The Leinart/Warner Situation is the craziest thing I've ever seen (1 Viewer)

[kevthegrad]

First of all, for those of you who seem to live to gripe about using the search engine, I did, nothing came up that was this direct about this topic, so I'm starting this thread.

I'm having a hard time being objective on this since I used 1.11 in my dynasty league last year on him, but this entire situation surrounding Matt Leinart is one of the craziest things I've ever seen.

I watched every pre-season game and when it was starters vs starters, Leinart and the Cards looked great.

And while I've only been able to watch highlights and bits and pieces of the Arizona games so far this season, I didn't think things were going so badly that Leinart would end up losing his job. There was such an insane amount of positive pub about his potential both coming out of college, during his stint as starter last year...and this year heading into his first full season as a starter.

So my question is what the devil has happened? I know he was struggling, although I thought it was only a bit....but to lose his job? Or go into this crazy job-sharing with Warner? WTF?!?!?!?

Anybody following the team really closely able to comment? What's coming out of Arizona? Why not have the guy who is SUPPOSED to be the future of your franchise hang in there and take his lumps learning while taking on the Ravens and Steelers? It seems awfully soon to be hedging your bet on him as your face of the franchise.

What is going on in Arizona?? Is he done? Is this just Wisenhunt getting his attention? Could they really be looking at giving the team back to Warner?

 

[teamroc]

Leinart has been awful, and they don't feel like going 2-12.

Seems reasonable to me.

 

[Black]

What is going on in Arizona?? Is he done? Is this just Wisenhunt getting his attention? Could they really be looking at giving the team back to Warner?

QBBC, babyMorton/Staubach...now Leinart/Warner. BAL sort of does it with McNair/Boller. Think they do it in college sometimes with guys with a runner/passer specialty, not Arizona with their guys with a sucking/sucking-a-little-less specialties.

 

[Bears_Man2]

Warner's looked far more comfortable in the offense. If Leinart wasn't the face of the franchise (there's no debating that, if you live in the area & see the ads, you see Leinart's face more than anyone), he'd be on the bench right now.

Leinart definitely hasn't progressed as quickly as they'd like. He's got kinks to definitely work out (footwork, letting loose more & stop being so indecisive.)

Warner's not going to become the starter (barring a Leinart injury), but he'll retain his role in the QBBC for the foreseeable future.

 

[GridironMenace]

this is really one of the worst coaching moves in history. You paid Leinart a ton of money and he is your franchise QB, and you aren't allowing him to develop by keeping him on the bench. Even if the team finishes the season 5-11 at least you allow Leonard to develop and learn. Instead you are playing Warner. Have the Cardinals staff ever heard of the line: "been there, done that"?

Seems to me that Wisenhunt is a moron. He is changing the offense to look like a typical Steeler offense, even though he doesnt have those types of players.

 

[jcole76]

I drafted Leinert with high hopes (he's since been dropped). I really thought that he was going to come into his own this year but after watching his first two games I see he's not ready. The QBBC idea seems like it's not doing the team any harm. It's a great change of pace and it's got to drive opposing Def. coordinators nuts as far as planning goes. Could be a trend.......we'll see.

 

[kevthegrad]

I don't know. There just seems to be a few different answers to the question "Has he really been THAT bad?"

Looking at his stats alone, he's not the worst out there.

Rex Grossman stunk for over a year and they left him in the drivers seat.

I just don't get it. He's not going to learn if his confidence is being destroyed on the sidelines watching ol Kurt go in and 'show him how it's done'.

Carson and Peyton never shared time with their older mentors when they were struggling a bit early on. I think this is a mistake, although mostly because it is destroying me in TWO different leagues. ha!

 

[SammyJankis]

this is really one of the worst coaching moves in history. You paid Leinart a ton of money and he is your franchise QB, and you aren't allowing him to develop by keeping him on the bench. Even if the team finishes the season 5-11 at least you allow Leonard to develop and learn. Instead you are playing Warner. Have the Cardinals staff ever heard of the line: "been there, done that"? Seems to me that Wisenhunt is a moron. He is changing the offense to look like a typical Steeler offense, even though he doesnt have those types of players.

