Somewhere, Matt Leinart is laughing.
Derek Anderson was pulled from Cardinals lineup late in the second quarter after another ugly start. The Cardinals trailed San Diego 28-7 when Anderson was relieved of his duties after throwing two interceptions. The second pick was returned by Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips for a touchdown.
Anderson completed six-of-14 for 64 yards and the two picks before getting the hook. Undrafted rookie Max Hall replaced Anderson and completed three of his first four passes for 32 yards.
We’d guess this move will be permanent. We don’t think Matt Leinart was released because of Anderson. Rather, Ken Whisenhunt truly believed in Hall and he didn’t seem to see much of a difference between Leinart and Anderson as veteran stop-gaps.
Hall could wind up getting 12 starts to reward Whisenhunt’s faith.