Arizona Cardinals Name Kurt Warner the Starting QB (for the Final Preseason Game)

by cgolden on Aug 28, 2008 6:32 AM MDT in General Arizona Cardinals News

Coach Whisenhunt announced yesterday that Kurt Warner will the be the starting quarterback for his Arizona Cardinals when the Broncos come to town to end the preseason. He was quick to point out that this is not an indication that Warner will start the regular season opener but instead he cited that Warner hadn't received enough snaps with the first team yet. So far through the preseason, Warner has taken 30 snaps overall versus Leinart's 57. What makes this even more interesting is that Whisenhunt said he was sure how long, or IF Matt Leinart will play behind the second string offensive line.

To this point, it's been hard to figure out exactly what Ken Whisenhunt was thinking but the picture is getting much more clear. If Warner starts and Leinart does not touch the field then you can go ahead and pencil Warner in atop the depth chart (as long as he doesn't have a 3 INT, 2.8 QB rating). Warner has performed better during the preseason and if this was really a competition then he should be the starter. Matt needs at least the opportunity to take some snaps to put last week behind him though, even if those snaps are with the second string offense and the Broncos third string defense. Chances are that Leinart will have to get on the field at some point this season and it would be nice if his most recent memories weren't throwing three interceptions in five offensive series. Thoughts? How would you divide the playing time?

Poll

Should Matt get at least a couple of series against the Broncos?

Matt who? I've already moved on.

6 votes

We're going to need him at some point in '08, at least let him get some confidence back.

16 votes

If it's a true competition he has to at least compete.

14 votes

36 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 8 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Monty Python as Devil's Advocate

Isn’t it typical for the starting QB to sit out the last preseason game? Could this be construed as Leinart is the starter and is “resting”? Tired and shagged out after a long sqauwk, er, training camp? Or is it a case of, as John Cleese would say, “this bird is bleedin’ demised!”?

Leinart has been left for good as dead by the majority of NFL fans, but he’s “not dead yet”, and for him to be “feeling better, I could go on”, he needs to play a good chunk of this last game. Behind the backup o-line is fine as he seems to have the same issues of pressure with the first teamers. Subpar DBs? He’ll be throwing to the deep reserve WRs that may not run perfect routes are be up on a lefty’s spinning pass (or waffling duck as may be the case). Still, this is a chance for him to get in rhythm and get back into the game mentally rather than running off the field to suck his thumb and then claim “I was hungry”.

We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!

by Hawkwind on Aug 28, 2008 8:25 AM MDT reply actions

I hadn't thought about that angle

It is true that most starting QB’s don’t play this game.

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Aug 28, 2008 8:51 AM MDT up reply actions

Could have voted for 2nd or 3rd option

I could care less if Kurt had 1,2 or even 0 series in this game. I know he’s ready for week 1. Matt should be played like a typical #2 in this game and give him as much practice as he can. I would like to see Matt play most of the 1st half, BSP play the second and KW the starter in SF.

by AJ BirdWatcher on Aug 28, 2008 8:55 AM MDT reply actions

I know..

some #2’s sit out this last game as well, but Leinart needs the practice & confidence boost.

by AJ BirdWatcher on Aug 28, 2008 8:56 AM MDT up reply actions

yea I think he definitely needs some snaps

I would hate for him to have to come off the bench in a game that we really need to win and his last memories of the ball in his hand is last week.

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Aug 28, 2008 9:02 AM MDT up reply actions

Morelli's game?

Rather than St. Pierre in the second half, I’d like to see Morelli in with some of the 2’s rather than all 3’s. It would be nice to see what he can do in some consecutive series rather than the last one of each of the past three games. He’s Practice Squad at best yet you’d like to know he can be activated to the 53-man roster in an emergency and not scuttle the ship. Or do you think the Cards like him enough to not want to expose him to the other 31 teams so he can clear waivers?

We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!

by Hawkwind on Aug 28, 2008 10:04 AM MDT reply actions

No way Cards keep 4 Qb

on the roster. I did forget to mention earlier that he could use a couple series as well. I would put him on the PS, but I don’t think it would be a huge loss if another team wants to sign him.

by AJ BirdWatcher on Aug 28, 2008 10:36 AM MDT up reply actions

Morelli

Yea nobody (even Jon Gruden) would keep four QBs but I’d be shocked if another team picked him up. If they did, he’d have to be part of their 53 man roster, which I don’t think he’s shown anything to warrant. If the Cards want him on the practice squad, I think they’ll easily get him.

I wouldn’t mind seeing him for an extended period though. We’ve seen BSP enough in the past three games to know he’s a capable #3. Now lets get a solid 2 quarters to look at Morelli and see if he can show any potential.

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Aug 28, 2008 10:53 AM MDT up reply actions