Wow. If there was a way to turn ignorance into energy, you would be a very rich man.One of the worst coaching moves in history? A team that was a perennial doormat, has played @SF, SEA, @BAL and a 3-0 PIT team and is 2-2. The two losses were within a play or two from being wins.Wisenhunt is in a tough position. Warner is playing well and Leinart is not. Wisenhunt has said from the get-go that the best players will play regardless of salary, draft status, etc. Right now, Warner is the better QB. Leinart is still the future of this franchise. Wisenhunt is trying his best not to damage his ego too badly. However the message is clear "Play better or get out of the way."What a moron, the guy that's turning the franchise around....

 

[Newslang]

The media will think its unique and great until ARI loses with it in place. Just the way it is. Im against it. You picked Leinart in preseason, you dont play musical qtrback, you leave him in, hes the future.

 

[Raider Nation]

this is really one of the worst coaching moves in history. Seems to me that Wisenhunt is a moron.

Wiz is there every day. We aren't. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt after a nice win.

 

[Bears_Man2]

this is really one of the worst coaching moves in history. You paid Leinart a ton of money and he is your franchise QB, and you aren't allowing him to develop by keeping him on the bench. Even if the team finishes the season 5-11 at least you allow Leonard to develop and learn. Instead you are playing Warner. Have the Cardinals staff ever heard of the line: "been there, done that"? Seems to me that Wisenhunt is a moron. He is changing the offense to look like a typical Steeler offense, even though he doesnt have those types of players.

Wow. If there was a way to turn ignorance into energy, you would be a very rich man.One of the worst coaching moves in history? A team that was a perennial doormat, has played @SF, SEA, @BAL and a 3-0 PIT team and is 2-2. The two losses were within a play or two from being wins.Wisenhunt is in a tough position. Warner is playing well and Leinart is not. Wisenhunt has said from the get-go that the best players will play regardless of salary, draft status, etc. Right now, Warner is the better QB. Leinart is still the future of this franchise. Wisenhunt is trying his best not to damage his ego too badly. However the message is clear "Play better or get out of the way."What a moron, the guy that's turning the franchise around....

Thank you. I was only going to respond with the rolling eyes. I really didn't feel the post warranted anything more than that to be honest.Right now it is working. (Anyone that's watched the last 2 games @ Baltmore and vs. Pitt, knows that.). Leinart will have his day in the sun. That time isn't now.

 

[Young 8]

this is really one of the worst coaching moves in history. You paid Leinart a ton of money and he is your franchise QB, and you aren't allowing him to develop by keeping him on the bench. Even if the team finishes the season 5-11 at least you allow Leonard to develop and learn. Instead you are playing Warner. Have the Cardinals staff ever heard of the line: "been there, done that"? Seems to me that Wisenhunt is a moron. He is changing the offense to look like a typical Steeler offense, even though he doesnt have those types of players.

agreeWisenhunt is a tipical cocky rookie HC who think that the players (drafted to play with Green system.....) should adapt to the system.......not VICEVERSA

 

[Young 8]

this is really one of the worst coaching moves in history. You paid Leinart a ton of money and he is your franchise QB, and you aren't allowing him to develop by keeping him on the bench. Even if the team finishes the season 5-11 at least you allow Leonard to develop and learn. Instead you are playing Warner. Have the Cardinals staff ever heard of the line: "been there, done that"? Seems to me that Wisenhunt is a moron. He is changing the offense to look like a typical Steeler offense, even though he doesnt have those types of players.

