moklerman
Rise from the Ashes III
I've been trying to consider this situation from all angles. I can see the logic of establishing a standard in contract negotiations. I can see paying Warner and/or Boldin more money out of loyalty and reward. I can see going with Leinart next year and hoping for the best.
There are perfectly reasonable arguments to be made on the many sides of these situations.
But a very possible scenario that is wrought with pitfalls is quickly beginning to materialize. Let's say the Cards and Warner just can't get something done and it's deemed best for all involved to say thanks for the memories and part ways.
So Leinart is again the guy for the upcoming season. The Cardinals are going to have to a) run the offense like they did in '08 but without Haley, without Edge(we can all assume he's gone, right?) and with Leinart in there taking all the hits that Warner took. Or b) Whis implements "his" offense since he will be calling the plays, which hasn't had much success these last two years.
Even if Warner came back, it's going to be a much tougher year this year for the Cardinals. With Leinart, it's going to be tough but with growing pains added on top.
Coming off of the Super Bowl and a magical run, what's it going to do to the "Cardinals"(fans, media, players, etc.) if they struggle in '09? What will it mean to struggle after making all these decisions that were for the better of the team? How will Leinart be perceived if the team gets to the Super Bowl with Warner and then doesn't with Leinart?
Now, I'm not hoping the Cardinals struggle but the reality is, most Super Bowl losers are in for a tough season. That being the case, if Warner was at the helm would it make the transition easier or more acceptable to go to Leinart in that way? If Warner is not re-signed in the way that it's shaping out, isn't Leinart going to forever be in the shadow of Warner's 2008 playoff run?
Even if the Cardinals have to spend a little more than they had hoped, I think it would be best to have Warner take the brunt of a tough year and let Leinart come in in relief. That way the team doesn't look bad, Leinart isn't forever compared to the memory of 2008 and if the team does well with Warner again they get their money's worth.
Leinart may come in and be Steve Young to Warner's Montana but even Young, with all of his success has never gotten over not being loved as much as Montana.
I suppose this is just an extension of what I thought in preseason though. The team should ride Warner's success until he falters and then Leinart can come in clean and be given some rope to get up to speed. If Leinart is put in a position where he has to replace Warner from 2008, I think it will be hard for him to live up to it.
There are perfectly reasonable arguments to be made on the many sides of these situations.
But a very possible scenario that is wrought with pitfalls is quickly beginning to materialize. Let's say the Cards and Warner just can't get something done and it's deemed best for all involved to say thanks for the memories and part ways.
So Leinart is again the guy for the upcoming season. The Cardinals are going to have to a) run the offense like they did in '08 but without Haley, without Edge(we can all assume he's gone, right?) and with Leinart in there taking all the hits that Warner took. Or b) Whis implements "his" offense since he will be calling the plays, which hasn't had much success these last two years.
Even if Warner came back, it's going to be a much tougher year this year for the Cardinals. With Leinart, it's going to be tough but with growing pains added on top.
Coming off of the Super Bowl and a magical run, what's it going to do to the "Cardinals"(fans, media, players, etc.) if they struggle in '09? What will it mean to struggle after making all these decisions that were for the better of the team? How will Leinart be perceived if the team gets to the Super Bowl with Warner and then doesn't with Leinart?
Now, I'm not hoping the Cardinals struggle but the reality is, most Super Bowl losers are in for a tough season. That being the case, if Warner was at the helm would it make the transition easier or more acceptable to go to Leinart in that way? If Warner is not re-signed in the way that it's shaping out, isn't Leinart going to forever be in the shadow of Warner's 2008 playoff run?
Even if the Cardinals have to spend a little more than they had hoped, I think it would be best to have Warner take the brunt of a tough year and let Leinart come in in relief. That way the team doesn't look bad, Leinart isn't forever compared to the memory of 2008 and if the team does well with Warner again they get their money's worth.
Leinart may come in and be Steve Young to Warner's Montana but even Young, with all of his success has never gotten over not being loved as much as Montana.
I suppose this is just an extension of what I thought in preseason though. The team should ride Warner's success until he falters and then Leinart can come in clean and be given some rope to get up to speed. If Leinart is put in a position where he has to replace Warner from 2008, I think it will be hard for him to live up to it.
