Last week, Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said that he won’t hand the starting quarterback job to Matt Leinart until he “goes to three Pro Bowls” and the Super Bowl.
Though no Pro Bowls nor Super Bowls have been played in the past eight days, Whisenhunt is suddenly singing a different tune. During the press conference introducing Derek Anderson as the latest addition to the depth chart, Whisenhunt said that Leinart “has earned the right to be ‘the guy.’”
We’re wondering precisely when he earned it. Was it when he blew the starting job in the 2008 preseason? Was it when he took no snaps during the 2008 postseason? Was it when he generated a 64.6 passer rating in 2009?
Leinart, in our view, has earned nothing — including the bulk of his rookie contract.
So why isn’t the starting job being turned into an open competition? Perhaps Whisenhunt realizes that, even if there’s actually a competition, there still needs to be a man at the top of the depth chart. Otherwise, a team will experience the same back-and-forth indecision that marred that past two seasons of Anderson’s career in Cleveland.
So, yeah, Leinart currently is No. 1 and Anderson currently is No. 2. Just like Leinart was in 2008, until the moment that Whisehunt suddenly sent Leinart to the bench and gave Warner the ball.
I sure he *just* realized this: “Perhaps Whisenhunt realizes that, even if there’s actually a competition, there still needs to be a man at the top of the depth chart.”
Sometimes NO blog post is better than a bad one. Or, “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.”
Florio, you’re an idiot.
The Cards had one (1) QB on the roster and as soon as they brought in a free agent for a visit, you assumed it was to replace Leinart atop the depth chart.
Maybe it was because they only had one (1) QB on the roster.
I can’t wait to see your comments when/if they draft a QB. “Cardinals obviously not happy with either Leinart or Anderson, as evidenced by their drafting of a QB in the 6th round.”
Almost a non-story. Of course there’s a competition for the starting job. Whoever looks less putrid in the preseason will be the winner! Have a great season Cards fans.
WOW from MVP to Employee of the month at your local Denny’s, starting at QB. What a mess. Warner is rolling over in his grave full of money right about now…. laughing. I bet it feels nice to be needed.
Who would have known having parties and banging a bunch of college chicks, getting drunk and showing nothing in your first three seasons in the league could earn you the right to be thought of as the man.
$20 says Derek “I can’t throw an accurate pass to save my life” Anderson is starting for the 2 – 5 Cardinals by week 8.
BTW Florio thank god you are here to remind us all that somone always has to be at the top of a depth chart. Douche!!!!!
Ken, yeah that just doesn’t work. Take from someone who had to watch the Cleveland train wreck unfold. Your number 1 needs to be clearly your number 1 based on experience, past accomplishments and overall awesomeness. Even a little wiggle room will blow up. Anderson can (will) point to his 2007 season and say at least he’s done something in this league. From now on you’re going to hear chants of “Anderson! Anderson!” every time Leinart throws a wobbly pass or pics of his latest hot tub party hit the web. Kyle Orton in Denver can smack down talk of Brady Quinn by what he did last season. Leinart has no last season except for that game against Vince Young. Bad news when your best start from last year is the signature game for the OTHER QB.
AZ going back to the bottom of the NFC West. Seahawks back to the top with the best QB in the NFC West Matt Hasselbeck.
Bottom line: Cards needed a Qb and before DA was released, the best FAs appeared to be Charlie Batch or David Carr. Based on what Seattle gave up for Whitehurst, this appears to be a great move. You can even compare DA’ s deal to what the Niner’s gave Carr and believe the Cards made a good move. And remember Whiz may not have drafted Matt, but Rod Graves did. Last I heard, he got a contract extension as well.
GO Matty Ice Go…
I think Leinart JaBustus are leading parallel lives.
They both seemed to have earned their jobs.
while most hard working people can’t figure out why this country is so f’d up…………
Anderson sucks. Leinart will play rings around him!
a
THE IRONY OF MY COMMENT. FAIL.
I’m sorry I don’t care what Wiz tells the media……This is an open QB comp. Florio is spot on Leinhart is not Jamarcus Russell but he hasnt shown to be a star either.
“So why isn’t the starting job being turned into an open competition?”
_________________________________
One bad general is better than two good ones…
Too bad you’re not the head coach of the Cardinals, Mike, so you could straighten this all out. Last time I heard though, Whisenhunt was. Why don’t you let him decide who is the current starting QB?
love the suspense, it inspires me to lie to my employees, hell NFL does it why shouldn’t I?
Seriously though the Big L ain’t got it, everyone knows it.
Most important comment made by Whiz at that press conference had nothing to do with QBs. He also said he didn’t see the need for the team to sign a free agent outside linebacker. That could me he likes his chances getting Hughes, Graham or Kindle in the draft. I think it’s safe to say the Cards are prepared to move forward without Okeafor or Porter.
Derek Anderson will be the starter by week #4.
anderson has some pain to shake off but if they keep people off him he is a better long term solution. he has had some success and he has the deep arm.
leinart has to impress all right off the bat or he is done.
“The Guy” who sucks at quarterback.
Just like dogs smell scraps, I get the feeling that a lot of “quality” will be headed for Cardinals camp this summer, vying for a QB job:
Leinart, Kerry Collins, Jeff Garcia, Derek Anderson, Brian St.Pierre, maybe even Mike Vick.
Hey Cardinals fans, you have nice memories, anyway.
“in our view”
That part right there doesn’t matter, and never will.
Thank god.
calihawk…put down the crack pipe…quick
Perfect example of why we just went and got Whitehurst. Our guy has two years to earn his money, or he’s gone. You guys have been sittin’ on this turtlehead for years, and he still stinks. Your shiat is gonna get pounded in by the ‘Hawks this year and for several more to come.
Matt is pure stud….49er fans just hoping and a wishing he is’nt the second coming of Steve Young…Florio is just provoking you foos…stay coo..stay coo…Matt is the Man!!!
No Arm, Very little off-the-field work ethic, and no experience
Sounds like a winner
OK, Matt.
As a 49ers fan I agree with Calihawk..
Hasselbeck with his feet turned backwards is the best QB in the division.
Leinart the second coming of Steve Young? Young was one of the best passers in the league..oh and he could run like a fullback too. Leinart ofcourse has neither of those qualities.
Maybe Matty will buy into all thise smoke blowing by Whisenhunt – you know, just like his college coach did for him.
Don’t worry Matt, we all still think you suck.
It’s simple. Leinart starts at 1 and DA starts out at 2. Training camp may change that, but for now that’s the depth chart. Florio is doing his usual bs.
“Maybe Matty will buy into all thise smoke blowing by Whisenhunt – you know, just like his college coach did for him.”
You must be a complete imbecile. Thank God the coaches at SC bought into starting Matt….37-2, with both losses for a total of 6 points, a Heisman, two National Championships, and ended one of the most decorated players in CFB history. Right moron.