:( Wow. If there was a way to turn ignorance into energy, you would be a very rich man.One of the worst coaching moves in history? A team that was a perennial doormat, has played @SF, SEA, @BAL and a 3-0 PIT team and is 2-2. The two losses were within a play or two from being wins.Wisenhunt is in a tough position. Warner is playing well and Leinart is not. Wisenhunt has said from the get-go that the best players will play regardless of salary, draft status, etc. Right now, Warner is the better QB. Leinart is still the future of this franchise. Wisenhunt is trying his best not to damage his ego too badly. However the message is clear "Play better or get out of the way."What a moron, the guy that's turning the franchise around....

ROTFL1st) the Cards will not make the playoffs....and it they will, it's a sure 1st round exitso 2nd) what's the deal of playing a 58yrs QB instead of trying to understand it Leinart is a BUST OR NOT ???

 

[The Jerk]

The media will think its unique and great until ARI loses with it in place. Just the way it is. Im against it. You picked Leinart in preseason, you dont play musical qtrback, you leave him in, hes the future.

Just because the QB has always been treated differently from other players doesn't mean it must always be the case. Players at nearly any other position may get taken out of games for a series or two either due to ineffective play or due to a specialist. No one would be surprised if this was a defensive back, linebacker, running back, or wide receiver.It doesn't have to be all or nothing with QBs. Leinart is getting time to develop while Warner is providing a spark. Leinart can focus on the regular offense while Warner can focus on the hurry up offense.I don't think this will spark a trend, as you need both the ingredients at the position and a head coach willing to take the chance to be different. One of the big reasons this isn't done is because coaches usually avoid going out on a limb so that they don't have to defend making a move against the norm.Who knows how it works out? I think it won today's game. It nearly one last week. It might lose others. I guess we'll see.

 

[netnalp]

When Elway was injured Dan Reeves decided to rotate Tommy Maddox and Shawn Moore each series in 1992, as I recall it was really, really ugly.

This seems to be working for the Cards atm, but I think Leinart needs to take his lumps and learn.

 

[LHUCKS]

Buy low on Leinart in dynasty leagues.

 

[Raider Nation]

When Elway was injured Dan Reeves decided to rotate Tommy Maddox and Shawn Moore each series in 1992.

I seem to remember it happening in Washington also with Theismann and Kilmer. Mid-70s, maybe?

 

[Raider Nation]

Buy low on Leinart in dynasty leagues.

We don't need to "buy" people on waiver wires.

 

[MOAT]

Buy low on Leinart in dynasty leagues.

He will be as cheap as ever. They will go back to him but they want Warner to show him how to play first.

 

[Das Boot]

so 2nd) what's the deal of playing a 58yrs QB instead of trying to understand it Leinart is a BUST OR NOT ???

Green Bay down?

 

[gman8343]

Buy low on Leinart in dynasty leagues.

We don't need to "buy" people on waiver wires.

in a dynasty league Leinart is nowhere near a waiver wire.

 

[The Jerk]

so 2nd) what's the deal of playing a 58yrs QB instead of trying to understand it Leinart is a BUST OR NOT ???

Playing Warner may prevent Leinart from ever being a bust. He's not going to feel the burden of losing and he's learning from Warner on and off the field. You think maybe he's listening a little more intently now to what Kurt is telling him after watching Warner go out on the field and clearly outperforms him? It's not just talk. Leinart has admitted to not being prepared before one of Arizona's games this year. He could stand to use a large dose of humility. Of course, he has to want to improve for any of this to help. Unless he's committed to working hard, he'll never be what his talent could potentially allow.

 

[kutta]

I'm a big fan of the move. Arizona is sooooooo sick of losing teams, and the Cards have a small window right now to keep the fans they have. The new stadium is getting people into the seats, and we just HAVE to put some wins up this season or people are going to start revolting. This is not your normal team where they go through ups and downs and the fans have the patience for the downs. The Cards have been all downs, and everyone is just sick of it. If Leinart isn't going to win games, sit him. We need wins right now. Leinart can learn and mature and come in when he is ready. Kurt has really looked fantastic, and if nothing else, he is proving to Leinart that Leinart is the problem with the offense. I'm willing to bet that the vast majority of those not supporting the move either: 1. Do not live in Arizona, or 2. Have not seen many Cardinals games

We finally have a real coach and we look to have a real team. Heck, at this point I'd support putting Bill Bidwell behind center if it will put a W on the scoreboard.

