper then that. Two events IMO conspired Matt to make him a shell of his former self.

Exhibit A – We all know by now that Wiz is loathe to gameplan in preseason. And who can blame him. Except with Leinart, this has killed him. You go back to the Oakland game where everything was on the line and he threw three picks. THAT was the beginning of the erosion of his confidence. Despite what many here will tell you, Warner had an ABSOLUTELY mediocre preseason that year. The main reason he won the job? That 3 turnover game.

I think Matt took a lesson from that. I HAVE to protect the ball, and then I won’t be pulled. You don’t need to have brilliant stats but you need to protect the ball. And not doing that is what cost him that job likely.

So now he has over corrected. As Early would point out the main difference in him and Warner is he doesn’t push the ball upfield. He is TOO willing to take the dump off and its taken away all ability to score TD’s on a regular basis. That’s why you see who you see today.

Exhibit B –

I also think the Beer Bong pictures effected him very negatively. Matt had always been successful, first at Mater Dei and then at SC obviously. He did that a certain way and with a certain swagger. He was “Hollywood” and that worked for him. One thing I NEVER thought about ML is that he lacked confidence in himself or in his abilities.

Then the pictures happened. And his livelihood was being threatened, his game was being dissected, and he was on TMZ more then NFL.com. And all the fans here in Arizona (in what is a conservative state) absolutely used that as a reason to vilify him, especially when put up against the pious Kurt Warner. As stupid as this, there are certain fans that NO MATTER what Matt did he was written off. I cant believe for a guy who has started 16 or so games how polorazing he is both nationally and locally. People actively rooted for him to fail and do to this day.

So what did he do? He overcorrected again. He went TOO far the other way and instead of being himself he became “Dad” and he became the guy who never left the film room or was constantly practicing to make up for that sin. I hate to say it but when I hear he is working with Tom Brady or taking his O-line to Hawaii, it all seems a little contrived. Like he is TOO aware of his perception with both the team and the media.

Matt if you read this or if anyone close to you reads this please take note. Forget all that BS. Be yourself. Have parties, enjoy the NFL life….AND work hard. You can do both and it seems you have to.

Because the media and your coach (whom I love) have turned you into a pile of goo out there and just being a robot. I don’t know if this is you for life now but seriously, do what you got to do to get your swagger back.

And do it soon.

 

[Shane]

For those interested Kurt Warner will be on NFL total access during the 4 pm showing. Says they are going to ask him his impressions of Leinart. I can't watch. If anyone wants to report his thoughts it would be appreciated!

 

[Buckybird]

Spot on AF!!! The day #7 was drafted, I saw numerous Lombardi's in our new future & believed the Cards had finally arrived because he brought that confidence, cockiness & skill to get us there. Leinart definately looked like he was on another planet after his appearance Monday Night while on the sidelines: alone, not talking or associating with his teammates & not having fun. His body language speak volumes as to where he is mentally right now & anyone not seeing that is blind. He definately doesn't display the same confidence & mannerisms he displayed as a rookie or earlier in season 2, the guy rarely even smiles or laughs on TV anymore. Maybe the the 2nd shoulder injury in SF was the final blow to his ego.

If I were Wiz I'm talking to him this week & saying Matt are you ready to prove those doubting bastards wrong? Then I let Leinart throw the rock all over the field for a half, much like in did his rookie year in Minnesota. I really believe this may be be the only way we as Cardinals fans get to recapture what he showed us a rook. Matt Leinart needs to get his mojo back & prove to himself & his teammates he can still lead this team!!! But then again...my biggest fear is watching this guy succeed somewhere else which may be what it takes for the guy to revive his skills.

 

[DemsMyBoys]

For those interested Kurt Warner will be on NFL total access during the 4 pm showing. Says they are going to ask him his impressions of Leinart. I can't watch. If anyone wants to report his thoughts it would be appreciated!

Question to Kurt: If the Bidwills put Larry and Dockett in a big limo and sent them down to your house?

Kurt: I'd feed 'em a good meal and we'd have some good conversation and I'd let 'em down easy.

