Whisenhunt encouraged by Leinart

[Crazy Canuck]

I mean a vet like Bulger. Anderson was nothing more then insurance in case Matt didn't pan out IMO.



First off I don't hate Matt. I think he should get a chance. Second, nothing in their is a ringing endorsement. It is what a coach should say that is trying to encourage his players. What should he say? "Matt is fighting for his position" or "Matt has a long ways to go". You are not going to hear that from Whiz.

To me, just like he did with Warner, if Whiz was 100% confident he would be making more concrete statements like "Matt is our guy" or "It's Matt's job to lose". That is not what I am hearing.

Well, what was ACTUALLY SAID rings well enough for me.

“You see it in (Matt’s) confidence, how he runs the huddle and how he sees the plays,” Whisenhunt said. “His reads are much more decisive. He is throwing the ball with confidence. And I think he knows what is in front of him.

“It’s obvious to me he’s more comfortable with the whole process, not just throwing a pass or knowing where guys line up. He understands the concepts of the plays and he has the ability to get us in and out of certain plays, all those things you see more assuredness from him. I am excited with what he has done in the OTAs so far.”

In his play, Leinart has taken a step forward since OTAs began. The idea Leinart understands the concepts may be the most important part of his development, especially at this time of year when pads remain in the locker room and no one hits the quarterback.

While no one is going to discount backup Derek Anderson, Whisenhunt’s comments point to his own relative comfortability with Leinart. While the coach isn’t proclaiming Leinart a Hall of Famer, he also isn’t tepid in his endorsement.

“When you have gone through the things he has been through, as a high draft pick, playing some your first year and then not playing as much as you wanted the next few, you face a crisis,” Whisenhunt said. “How are you going to handle it? To me, he has done well with that. It was a struggle early and he has matured. Having a family is definitely something that will make you grow up quickly and he has handled that well. I have a lot of respect for Matt, what he has gone through and where he is right now.”

 

[green machine]

I mean a vet like Bulger. Anderson was nothing more then insurance in case Matt didn't pan out IMO.



First off I don't hate Matt. I think he should get a chance. Second, nothing in their is a ringing endorsement. It is what a coach should say that is trying to encourage his players. What should he say? "Matt is fighting for his position" or "Matt has a long ways to go". You are not going to hear that from Whiz.

To me, just like he did with Warner, if Whiz was 100% confident he would be making more concrete statements like "Matt is our guy" or "It's Matt's job to lose". That is not what I am hearing.

Umm, he has said that already this offseason.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

A vet like Bulger who we have not signed? You're basing your thoughts on something that hasn't happened.



Funny, I seem to remember "It's Matt's job to lose" and "Matt is our guy" back in 2008.

So Anderson isn't a vet then? If so, then signing another vet like Bulger be insurance too? It's not like Bulger has been setting the world on fire the past few years.

 

[Covert Rain]

Umm, he has said that already this offseason.

Do you have a link? I must have missed that. Even so, he didn't say that in this article.

A vet like Bulger who we have not signed? You're basing your thoughts on something that hasn't happened.

You mean like Matt getting the starting job? Has that happened yet? Nobody has announced that Matt is the starter have they? Maybe I missed it? I have been focused on the Suns.

Look I am all for Matt getting a fair shake. I am just saying, if there was no doubt in the Coaches mind that Matt is the starter then they should come out and say it.

If I missed that announcement, I apologize.

 

[Stout]

Do you have a link? I must have missed that. Even so, he didn't say that in this article.



You mean like Matt getting the starting job? Has that happened yet? Nobody has announced that Matt is the starter have they? Maybe I missed it? I have been focused on the Suns.

Look I am all for Matt getting a fair shake. I am just saying, if there was no doubt in the Coaches mind that Matt is the starter then they should come out and say it.
If I missed that announcement, I apologize.

Um, if you know this coaching staff at all, you know that they don't operate like that. They're all about proclaiming competition heading into training camp. I don't think that anyone that knows this team thinks that Hightower's going to start, but right now he's listed there on the depth chart and there will be a 'competition' that Wells has pretty much already locked up.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Do you have a link? I must have missed that. Even so, he didn't say that in this article.



You mean like Matt getting the starting job? Has that happened yet? Nobody has announced that Matt is the starter have they? Maybe I missed it? I have been focused on the Suns.

Look I am all for Matt getting a fair shake. I am just saying, if there was no doubt in the Coaches mind that Matt is the starter then they should come out and say it.

If I missed that announcement, I apologize.

The day Anderson signed, he said they had made it clear that he was the number two QB. Consider that an announcement, so to speak.

 

[Covert Rain]

The day Anderson signed, he said they had made it clear that he was the number two QB. Consider that an announcement, so to speak.

They said he would be allowed to push for the starting job.

Um, if you know this coaching staff at all, you know that they don't operate like that. They're all about proclaiming competition heading into training camp. I don't think that anyone that knows this team thinks that Hightower's going to start, but right now he's listed there on the depth chart and there will be a 'competition' that Wells has pretty much already locked up.

