Lone Bright Spot from Blowout: Matt Leinart?
by RedBirds to the SB on Dec 22, 2008 9:48 AM MST
32 comments
In case anyone had already tuned to the more relevant game, Matt Leinart got some extended playing time against the Patriots and he wasn't terrible. Granted, the Patriots probably had some second string guys in there and they weren't as aggressive as they had been when the outcome was still in the air, but for what it was, he looked decent.
He played four series that produced four first downs and a long TD pass to Fitzgerald. He was also credited with two turnovers, and another fumble that was recovered by Hightower, but his intereception did bounce off the hands of Jerheme Urban.
Series #1 - Leinart had a really bad first series and it didn't help that the radio in his helmet was working. It looked like he was visually flustered by the issues with the radio, but he did scramble up the middle for eight yards to convert a 3rd-and-5 (just the second 3rd down conversion of the game). It was the Cardinals first, first down since early in the second quarter but he'd follow that up by fumbling the ball on the very next play resulting in a seven yard loss. The bad thing was that no one even touched him, he just lost his handle on the ball. An incomplete pass on second down would be followed by a rough sack on third down (by an untouched blitzer) that resulted in another fumble that was recovered by the Pats. Sure the blitzer got to Leinart in about half a second but he's still got to hold onto the ball. It was pretty obvious that his head was spinning like a top during this drive. Result of Drive: 1 first down, -6 yards, and a turnover.
Series #2 - Matty looks a little more comfortable and after two quick incompletions he hits Urban on a 28 yard completion to convert a 3rd-and-long. He'd add another incompletion before thowing to Urban again but the pass hit off of his hands and ended up being interecepted. It wasn't the greatest throw in the world but it did hit Urban squarely in the hands. Result of Drive:1 first drive, 28 yards and a turnover.
Series #3 - [Disclaimer - Fox had switched to another game by this point so I'm going strictly from play by play and what I've heard/read since, so if anyone saw the remaining series and had a different opinion of them please jump in and offer up some first hand accounts.] A Hightower run on first down nets three yards and the offense goes into no-huddle. Matt completes the next three passes that include a short pass the Hightower that he takes for 15 yards, a 13 yard completion to Fitzgerald and a short sideline route to Breaston that goes for six yards. His next two throws would go incomplete though and the Cardinals would punt. Result of Drive: 2 first downs, 37 yards and a punt.
Series #4 - On the first play of the drive Matt throws a short dump off to Tim Castille that loses two yards and he follows that up with a delay of game. Facing a 2nd-and-17 Leinart goes up top and hits Larry Fitzgerald in stride down the sideline for a 78 yard touchdown. Result of Drive: Touchdown, nuff said.
Tale of the tape: Leinart leads four series that result in two turnover, seven points and 130 yards. On any other day, that wouldn't be much to talk about but it ended up being the only points scored and 70% of the offense. So, did Leinart look decent or was any success that he had just a result of the Patriots already in the lockerroom trying to defrost? Did he help or hurt his case of being a NFL starter in the future with his performance?
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Revenge of the Birds' (ROTB) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of ROTB's editors.
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I dont know about anybody else but I feel comfortable with Lienart. I think if he played the whole season the team would be just as sucessful. He may not have had as much yards but win-wise, they would be there.
by Andrew602 on Dec 22, 2008 10:51 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
I think we need to seriously look at our team next year.
I do think that Leinart should be the QB though.
We need to spend our money where we need it most – O-Line, and Pass Rush.
Because of that I think we need to get creative and take some risks.
Some of those would include taking the chance on Leinart and not going back to Warner.
I think Matt can do the job if we can get the protection and has a proper running game to work with.
Other things that need to be looked at is trading Q and letting Dansby go.
I assume Edge is going to be gone as well.