Kurt basically said that all the decisions made about Matt had to be made in a few pre-season games and that would be tough. (On the coache's part.) What do the coaches see? Kurt said that Matt hasn't had the opportunity to show what he can do in a game. Or words to that effect.

When they asked about putting Larry in a limo I thought about Larry living just a few doors down from Kurt now. I'm sure they've had the discussion.

 

[Buckybird]

For those interested Kurt Warner will be on NFL total access during the 4 pm showing. Says they are going to ask him his impressions of Leinart. I can't watch. If anyone wants to report his thoughts it would be appreciated!

Warners comments:

1) The coaches decision comes down to what do the coaches see from Matt on a daily basis & last 3-4 months

2) Nobody really knows whats gonna happen with Leinart come gametime

3) He didn't really answer Eisens direct question of can Leinart succeed, his answer with a big gulp was: He has more command of the offense, continues to grow & done everything ask of him for 4 years.

4) Leinart's 1 question mark- the hardest part was what would Leinart do come game time

5) also said Matt's natural thing to do was press

 

[Shane]

Awesome thanks you two!

 

[MrYeahBut]

IMO, to sum up what Warner said...'it's all on Matt now. Either he can do it or he can't'

 

[SoCal Cardfan]

You must be registered for see images

 

[splitsecond]

Does anyone remember how many damn checkdowns Warner did in preseason last year, and more importantly, in the first couple games? I remember being furious leaving the 4and9ers game because of it.

But, I agree with this analysis.

 

[splitsecond]

Does anyone remember how many damn checkdowns Warner did in preseason last year, and more importantly, in the first couple games? I remember being furious leaving the 4and9ers game because of it.

But, I agree with this analysis.

 

[red desert]

As many of you know I am what is considered on this board to be a Matt apologist. And after last Mondays game, I am not sure what to do anymore. This is definitely the low point in my confidence if he is ever going to be THE guy for this team. And like many have brought up its not necessarily the production that’s the issue, it’s the total package. My fiancé was watching the game and highlighted to me how nervous Matt looked even before the game. She knows nothing about football.

Then you watched him in the pocket and he just looks….afraid. Afraid to make a play, afraid to throw a turnover, and afraid of getting hurt again. I think his shoulder getting banged up in that fateful Rams game three years ago was a big NFL lesson for him, but actually I think it goes deeper then that. Two events IMO conspired Matt to make him a shell of his former self.

Exhibit A – We all know by now that Wiz is loathe to gameplan in preseason. And who can blame him. Except with Leinart, this has killed him. You go back to the Oakland game where everything was on the line and he threw three picks. THAT was the beginning of the erosion of his confidence. Despite what many here will tell you, Warner had an ABSOLUTELY mediocre preseason that year. The main reason he won the job? That 3 turnover game.

I think Matt took a lesson from that. I HAVE to protect the ball, and then I won’t be pulled. You don’t need to have brilliant stats but you need to protect the ball. And not doing that is what cost him that job likely.

So now he has over corrected. As Early would point out the main difference in him and Warner is he doesn’t push the ball upfield. He is TOO willing to take the dump off and its taken away all ability to score TD’s on a regular basis. That’s why you see who you see today.

Exhibit B –

I also think the Beer Bong pictures effected him very negatively. Matt had always been successful, first at Mater Dei and then at SC obviously. He did that a certain way and with a certain swagger. He was “Hollywood” and that worked for him. One thing I NEVER thought about ML is that he lacked confidence in himself or in his abilities.

Then the pictures happened. And his livelihood was being threatened, his game was being dissected, and he was on TMZ more then NFL.com. And all the fans here in Arizona (in what is a conservative state) absolutely used that as a reason to vilify him, especially when put up against the pious Kurt Warner. As stupid as this, there are certain fans that NO MATTER what Matt did he was written off. I cant believe for a guy who has started 16 or so games how polorazing he is both nationally and locally. People actively rooted for him to fail and do to this day.