 

[hwjchim]

this is really one of the worst coaching moves in history. You paid Leinart a ton of money and he is your franchise QB, and you aren't allowing him to develop by keeping him on the bench. Even if the team finishes the season 5-11 at least you allow Leonard to develop and learn. Instead you are playing Warner. Have the Cardinals staff ever heard of the line: "been there, done that"?

Seems to me that Wisenhunt is a moron. He is changing the offense to look like a typical Steeler offense, even though he doesnt have those types of players.

You mean Lienart..and not Leonard??

 

[TinHat]

When Elway was injured Dan Reeves decided to rotate Tommy Maddox and Shawn Moore each series in 1992.

I seem to remember it happening in Washington also with Theismann and Kilmer. Mid-70s, maybe?

it might have been Kilmer and JurgensonDidn't the Raidas occasionally rotate George Blanda in at QB, in the days when Blanda was primarily their PK?

 

[The Jerk]

When Elway was injured Dan Reeves decided to rotate Tommy Maddox and Shawn Moore each series in 1992.

I seem to remember it happening in Washington also with Theismann and Kilmer. Mid-70s, maybe?

it might have been Kilmer and JurgensonDidn't the Raidas occasionally rotate George Blanda in at QB, in the days when Blanda was primarily their PK?

May also have happened with Lamonica and Stabler? Little help here, Raider fans.

 

[BeachBums]

If my starting QB is stinking up the joint, I'm going to pull his butt and put in the other guy. Whisenhunt is just a good FF team owner. Put the guy in who's going to get you points.

It seems to me that Whisenhunt is correcting a mistake Denny Green made last year trying to save his job. 58 year-old Warner looks much better than the future of the franchise. In reference to letting the new guy take his lumps and learn the position, ask Rex Grossman who well that works.

 

[The Jerk]

Don Shula won a few games in his career, IIRC. I can remember him inserting Don Strock several times to jumpstart the Dolphins. At one point, when David Woodley was his starter, it happened so often that many sports pundits called the QB position "Woodstrock".

 

[[scooter]]

this is really one of the worst coaching moves in history.

Why? It's working.

 

[The Jerk]

this is really one of the worst coaching moves in history.

Why? It's working.

I don't get the negativity, but especially considering the results. We regularly see 3rd down RBs, goal line RBs, nickel, dime and quarter defenses, run-stopping LBs and DTs, pass rushing specialists, the "hands" team, etc. Why can there not be specialization at the QB position? Doesn't this also put a little bit of strain on opposing defenses preparing for two different QBs. Different styles, different strengths, different tendencies, ...

 

[JBTV]

this is really one of the worst coaching moves in history.

Why? It's working.

I don't get the negativity, but especially considering the results. We regularly see 3rd down RBs, goal line RBs, nickel, dime and quarter defenses, run-stopping LBs and DTs, pass rushing specialists, the "hands" team, etc. Why can there not be specialization at the QB position? Doesn't this also put a little bit of strain on opposing defenses preparing for two different QBs. Different styles, different strengths, different tendencies, ...

I think it's rarely seen because the QB is usually acknowledged as the leader of the team (or at the very least the offense,) so you usually don't see the coach jerk him around too much. You're risking completely upsetting the continuity and rhythm of the offense, unlike the other situations you mentioned where all those positions are expecting rotation. Thanks to the AZ poster, I understand why they're doing it...seems like a special situation. But I can't see them doing this if they're 100% sold on Leinart. I think you're really running the risk of killing not only his confidence, but his teammates' confidence in him.