Some of that is lip service. There are some guys that are going to start no matter what (like Fitz). It's the right thing for a coach to say and if you have any positions where you feel like you need an improvement, those are the position up for grabs.

I think it's what every coach should do. Make guys worry about their jobs so they come into camps in shape and ready to work hard. It's smart.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

They said he would be allowed to push for the starting job.



Some of that is lip service. There are some guys that are going to start no matter what (like Fitz). It's the right thing for a coach to say and if you have any positions where you feel like you need an improvement, those are the position up for grabs.

I think it's what every coach should do. Make guys worry about their jobs so they come into camps in shape and ready to work hard. It's smart.

What I really want to say to you would likely get me banned so I'll just say this.

You have the least informed opinion on this subject of anyone I have read. Maybe ever. Thats saying something.

 

[Treefiddy]

You have the least informed opinion on this subject of anyone I have read. Maybe ever. Thats saying something.

lol.

 

[CardLogic]

You have the least informed opinion on this subject of anyone I have read. Maybe ever. Thats saying something.

But he is resolute in his obliviousness; so he's got that going for him...

 

[Covert Rain]

What I really want to say to you would likely get me banned so I'll just say this.

You have the least informed opinion on this subject of anyone I have read. Maybe ever. Thats saying something.

I am not sure why you are taking this personally or attacking me. However, bring it. I can dish it out with the best.

Actually considering it's coming from you that's saying something alright...just not much of anything in your case.

 

[Stout]

I am not sure why you are taking this personally or attacking me. However, bring it. I can dish it out with the best.

Actually considering it's coming from you that's saying something alright...just not much of anything in your case.

I can understand why people are getting on your case, though I'm not about attacks. You keep trying to say you 'know' this staff as if you know them better than anyone else, then you'll read between the lines with nothing more than your own personal spin as if you couldn't possibly be wrong--this despite all evidence to the contrary from what they coaches have been saying. Yeah, it sounds off-the-wall to me too.

 

[Covert Rain]

I can understand why people are getting on your case, though I'm not about attacks. You keep trying to say you 'know' this staff as if you know them better than anyone else, then you'll read between the lines with nothing more than your own personal spin as if you couldn't possibly be wrong--this despite all evidence to the contrary from what they coaches have been saying. Yeah, it sounds off-the-wall to me too.

First off don't put words into my mouth. I never suggested that I know the staff more then anybody else. Second, I have been a Steelers fan my entire life and followed the team long before the Cards ever came here. Though I have supported the Cards (by buying gearing, having season tickets for 8 seasons), that team will always be on my radar. I have followed the Steelers since before the Cowher years, read just about every blog, article and I still get the Steelers newsletter that often has interviews with the coaches and staff. So, even though I don't claim to "know" better then anybody else, I think I do have some insight regardless if people agree with my take or not. I would say that is pretty damn informed or at the very least no less informed then people here who form their opinion based on local media reports and articles.

Also, I can back my take on the Derek Anderson signing and him pushing for the starting job. Those articles have been posted here and I can post them if people would like. Not to mention that MJ from Xtrad Sports reported EXACTLY the same thing last week about the coaches not feeling like they are married to Matt because they didn't draft him.

Also, giving my opinion on why the coaching staff approaches the offseason with saying there is "competition" is far off how? All, I said about that was that it drives the players to be prepared coming into training camp but guys like Fitz are not really competing for their jobs. How is that so far fetched?

 

[green machine]

First off don't put words into my mouth. I never suggested that I know the staff more then anybody else. Second, I have been a Steelers fan my entire life and followed the team long before the Cards ever came here. Though I have supported the Cards (by buying gearing, having season tickets for 8 seasons), that team will always be on my radar. I have followed the Steelers since before the Cowher years, read just about every blog, article and I still get the Steelers newsletter that often has interviews with the coaches and staff. So, even though I don't claim to "know" better then anybody else, I think I do have some insight regardless if people agree with my take or not. I would say that is pretty damn informed or at the very least no less informed then people here who form their opinion based on local media reports and articles.

Also, I can back my take on the Derek Anderson signing and him pushing for the starting job. Those articles have been posted here and I can post them if people would like. Not to mention that MJ from Xtrad Sports reported EXACTLY the same thing last week about the coaches not feeling like they are married to Matt because they didn't draft him.

Also, giving my opinion on why the coaching staff approaches the offseason with saying there is "competition" is far off how? All, I said about that was that it drives the players to be prepared coming into training camp but guys like Fitz are not really competing for their jobs. How is that so far fetched?

I don't think anyone is saying Leinart is guaranteed to be the starter in week 1. I think people are saying that when the coach and players speak highly of Leinart it is not just coach speak, which you are confident it is. You're saying you can tell what Whisenhunt and the players are really trying to say when they talk about Leinart instead of just listening to what it is they say.