So what did he do? He overcorrected again. He went TOO far the other way and instead of being himself he became “Dad” and he became the guy who never left the film room or was constantly practicing to make up for that sin. I hate to say it but when I hear he is working with Tom Brady or taking his O-line to Hawaii, it all seems a little contrived. Like he is TOO aware of his perception with both the team and the media.

Matt if you read this or if anyone close to you reads this please take note. Forget all that BS. Be yourself. Have parties, enjoy the NFL life….AND work hard. You can do both and it seems you have to.

Because the media and your coach (whom I love) have turned you into a pile of goo out there and just being a robot. I don’t know if this is you for life now but seriously, do what you got to do to get your swagger back.

And do it soon.

Your wife gets it, IMO.

Good post.

 

[TJ]

Lets not go Defcon 1 on the QB situation just yet

If we put things in perspective, we recall the numerous preseason games where the #1s have all looked like garbage, Warner included. Naturally, there areTuesday Morning QBs calling for a complete overhaul of the team, calling for the coach's head and saying "we should trade for X, or sign X" coming out of the woodwork. People tend to want the quick fix after a HoFer like Warner retires, but we need to understand that Rome wasnt built (or rebuilt i guess) in a day.

The entire offense is trying to adjust to new QBs duing in vivo play and it is unfair not just to Leinart but to DA to throw them under the bus because of it. The offense is largely based on timing and rhythm and neither have had an opportunity to get consistent reps with the #1s and play more than a couple series together. Additionally, Fitz, Patrick and Doucet are all out. The offense, excluding the QB, is going to look different come Week 1. This is why Leinart stays the starter IMO unless he completely bombs and DA blows the roof off as the coaching staff puts credence in him being immersed in the offense for three years.

Now for the tough part: Leinart being successful. He seems to have channeled his inner Trent Edwards and immediately goes to his check down receiver. Not going to fly on a team with two 1000+ WRs. Leinart needs to be more aggressive and look at his go and dig routes. This, which goes hand in hand with the 1st team not putting the ball in the endzone, is what's driving me batty. No more flats. But it's not causing me to lose sleep at night.

Im going to wait until the 3rd preseason game before I start having panic attacks

 

[BullheadCardFan]

Im going to wait until the 3rd preseason game before I start having panic attacks

It's coming soon TJ.


Week 03

You must be registered for see images

Sat, 08/28 at 5:30 PM MST

Away:
Soldier Field

 

[LarryStalling]

I know who stole Matt's swagger. It was none other than Brian Urlacher.

 

[D-Dogg]

Neil Rackers stole Toast's mojo.

 

[conraddobler]

Having a coach who take every opportunity to bench you did it.

I put it down to the only time in history I've ever seen a guy platoon QB's in the NFL.

When they do that to you, you're toast.

 

[Cheesebeef]

I do think it's a matter of mojo with Matt. He never had the strongest arm in college but he had a swagger... huge stones. That Notre Dame game he basically won by himself, changing a 4th and 1 play at the line from a run to a perfectly thrown bomb to Jarret and then instead of downing the ball at the 1 and setting up for a FG, he just snaps it and bulls his way in for the win with no time left. Those were both plays. He looks like he has no balls.

Maybe we need to bring in an asian player on the team to scream at Matt "You have no JUEVOS!" until he finds them. If it worked for Pedro Cerrano when Takashi yelled that at him in Major League 2, it's at least worth a shot here, right? After all, we are talking about Matt "Hollywood" Leinart!

 

[Shane]

I do think it's a matter of mojo with Matt. He never had the strongest arm in college but he had a swagger... huge stones. That Notre Dame game he basically won by himself, changing a 4th and 1 play at the line from a run to a perfectly thrown bomb to Jarret and then instead of downing the ball at the 1 and setting up for a FG, he just snaps it and bulls his way in for the win with no time left. Those were both plays. He looks like he has no balls.

Maybe we need to bring in an asian player on the team to scream at Matt "You have no JUEVOS!" until he finds them. If it worked for Pedro Cerrano when Takashi yelled that at him in Major League 2, it's at least worth a shot here, right? After all, we are talking about Matt "Hollywood" Leinart!