With all the money freed up we need to concentrate on the trenches,
I think that in the long run this team will be better off going with Leinart anyways!
by CardsIrish on Dec 22, 2008 3:01 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
+1
Albert Hayensworth anybody? now thats somebody you build your defense around. apparently he will be a free agent since he made the pro bowl. Imagine that…our d line with Hayensworth and Dockett. Then we just need a dominant pass rusher. Anybody know who will be availible?
by Andrew602 on Dec 22, 2008 4:49 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Haynesworth might be a pipe dream but I get giddy just thinking about it
They would probably have to ‘money whip’ him to get him to come here b/c I’d imagine that he’ll have 31 other suitors. I’d be surprised if he leaves Tennessee. They will have a couple of weeks of exclusive negotiating time with him (just like we will with Dansby) before other teams get a crack at him.
Other UFA’s to keep an eye on:
Jordan Gross – OT He’s 28 years old and will has started every single game for the Panthers since 2003 (and they know a little something-something about running the ball). He was also voted to the PB this year.
Matt Birk – C – He’s kind of old (32) but he’s one of the best centers in the league with six PB’s since 2000. He’s logged over 120 starts with the Vikings.
Max Starks – OT I don’t particularly like this guy but he started for two years under Grimm while Whiz and Co were in Pittsburgh and he’s young (26). He’s a mauler in the running game but at times his weight gets out of control (350+) and he can’t handle speed rushers.
Julius Peppers – DE – We all know who he is but the Panthers have already said that they’ll franchise him if they can’t agree on a contract.
Terrell Suggs DE/OLB - I’d love to see this guy in AZ red. He played his college ball at AZ State and the Ravens franchised him last year. He’s still on 26 and would be a huge, huge, huge boost to this D.
Nnamdi Asomugha – CB – He’s better and younger than Champ Bailey and he’s the closest thing to shutdown corner in that there is in this league. Oakland franchised him last year but if they really want him we know that Al Davis will break the bank. If he hits the open market, the 27 year old will be the #1 free agent.
by RedBirds to the SB on Dec 23, 2008 6:25 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Derrick Ward and Brandon Jacobs are also UFA's
Surely one of them will hit the open market. The Giants can’t afford to pay both.
by RedBirds to the SB on Dec 23, 2008 11:48 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree whole hardedly. If we can't stop anyone anyway, why pay Dansby the money???
by hevchv on Dec 22, 2008 4:49 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Dansby was the only one stopping anybody last Sunday
Out of all the Cardinal free agents this offseason, Dansby should be the one they focus on keeping. Who’s going to replace him?
by AJ BirdWatcher on Dec 23, 2008 6:02 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Dansby
I can’t really argue with your reasoning there so I’ll just answer your question with another question…..
If we let Dansby go, who’s the starting ILB next year? There isn’t anyone on the depth chart who can step in and there aren’t any free agents who are close to Dansby’s level. That leaves you with drafting a guy early and having him start early.
by RedBirds to the SB on Dec 23, 2008 6:27 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Leinart start???
WTF?!, seriously…the last few games have been pretty rough. Okay, a lot of them, but most of them are no fault to Warner. I would chalk up the jets game and this last one to his poor performance (not solely) but you are talking about trading in a guy who was just in contention for MVP for a guy who fumbled the ball two times in his first 3 minutes of play last Sunday (maybe not but it felt like it to me). The only way I see Leinart being half way effective is with a good line, because thats the only time I’ve seen him do it (USC). The part that was scary for me was the 31 jersey heading strait for him like a freight train and it’s like he didn’t even see it coming. It came quick but he didn’t even see the guy heading strait for him, come on.
by badmatty53 on Dec 22, 2008 4:21 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Whisenhunt said his helmet ear piece was making a loud static sound the first couple drives and if was difficult to communicate the plays to him. after it was fixed thats when he started playing better.
by Andrew602 on Dec 22, 2008 4:47 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
21 degrees. I couldn't hold onto my nuts in 21 degree weather.