 

[The Jerk]

I think it's rarely seen because the QB is usually acknowledged as the leader of the team (or at the very least the offense,) so you usually don't see the coach jerk him around too much. You're risking completely upsetting the continuity and rhythm of the offense, unlike the other situations you mentioned where all those positions are expecting rotation. Thanks to the AZ poster, I understand why they're doing it...seems like a special situation. But I can't see them doing this if they're 100% sold on Leinart. I think you're really running the risk of killing not only his confidence, but his teammates' confidence in him.

I understand everything you are saying, and if you saw my earlier posts, I stated that I don't see this as an emerging trend for similar reasons. Yet SOME of those arguments could be made concerning those other substitutions -- continuity, rhythm, etc.These other positions didn't always have substitution, or as you stated "expecting rotation" -- it was something that was implemented over time and has now become commonplace.I still remember how it was noteworthy when the Steelers added Jim Smith alongside Swann and Stallworth to go to a 3 WR set in the late 1970s. It was such a big deal!

 

[j3r3m3y]

I don't know. There just seems to be a few different answers to the question "Has he really been THAT bad?"Looking at his stats alone, he's not the worst out there.Rex Grossman stunk for over a year and they left him in the drivers seat.

I read an article before Plummer came to Denver where someone I cant even remember speculated that Jake would fail in Denver because all he ever learned in Az was how to lose. When the game was on the line he did not have the "OK we can do this" feeling, rather the "Oh crap, not this situation again" feeling.I don't know how much water the theory holds but letting his confidence be destroyed by watching someone else do it might be better for him than letting his confidence be destroyed by failing over and over again.

 

[SammyJankis]

1st) the Cards will not make the playoffs....and it they will, it's a sure 1st round exit

You speak as if that would be some kind of failure? The Cards have not been to the playoffs since 99. Would you consider a first round playoff exit a disaster for your team?

so 2nd) what's the deal of playing a 58yrs QB instead of trying to understand it Leinart is a BUST OR NOT ???

What did Herm Edwards say? "WE PLAY TO WIN THE GAMES!" This is the NFL, not a farm team. We're tyring to win in AZ. Wisenhunt is bending over backwards to keep Leinart in the mix, but he's not going to give Leinart 100% of the snaps at the expense of the rest of the team.

 

[SammyJankis]

this is really one of the worst coaching moves in history. You paid Leinart a ton of money and he is your franchise QB, and you aren't allowing him to develop by keeping him on the bench. Even if the team finishes the season 5-11 at least you allow Leonard to develop and learn. Instead you are playing Warner. Have the Cardinals staff ever heard of the line: "been there, done that"?

Seems to me that Wisenhunt is a moron. He is changing the offense to look like a typical Steeler offense, even though he doesnt have those types of players.

You mean Lienart..and not Leonard??

Geez. There were so many things wrong with this post. I just didn't know where to begin. You'd think that if you bold something for empahsis, you know, you'd make an effort to get it right so as to not look like a complete dope. But I think GridironMenace had already abandoned any hope of sounding coherent or informed a sentence or two in.

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

"Sports Illustrated" did a story on Leinart a few weeks back and it was suggested that he gleefully enjoys all the perks of a high-paid athlete.

He does a crapload of commercials; has an "Entourage" with him at all times, and (this I found somewhat alarming) often charters flights to LA to hit the clubs well into the night.

That doesn't seem wise for a 2nd year player.

 

[SammyJankis]

"Sports Illustrated" did a story on Leinart a few weeks back and it was suggested that he gleefully enjoys all the perks of a high-paid athlete.He does a crapload of commercials; has an "Entourage" with him at all times, and (this I found somewhat alarming) often charters flights to LA to hit the clubs well into the night.That doesn't seem wise for a 2nd year player.

100% true. I don't go out so much anymore. (wife + two kids), but have lots of friends that do. Its hard to find a friend that hasn't seen Leinart out, snapped hit picture, heard a story, etc. As a Cards fan, I'll tell ya, I don't like it all. It seemed very much like he thought he had inherited the job and didn't have to work for it. I mean, go to a newstand. Any newstand. Take a look at the covers. I bet you can find Leinart on two or three. Is that a bad thing? In and of itself no. (I mean how much pub does P. Manning get?) But this guy needs to work his butt off to achieve that level of success.....To speak to the points earlier, Wisenhunt is saying to Leinart that that is what is expected. If Leinart doesn't want to step up, there are other players that will.

