The little things that make Whiz a good coach

[RugbyMuffin]

In regards to putting Leinart in mid-drive:

Whisenhunt stuck Leinart in the game for Kurt Warner mid-drive, and smiled when acknowledging “I didn’t give him a lot of notice.”

Of course he didn't! What great move by Whiz. If Leinart is the back-up QB then he has to get used to being put into a game on short notice.

It is not like Leinart will get a warning if Kurt goes down. No one is going to go to Matt and say "Hey Matt, Kurt will stub his toe in three plays so get ready"

If you are preparing for the season, then do it right. Throw Leinart in without notice and get him used to the feel of doing so. It is a good lesson for Leinart and we probably the reason he missed Boldin with his first throw.

And if you read the whole article, Leinart seemed to realize he needs to be calmer when he, unexpectedly, gets put into a game or you will miss those first throws.

That is a very little thing that could turn out to be a very big thing some where down the road.

Great stuff.

 

[TJ]

Great observation, Rugby.

Kurt does have a history of injuries. Cannot deny that. When and if Kurt does go down midseries, Matty needs to be ready on moments notice to go in there and pick up where the offense left off. That is part of the reason why Matt struggled early on in the game on top of his rust. Once he got into a rhythm, he hit five in a row.

 

[moklerman]

Leinart did make some good throws and thankfully calmed down but I'm basically in a holding pattern as far as where I think he is.

When he had the #1's in there and was going against the #1's on defense he looked shaky. When the #2's came in he looked more comfortable. That's pretty much where we left off last year. Missing a wide open Boldin was painful.

 

[Mitch]

Great point, Rugby.

You've been writing great stuff for the board...keep it up!

Your quick hits post is excellent!

Thanks for the effort and the insights!

 

[conraddobler]

Leinart did make some good throws and thankfully calmed down but I'm basically in a holding pattern as far as where I think he is.

When he had the #1's in there and was going against the #1's on defense he looked shaky. When the #2's came in he looked more comfortable. That's pretty much where we left off last year. Missing a wide open Boldin was painful.

 

[moklerman]

Don't get me wrong, I was relieved when Leinart settled down and started to hit his receivers. The last thing I wanted was for the Leinart vs. BSP conversation to actually have any merit.

I think Leinart is clearly the best #2 on the roster right now but I want to see him do what he did with the second stringers while playing with/against first stringers. Normally, I would say that getting to play with Fitz and Boldin would make a positive difference but he got the opportunity to do that and didn't take advantage of it.

Granted, he came in somewhat unexpectedly but he knew he was going to play in the game and he had to be getting mentally prepared to go in because the next drive had to be his turn anyway so it's hard for me to give him too much of a pass in regards to not being ready.

I want Leinart to step up and seize his opportunities. He looked like "the prototype" when he got settled down and into a rhythm but I'm greedy and want him to have that little extra where he steps in and grabs the bull by the horns, not ease into the role of starter and taking time to acclimate.

Obviously it makes things more comfortable for me on a personal level since I still prefer Warner but Leinart needs to be doing things that make people wonder why he isn't the starter, not confirming why he isn't the starter. With all the pressure of the QB competition removed I think Leinart should be playing with the starters with more confidence and efficiency. That wasn't the case last night. I'm okay with chalking it up to adrenaline but he's running out of excuses.

It was a perfect opportunity for him to step in and look smooth and he missed it.

 

[clif]

Don't get me wrong, I was relieved when Leinart settled down and started to hit his receivers. The last thing I wanted was for the Leinart vs. BSP conversation to actually have any merit.

I think Leinart is clearly the best #2 on the roster right now but I want to see him do what he did with the second stringers while playing with/against first stringers. Normally, I would say that getting to play with Fitz and Boldin would make a positive difference but he got the opportunity to do that and didn't take advantage of it.

Granted, he came in somewhat unexpectedly but he knew he was going to play in the game and he had to be getting mentally prepared to go in because the next drive had to be his turn anyway so it's hard for me to give him too much of a pass in regards to not being ready.

I want Leinart to step up and seize his opportunities. He looked like "the prototype" when he got settled down and into a rhythm but I'm greedy and want him to have that little extra where he steps in and grabs the bull by the horns, not ease into the role of starter and taking time to acclimate.

Obviously it makes things more comfortable for me on a personal level since I still prefer Warner but Leinart needs to be doing things that make people wonder why he isn't the starter, not confirming why he isn't the starter. With all the pressure of the QB competition removed I think Leinart should be playing with the starters with more confidence and efficiency. That wasn't the case last night. I'm okay with chalking it up to adrenaline but he's running out of excuses.

It was a perfect opportunity for him to step in and look smooth and he missed it.

I just don't know what more you wanted the guy to do. IIRC he only had one or two plays to throw to Boldin or Fitz. I could be wrong since I have not and will not be watching the game again. I thought he was fine.