You may be right, but I don't think you're qualified to translate what they are all saying any better than anyone else.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

I don't think anyone is saying Leinart is guaranteed to be the starter in week 1. I think people are saying that when the coach and players speak highly of Leinart it is not just coach speak, which you are confident it is. You're saying you can tell what Whisenhunt and the players are really trying to say when they talk about Leinart instead of just listening to what it is they say.

You may be right, but I don't think you're qualified to translate what they are all saying any better than anyone else.

 

[Covert Rain]

You may be right, but I don't think you're qualified to translate what they are all saying any better than anyone else.

Fair enough and I never claimed to be. I was simply expressing my opinion which obviously differed from some others. It's not like my thoughts were unique since I stated the same thing was reported by MJ.

 

[CardLogic]

I don't think anyone is saying Leinart is guaranteed to be the starter in week 1.

I'll say it!

Leinart will start week 1 of the regular season! No doubt in my mind!

Whether he remains the starter throughout the entire season will be based upon his on-going performance. But I think Leinart is going to do well, surpassing the expectations of many.

 

[Covert Rain]

I'll say it!

Leinart will start week 1 of the regular season! No doubt in my mind!

Whether he remains the starter throughout the entire season will be based upon his on-going performance. But I think Leinart is going to do well, surpassing the expectations of many.

Do you think it will be a quick hook scenario or will they have patience with him?

 

[Stout]

DarenG, I grew up in and still live in Western PA, so I keep tabs on the Steelers a lot too. By your own words, the supposed QB competition (which has largely been speculation by media types) can just as easily be the coaches doing exactly what you describe them as doing--talking up competition to keep players working hard.

 

[CardLogic]

Do you think it will be a quick hook scenario or will they have patience with him?

That's a good question! I don't doubt that there will be times when Leinart struggles, it happens with all players. Surely, we all can recall some of the "bad Kurt" days...

Whisenhunt has shown in the past that he will pull a QB that is struggling. But it will take more than a single bad outing in this case. Alot of what Warner did in Arizona was strictly Warner, but some of it was the result of Whisenhunt restoring Warner's confidence and bringing it back to the surface.

 

[moklerman]

That's a good question! I don't doubt that there will be times when Leinart struggles, it happens with all players. Surely, we all can recall some of the "bad Kurt" days...

Whisenhunt has shown in the past that he will pull a QB that is struggling. But it will take more than a single bad outing in this case. Alot of what Warner did in Arizona was strictly Warner, but some of it was the result of Whisenhunt restoring Warner's confidence and bringing it back to the surface.

Would you refresh my memory on that?

I mean, we're talking about Leinart getting a quick hook, as in, benched due to poor play and a different QB getting a chance to start, right?

I remember Leinart remaining the starter, although losing snaps to Warner, while he continued to struggle to learn Whis' system in 2007. He was still the starter, when he got hurt and gave Warner his opportunity to rise from the ashes. Ironically, Leinart was actually looking his best, probably motivated by Warner's better play, when he got hurt.

Same thing with Warner. The Jets game comes to mind. I forget the other 5+ turnover game. But the point is, Whis didn't bring the hook. If anything, it makes me think that it's going to take a meltdown of epic proportions for Leinart to lose the starting job this year. Whis has shown himself to be very patient with his starting QB.

More importantly, I think Leinart will be in a much different comfort zone this year. While there is plenty of pressure on him to earn the starting job, I think he is wired in such a way that knowing he doesn't have someone breathing down his neck will be a positive thing. Leinart will be confident for a change and that will allow him to use the knowledge he's gained the last few years to finally show that he can be a starter. Stronger running game, no keeping two #1 WR's happy...there's a lot falling in place for him and I'm not convinced that he will be such a huge dropoff from 2009 Warner.

If reports of Warner's shoulder are true, and the numbers seem to support that theory with him throwing deep so infrequently, I think Leinart might even bring something to the table that '09 Warner could not. That may not make up for everything else in comparison but Leinart is going to benefit from all the pine-time and be very Rodgers/Rivers like IMO. Okay, not gaudy numbers but 23 TD or so and 3,800 yards. That will be plenty for a starting QB IMO.

 

[CardLogic]

Would you refresh my memory on that?

I think you misunderstood my post, and re-reading it myself, I see that I didn't do a very good job of making my thoughts clear.

Actually, you summarized it much better. When Matt struggled or bogged down in the 2007 season, Whisenhunt inserted Warner to give the offense a boost (my reference to pulling a struggling QB). Once Warner fully assumed the mantle he still had a bad game now and then (not often); however Whisenhunt stayed with him, letting Warner himself work through it, rather than too hastily switching to Leinart.

What it all boils down to is I think that Leinart is going to be the starter and he will not be pulled too quickly because he is struggling in a game. There will come a time or more when Leinart will be "bad Matt", but Whisenhunt will allow Leinart to work through it. Whiz does a good job of handling the QB's and their egos, imo.

I hope that makes more sense than my previous post.