 

[Bobcat]

I know who stole Matt's swagger. It was none other than Brian Urlacher.

It was and is Kent WHIZ...!!!!

BOBCAT​

 

[Carddan]

Carddan ManLaw: You can not have your mojo or juevos taken away. You can lose them or give them away but they can never be taken from you. If they are missing, Man Up and get them back.

 

[Cardiac]

Carddan ManLaw: You can not have your mojo or juevos taken away. You can lose them or give them away but they can never be taken from you. If they are missing, Man Up and get them back.

cosign

 

[JeffGollin]

Where the mojo went -

1. With Fitz's knee and Doucets abdomin.

2. With the lack of active playing time during the past 2 years

3. With poor O-line play partly due to lack of regular season intricate blocking schemes.

4. Not yet waking up on that one special morning to the blinking light-bulb that signals that it's totally up to him to make things happen (& that he actually can do this).

(Not to be meant as a knock on Matt - since some guys get there earlier; some later &, alas, some never - but it's called "growing up").

 

[TJ]

I do think it's a matter of mojo with Matt. He never had the strongest arm in college but he had a swagger... huge stones. That Notre Dame game he basically won by himself, changing a 4th and 1 play at the line from a run to a perfectly thrown bomb to Jarret and then instead of downing the ball at the 1 and setting up for a FG, he just snaps it and bulls his way in for the win with no time left. Those were both plays. He looks like he has no balls.

Maybe we need to bring in an asian player on the team to scream at Matt "You have no JUEVOS!" until he finds them. If it worked for Pedro Cerrano when Takashi yelled that at him in Major League 2, it's at least worth a shot here, right? After all, we are talking about Matt "Hollywood" Leinart!

I think youre looking for "Marbles"

 

[AzKarl]

If Favre can unretire 3 times

Kurt Warner can certainly field a pleading call from Whiz and Mr. Michael B. to un-retire and save us.

 

[THESMEL]

Matt aint lost no MOJO, He's got more in his little finger than Mike Lombardi ever had. I say he has 400 yards and 3 TD's in the Rams opener and never looks back. He has some learning to do on the field, some expeiences to absorb. but my evaluations are still the same, Matty aint scared of no preseason game after winning 2 NCAA championships and barely missing the 3rd in a row and the undisputed best college QB of all time.

He has nothing to say, the entire media including the locals are a trap, the coach is "testing" him every chance, Why is he suppose to say, My Oline couldn't handle the constant Blitz and had penalties so I could only hit 8-11! right !

How about my RB lost yardage every time, I really didn't enjoy watching him dance but what could I do it happend right there behind me!

Matt was a celebrity because he was the best college PLAYER of his time. G&A went on and on how He just popped it out to Bush and looked like a great QB at USC. BS man Matty paid his dues against great defenses. Like 2 tds in the first quarter of his first NFL start against an elite Bears defense that went to the SB. Matt is not the reason for MNM, but He shoulders the blame! What about 400+ rookie record against the good vikings defense?

i have watched every snap of his NFL career and Matt has played spectacular, and that Oakland game was the only truely bad game he has had. He has already handled stupids pressure that broke Ryan Leaf, and seen Warner booed off the field then come back to super stardom.

Matt is ready but He can't talk until his team mates make a first down on one of his 4 completions, or his RB and Oline actually make a yard much less a yard to gain.

Matts gonna reach out and choke 2010, He has done his part and is cool under pressure, more pressure than I've seen laid on any NFL player, for no good reason.

Its Cards fans job to bow our backs and come out swinging for our QB. It's not like ESPN, MNF or anybody have reported anything accurate about Our AZ Cardinals in 3 years, We are stupider for watching them! with our fan dollars.

SMUSHDOWN MATT LEINERT!
CARDINAL UP AND TAKE IT LIKE A FAN!

WE have seen worse, much worse QB's every year except the last 2 in ARIZONA, WE AINT SCARED OF NO BIG MEDIA STUPIDS!