 

[conraddobler]

Don't get me wrong, I was relieved when Leinart settled down and started to hit his receivers. The last thing I wanted was for the Leinart vs. BSP conversation to actually have any merit.

I think Leinart is clearly the best #2 on the roster right now but I want to see him do what he did with the second stringers while playing with/against first stringers. Normally, I would say that getting to play with Fitz and Boldin would make a positive difference but he got the opportunity to do that and didn't take advantage of it.

Granted, he came in somewhat unexpectedly but he knew he was going to play in the game and he had to be getting mentally prepared to go in because the next drive had to be his turn anyway so it's hard for me to give him too much of a pass in regards to not being ready.

I want Leinart to step up and seize his opportunities. He looked like "the prototype" when he got settled down and into a rhythm but I'm greedy and want him to have that little extra where he steps in and grabs the bull by the horns, not ease into the role of starter and taking time to acclimate.

Obviously it makes things more comfortable for me on a personal level since I still prefer Warner but Leinart needs to be doing things that make people wonder why he isn't the starter, not confirming why he isn't the starter. With all the pressure of the QB competition removed I think Leinart should be playing with the starters with more confidence and efficiency. That wasn't the case last night. I'm okay with chalking it up to adrenaline but he's running out of excuses.

It was a perfect opportunity for him to step in and look smooth and he missed it.

Ok.

I don't know really what more you want, he's not going to unseat Warner unless Warner either gets hurt or goes into the tank.

The throw to Boldin wasn't that bad, it was timing, and it was the first series of the first game after being thrown into the game.

The whole thing was a leason, that's what preseason is for, next time he'll realize he dosen't get warmup time in real life and maybe he'll do better but focusing on that is just over the top.

 

[Catfish]

Great observation Rugby --- Matt was very hyped up initially, and was strong-wild. He began to settle in as the adrenalin wore off and completed 5 in a row at one point. This is exactly the type of entry he should be making into games. Overall I thought he responded well. This will make him better in my estimation.

 

[moklerman]

I just don't know what more you wanted the guy to do.

I don't know really what more you want,

I want him to hit Boldin somewhere where he can at least catch the ball because it's the difference between a guy who's ready and a guy who's not.

He wasn't bad and he did, eventually, look fine. But we're supposed to be talking about a franchise QB who's had 3+ years to get himself ready and look like a guy who's prepared to take over a high octane offense and damn anyone who gets in his way and he's going to make it tough for the coaches to keep him on the bench.

Leinart just looked like a good backup.

 

[Mulli]

I actually think Q should have caught the ball..

Once he settled down, Leinart looked as good as Warner or Rothlisberger.

 

[conraddobler]

I want him to hit Boldin somewhere where he can at least catch the ball because it's the difference between a guy who's ready and a guy who's not.

He wasn't bad and he did, eventually, look fine. But we're supposed to be talking about a franchise QB who's had 3+ years to get himself ready and look like a guy who's prepared to take over a high octane offense and damn anyone who gets in his way and he's going to make it tough for the coaches to keep him on the bench.

Leinart just looked like a good backup.

Well I just wanted Warner not to hit Harrison for a pick six in the Super Bowl.

We don't always get what we want now do we?

 

[lauraw]

Leinart's arm strength has me worried..too much loft and not enough zip..

 

[Buckybird]

I actually think Q should have caught the ball..

YEP!!! Was the throw alittle behind? Yes, but big time Wr's like Q should make that catch. When it hits your hands you should bring it in.

 

[moklerman]

We don't always get what we want now do we?

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I don't know, I wanted Warner to beat out Leinart for the starter's job and then re-sign and keep him on the bench for another 2 years.

I'm just not satisfied with "he didn't suck" when it comes to Leinart. Mainly, I'm just disappointed that he still isn't all the way there yet.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Leinart's arm strength has me worried..too much loft and not enough zip..

See Joe Montana.

I could care less about Leinart's zip, as long as he makes throws like he did on a couple of those out routes that he completed. They are perfect throws, right over the LB's, outside of the DB, and with enough room for the WR to make the catch and stay in bounds.

He threw some really nice passes.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

I'm just not satisfied with "he didn't suck" when it comes to Leinart. Mainly, I'm just disappointed that he still isn't all the way there yet.

Kinda hard to get all the way to where he wants to be, when he can't be the starting QB.

 

[moklerman]

Kinda hard to get all the way to where he wants to be, when he can't be the starting QB.

True, but he's obviously not too close in practice either if the Cardinals are willing to spend $20M on a 38+ year old Warner.

I just thought a full year of being healthy, learning in practice and watching Warner as well as a full camp so far this year would have him sliding right into the starting role when he got his chance. Coming in shaky and nervous looking was not what I hoped for or expected.

 

[LVCARDFREAK]

I have never been a big Leinart fan; mostly because I question his arm strength and whether he can make the throws he needs too.