 

[nightmare]

Cards going 9-7 is a major success.

First round playoff loss-major success.

This is something for Leinart to BUILD on instead of "hey, you stink, sit down".

 

[Kirby]

They won.

 

[B-Deep]

Perhaps I am alone in thinking this, but I also don;t think Warner as a full time QB would do as well as he does in spot duty. I still believe the guy is shell shocked, and after a few games of constant blitzes and multiple hits the old NYG warner who could not hold the ball and kept throwing INTs would come back. Putting him in for limited duty protects him from this.

 

[SuperJohn96]

Hey, I say if you can substitute RBs in different packages (3rd down/goal line), then everyone should be fair game if you (as a coach) think it will give you the best chance to win.

Leinart isn't 10 years old, he's a grown man. If he wants to play every snap, he needs to do his part off the field to make sure that when he's on the field, he doesn't give his coach a reason to pull him.

Especially for a franchise that has lost so much...

If Leinart can't handle this, then maybe he isn't the "man" for the job.

 

[Kiddnets]

The real question is who do the owners with both QBs start as a bye week filler - I'm apt to go with Warner at this point if I had to...would be nice if Coach makes a stronger call on Wed but if it continues as is and you need to use one of them as a starter for a week I would go Kurt hands down. Even with 3-4 series per game!

 

[doughboydeluxe]

this is really one of the worst coaching moves in history.

Why? It's working.

I don't get the negativity, but especially considering the results. We regularly see 3rd down RBs, goal line RBs, nickel, dime and quarter defenses, run-stopping LBs and DTs, pass rushing specialists, the "hands" team, etc. Why can there not be specialization at the QB position? Doesn't this also put a little bit of strain on opposing defenses preparing for two different QBs. Different styles, different strengths, different tendencies, ...

I think the negativity extends from people with blinders on who have Leinart on their fantasy team.

 

[Keys Myaths]

this is really one of the worst coaching moves in history. You paid Leinart a ton of money and he is your franchise QB, and you aren't allowing him to develop by keeping him on the bench. Even if the team finishes the season 5-11 at least you allow Leonard to develop and learn. Instead you are playing Warner. Have the Cardinals staff ever heard of the line: "been there, done that"? Seems to me that Wisenhunt is a moron. He is changing the offense to look like a typical Steeler offense, even though he doesnt have those types of players.

agreeWisenhunt is a tipical cocky rookie HC who think that the players (drafted to play with Green system.....) should adapt to the system.......not VICEVERSA

Stupid head coaches. Belichick should understand that Brady needs to mature on his own, not be adapted into his "system". Oh, and Shanahan? His running backs know better than he does. Let them run! You're a moron, Mike!

 

[GroveDiesel]

"Sports Illustrated" did a story on Leinart a few weeks back and it was suggested that he gleefully enjoys all the perks of a high-paid athlete.He does a crapload of commercials; has an "Entourage" with him at all times, and (this I found somewhat alarming) often charters flights to LA to hit the clubs well into the night.That doesn't seem wise for a 2nd year player.

I'm sure that he's just chartering those jets to go visit his baby.

 

[flufhed]

this is really one of the worst coaching moves in history. You paid Leinart a ton of money and he is your franchise QB, and you aren't allowing him to develop by keeping him on the bench. Even if the team finishes the season 5-11 at least you allow Leonard to develop and learn. Instead you are playing Warner. Have the Cardinals staff ever heard of the line: "been there, done that"? Seems to me that Wisenhunt is a moron. He is changing the offense to look like a typical Steeler offense, even though he doesnt have those types of players.