Yes they’re pro’s, but they don’t get much snow and ice playing in the desert. Besides Kurt (not to mention Favre) has looked his age in recent weeks. If he can’t go a full season next year, then we’ll be in the same position again. Might as well give Matt the reigns. Its not like the rest of the team has done anything recently to say we’d be in better shape with Kurt. A strong start + a weak finish = a lost season regardless.
by hevchv on Dec 22, 2008 4:57 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't say it wasn't a risk but we need to get creative.
Warner is going to be looking for starter money if he comes back next year – we can’t afford to pay 2 QB’s starting money AND fix what needs to be fixed.
Leinart showed some good throws – if he has the time he can be fine.
All I am saying is that with the guys we have on the team at the moment we are looking at possible 8-8 back to back seasons.
I think with an improved line and run game we wouldn’t have to rely on KW throwing 50 times a game so Leinart would be fine.
Now this season is a different story – we need Warner to keep doing his stuff to have any chance.
by CardsIrish on Dec 23, 2008 5:03 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Next season
The NFCW, given it’s current rosters and upcoming coaching changes, would be an ideal time to let a young QB learn. I don’t see the division being a whole lot better next year, granted it couldn’t get much worse. The Cards should still be in contention for the title next season with Leinart.
by AJ BirdWatcher on Dec 23, 2008 6:08 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I've gotta agree with everyone else
If 9-7 is the best season that KW can give this team, I’m ready to turn it over to Leinart. At this point, I think we know what we’re going to get with Kurt. A handful of great, magical games against the bottom feeders of the league but marginal to terrible games against the league’s elite. Not to mention that he isn’t getting any younger. Maybe I’m already spoiled by winning thinking that 9-7 isn’t good enough but if that’s the ceiling with KW, then I’m willing to hand the reigns to the kid.
by RedBirds to the SB on Dec 23, 2008 6:33 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Hate to do this but.....REALITY CHECK
::bitch slap::
RUNNING GAME.
Do you think Kurt’s arm would be falling off if the Cardinals had a RUNNING GAME? Do you think Leinart would fumbling twice in three minutes if the Cardinals had a RUNNING GAME?
Stop throwing Warner and/or Leinart under the bus and point your frustrations towards Russ Grimm, the offensive line, and Todd Haley’s play calling. If the Cards even had last year’s running attack, the Carolina result should have been different — Philly could have been a grind it out game, we could be saluting a 10+ win season.
Warner, Fitzgerald, Boldin, and Breaston have all had incredible seasons. Imagine what it could have been like if the Cards had a running attack to keep the opposing defense guessing? Once the road graders are in place Hightower has some daylight to run through, JJ can make a cut and know the OT is there to decleat the DT, and play action gets the safeties to bite and Warner/Leinart/St. Pierre/Golden can connect on a slant with Boldin/Fitz/Breaston/Urban/Doucet/Noah! for a 60-yard TD…no problem!
The offensive line has to be the priority….again?! How many years has that been the case? Pay Dansby, pay Wilson, pick up a FA legit pass rusher, frak the “hybrid” crap. Sink the money in the o-line and add another hammer to the stable of RBs, keeping Arrington and Hightower. At that point Warner vs. Leinart is a moot point as either could lead this team to the Super Bowl.
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
by Hawkwind on Dec 23, 2008 8:36 AM MST reply actions 1 recs
well said Hawk
The offensive line doesn’t catch enough heat but they’re the biggest problem with this offense. Hopefully they draft the best OL on the board in the first, regardless of position, and I wouldn’t mind them looking around in FA for some help either.
Here’s a the million dollar OL question…….why are they so bad this year after being decent last year? This is the exact same offensive line as last year, minus Al Johnson. Is Sendelien that much of a dropoff in talent from AJ or have other players regressed?
by RedBirds to the SB on Dec 23, 2008 9:32 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
If we knew the answer there'd be a coaching job for someone!