But last night he hit that deep out route from across the other hash and put it right on the button. I was impressed. He just needs to calm down and not let the ball sail on him. The route down the seem where he overthrew Urban (I think) should have went for a big gain had he throw it correctly.

 

[conraddobler]

True, but he's obviously not too close in practice either if the Cardinals are willing to spend $20M on a 38+ year old Warner.

I just thought a full year of being healthy, learning in practice and watching Warner as well as a full camp so far this year would have him sliding right into the starting role when he got his chance. Coming in shaky and nervous looking was not what I hoped for or expected.

Now you're dissing Warner as old to dog Matt?

Warner is still Warner and as long as he is, no other QB would have a shot of knocking him out of the job, until he tails off, and who knows when that is or retires on his own, Matt is stuck.

Thinking back on it clearly if you had any inkling that Warner would play like he did, which before last year wasn't a given, if you really thought that Matt in actuality would have ZERO chance to unseat him under any circumstances.

Warner was like a top 5 QB last year, there aren't any rookies, 3rd year QB's, whatever that are going to beat that out ever, the only reason it was even a question was because people did not know for sure he'd play like he did.

Now that he has, giving him the money is pretty much a yawner and proves nothing long term, NOTHING.

You should know better.

 

[moklerman]

Now that he has, giving him the money is pretty much a yawner and proves nothing long term, NOTHING.

I disagree. I think the Cardinals made the right choice but part of that is that they think Leinart would be a significant dropoff from Warner.

Maybe it had more to do with public relations but the almighty dollar usually wins out on things like that. And I'm not dissing Warner because of his age, but I'm keenly aware of it just like everyone else.

Cincinnati, Green Bay, New England, San Diego they all had similar choices to make and with all the money the Cardinals have invested in Leinart it has to factor in that they weren't willing to move forward with him. Not only that, they were willing to pay a steep price to keep Warner.

Warner's good...very good but no team in the league is going to fork out that kind of money if they think their first round pick is remotely close to ready.

 

[conraddobler]

I disagree. I think the Cardinals made the right choice but part of that is that they think Leinart would be a significant dropoff from Warner.

Maybe it had more to do with public relations but the almighty dollar usually wins out on things like that. And I'm not dissing Warner because of his age, but I'm keenly aware of it just like everyone else.

Cincinnati, Green Bay, New England, San Diego they all had similar choices to make and with all the money the Cardinals have invested in Leinart it has to factor in that they weren't willing to move forward with him. Not only that, they were willing to pay a steep price to keep Warner.

Warner's good...very good but no team in the league is going to fork out that kind of money if they think their first round pick is remotely close to ready.

They did what they should of done, you're over thinking it IMO.

Matt would be a dropoff from Warner, it might take Matt two years of playing to even approximate Warners performance, this is a win now league, how long do you think all of them will be together?

Having Matt makes paying Warner that possible, if he goes down you're not totally screwed, relying on just one wastes the talent we have while BSP trys to QB us to wins.

It's actually pretty shrewd, more options and they managed it for now under the cap, it's all good.

 

[moklerman]

It's actually pretty shrewd, more options and they managed it for now under the cap, it's all good.

Like I said, I'm happy the way it worked out but if given the choice as a GM wouldn't you have gone with Leinart if he was at all close and had that extra money to take care of Boldin, Dansby, etc.?

And when I say close, I mean top 15 QB. Wouldn't you build up the rest of the team and add depth if your QB was going to get you, say 3,500 and 20 TD's? That's over 1,000 yards less than Warner and 10 fewer TD's. Is Leinart really that far back in this offense? He better not be.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

True, but he's obviously not too close in practice either if the Cardinals are willing to spend $20M on a 38+ year old Warner.

That is just silly. Warner got 20 Million because he is one of the best QB's in the entire NFL right now, and led this team within 2 minutes of a Super Bowl victory. Even if Matt Ryan was the back up, I think Warner still gets re-signed.

I just thought a full year of being healthy, learning in practice and watching Warner as well as a full camp so far this year would have him sliding right into the starting role when he got his chance. Coming in shaky and nervous looking was not what I hoped for or expected.

Fair enough. Those kinds of expectations would widdle you down to about 10 QB's in this league that would be deemed "exceptable", but if those are your expectations then so be it.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Like I said, I'm happy the way it worked out but if given the choice as a GM wouldn't you have gone with Leinart if he was at all close and had that extra money to take care of Boldin, Dansby, etc.?

No. A team would have to be incredibly stupid not to re-sign a guy that is one of the best QB's in the league, arguably top 5, was the starting All-Pro QB, that brought your team to the first home playoff game in decades, has put up the some of the best stats seen in recent history and the first Super Bowl appearance ever. If the oppourtunity to keep those guys around exist you just don't let them leave.

Not to mention the core of the team that just went to the Super Bowl is still intact.