Wow. If there was a way to turn ignorance into energy, you would be a very rich man.One of the worst coaching moves in history? A team that was a perennial doormat, has played @SF, SEA, @BAL and a 3-0 PIT team and is 2-2. The two losses were within a play or two from being wins.Wisenhunt is in a tough position. Warner is playing well and Leinart is not. Wisenhunt has said from the get-go that the best players will play regardless of salary, draft status, etc. Right now, Warner is the better QB. Leinart is still the future of this franchise. Wisenhunt is trying his best not to damage his ego too badly. However the message is clear "Play better or get out of the way."What a moron, the guy that's turning the franchise around....

ROTFL1st) the Cards will not make the playoffs....and it they will, it's a sure 1st round exitso 2nd) what's the deal of playing a 58yrs QB instead of trying to understand it Leinart is a BUST OR NOT ???

lolI sure wish my crystal ball was as clear as yours.Not to confuse you with facts, but did you happen to notice that the NFC, and especially the NFC west, is an absolute HORROR SHOW. The entire NFC after the Cowboys is totally up for grabs. The Cardinals have talent on both sides of the ball, and are playing well. Not only that we are four freaking games into the season. I swear, the Cardinals are damned if they do, damend if they don't. If they were to just ride Leinart, for good or for ill, people would be slamming them for giving up on the season so early.And I am not a Cardinals fan. Just a guy who actually understands football.

 

[flufhed]

I don't know. There just seems to be a few different answers to the question "Has he really been THAT bad?"Looking at his stats alone, he's not the worst out there.Rex Grossman stunk for over a year and they left him in the drivers seat.

I read an article before Plummer came to Denver where someone I cant even remember speculated that Jake would fail in Denver because all he ever learned in Az was how to lose. When the game was on the line he did not have the "OK we can do this" feeling, rather the "Oh crap, not this situation again" feeling.I don't know how much water the theory holds but letting his confidence be destroyed by watching someone else do it might be better for him than letting his confidence be destroyed by failing over and over again.

I'll put it more simply than that.There is never, ever any downside to winning. None. A draft pick that is a few spots higher is nothing compared to instilling confidence in a young team.

 

[Bob Henry]

If you're a Cards fan, just be glad it's not Rodney Peete, Bob Gagliano, Adrian Ware and Erik Kramer.. it COULD be worse. Trust me.

 

[Mickey]

In an interview I read this morning Leinart sounded like he had just been given a big dose of humility. After being "the face" in AZ and in commercials with the Mannings and so on, his coach just gave him a little tough love. You want to be the leader? Earn it.

He acknowledged that it's hard to see Warner in there and he knows the message is that if he plays well, he stays in but if not, he watches from the sidelines. He sounds like he understands and far from being discouraged he's having to act like a leader and focus on the game and the team and not himself. He said that in this situation he could either throw in the towel or step up and he's chosing the latter - that shows he's maturing and learning and it's all credit to his coach who had the guts to look past the hype and "that's the way it's always been done" and take a huge step in developing Leinart as the QB of the team - full-time once he's ready.

It's a risky move but I think it builds his confidence, in the long-run, and let's the whole team focus on winning instead of pandering to a QB ego. I agree with one of the previous posters who said it's far more demoralizing to keep losing games and facing your team and coach week after week as a loser instead seeing yourself as a piece of a winning team. Besides, this system sure keeps the opposing defenses guessing!

 

[massraider]

"Sports Illustrated" did a story on Leinart a few weeks back and it was suggested that he gleefully enjoys all the perks of a high-paid athlete.He does a crapload of commercials; has an "Entourage" with him at all times, and (this I found somewhat alarming) often charters flights to LA to hit the clubs well into the night.That doesn't seem wise for a 2nd year player.

If he is doing the right thing, then he can do whatever he wants with his free time. I don't really know how I feel about this splitting-of-the-duties thing. We haven't really seen it attempted in this manner.But I sure don't knock Whisenhunt for trying it, if he thinks it's the best chance to win games. Leinart? He seems to be regressing, not developing. If playing Warner a bit here and there will help, I am all for it.