The biggest change has been the person carrying the ball and Sendlein. I doubt either source is the culprit.
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
by Hawkwind on Dec 23, 2008 10:37 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Wasn’t throwing anyone under the bus. Quote,“The only way I see Leinart being half way effective is with a good line, because thats the only time I’ve seen him do it (USC).” Just trying to say that Warner is the better QB while everyone is trying to send him packing.
by badmatty53 on Dec 23, 2008 4:40 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Keep Warner, Buy OL, Drop Dansby & Edge, Draft OL-Hammer RB-Pass Rushers
I hate to say this but we can afford to let Q go in FA. Really we can. If he wants too much money, which there is a case that he should get it, then we should let him go. Trade him and his huge salary cap away. Use those extra picks to shore up the OL or get a first round RB.
With Edge, Dansby and potentially Q gone, that relieves the load and will hopefully get us an extra 1st or 2nd round pick. I could see a nice trade Q for an OL T or G and a 2nd round pick being an option.
But I say, Warner should get the one more year that he desires, and watch out because this team could go to the top!
by CardsFan08 on Dec 24, 2008 2:59 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
*Correction, I meant let Q go in the offseason.
by CardsFan08 on Dec 24, 2008 2:59 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
+1000000
I do need to recant because I now feel that Q deserves his money. He is worth it. I just hope he gets it from another team. We can’t afford 2 high priced receivers. I will miss him so…. moving on. Like I said. Let Dansby go. If our defense is gonna suck so bad, then why pay them big money. Anyway, would we pay him as an outside linebacker or an inside linebacker?
by hevchv on Dec 24, 2008 3:47 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
who starts at ILB then?
Are you going to draft a rookie and let him start from day 1 or sign a free agent (if so who?)?
by RedBirds to the SB on Dec 29, 2008 6:22 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
With Leinart...
We need to develop a running game. I expect the draft to focus on OL, followed by defense. If we don’t sign Warner and stick with Leinart next year, we should be a much more balanced team, with more money to spend on areas of weakness. I feel that with the right off season plan, not signing Warner is actually better for the team overall.
by G.O.B. on Dec 24, 2008 8:47 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
you make a lot of sense and Welcome to ROTB.
by hevchv on Dec 24, 2008 9:15 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the Welcome
I’ve been lurking around here for about a year, and I just finally decided to make a post.
And don’t get me wrong, Warner is a great QB and probably will be for another couple years if he wants to play, but the difference between Warner and Leinart is not nearly as drastic as many seem to believe.
I think we need Q for this offense to click properly, but if he still refuses to be part of the long term plans, we ought to trade him while his value is high and the trade demand talk is on the down low. He plays with all his heart and soul and to lose him would be very hard on the team, unless we can strengthen the OL and defense (particularly the secondary).
by G.O.B. on Dec 24, 2008 11:29 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Agree entirely this offseason will be an interesting one.
by CardsIrish on Dec 28, 2008 2:47 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
again, welcome to ROTB
How they handle Warner this offseason will be very intriguing. I’m starting to wonder if it wouldn’t be in everyone’s best interest for him to just retire after the season.
by RedBirds to the SB on Dec 29, 2008 6:24 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Disagree with Boldin
With Breaston and Urban playing as well as they have his value (for us) goes down. Don’t forget we have Boldin Jr. waiting in the ranks.
Actually I have to agree to disagree with you on Warner/Leinart as well. Warner is the better QB and we can get a short term contract for well under what we should pay him because he wants to stay in AZ and his future is so up in the air.
by badmatty53 on Dec 30, 2008 10:11 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Q
Yea I’ve been wondering how this season would effect Q’s status with the Cardinals. He hasn’t done anything to shed his ‘injury risk’ label and the team performs nearly just as well without him. I love the guy and he’s one of the best when he’s on the field, but this season couldn’t have helped his case for a new contract.
by RedBirds to the SB on Dec 30, 2008 10:21 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
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