Arizona Cardinals Training Camp Coverage: Beanie Wells Ankle and Matt Leinart vs. Brian St Pierre
by Hawkwind on Aug 3, 2009 7:11 AM MDT
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PrintThe Arizona Cardinals had quite an eventful first weekend of training camp. Not only was the club having to deal with record crowds, they signed their first round pick and then promptly carted him off the field during his first practice. The ankle injury doesn't appear serious but the details are explained below. The Cardinals also had to cut tight end Alex Shor to make room for Wells after the signing become official. The team will be busy this week will eight practices in the next five days with two-a-days today, Wednesday and Friday, including a big night practice at Lumberjack Stadium on Wednesday.
Chris Wells Ankle Injury: So we all know that Beanie got carted off the practice field but the injury doesn't appear to be very serious. After getting the results from the MRI, Coach Whisenhunt said that it didn't appear serious but he also didn't give a timetable for his return. Some speculation is that he could miss most of this week and that the coaching staff will be very conservative with his return so that this won't turn into a lingering injury. If you're looking for a silver lining, no one has reported this as a "high ankle sprain" which, as we saw last year with Antrel Rolle, can cost a player nearly off of camp. We'll keep an eye on Beanie, but for now I'd imagine that he be firmly implanted on a stationary bike. The biggest question is how much farther does this set Beanie back after missing all of OTA's.
The Battle for the Backup QB Job: I'm sure that when Matt Leinart was drafted with the tenth overall pick just three years ago he didn't envision himself battling for the backup QB job with a 29 year old guy who had never completed an NFL pass, but that's where he stands right now. While most still don't consider this a competition, Whisenhunt did say that the two quarterbacks will rotate in and out with the second team. We speculated last year that Whiz enjoyed playing head games with Leinart in order to mentally stronger and he seems to be taking the same approach this year.
Other notes from the weekend practices:
- Bryant McFadden turned some heads with his physical play at corner. Depsite being matched up on the Cards' most physical wide reciever (Anquan Boldin), McFadden more than held his own.
- Herman Johnson continues to practice at right tackle while Brandon Keith is at right guard. There hasn't been any change in the starting lineups yet but it's pretty apparent that the biggest question mark on the line is at backup center.
- Cody Brown, rookie outside linebacker, has more than held his own during individual drills against the offensive line. Hopefully those pass rushing skills translate to game time.
- There might already be cause for concern at fullback where Dan Kreider and Justin Green are sidelined with injuries. Kreider is nursing a sore hamstring but isn't expected to miss much time while Green has been sent back to the Valley for tests on his damange knee. The severity of that injury does not look promising. When asked about their status though, Whiz commented that the fullbacks don't get many reps in practice anyways.
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Thanks for the updates
I am checking ROTB and azcardinals.com everyday for all of the information I can get, so thanks for keeping those of us away from the nest up to date!
Two Ways to Spin It...
The national media will try to make this all about Leinart (i.e. not starting and now in jeopardy of losing his second string spot on the depth chart).
Another way to look at it is The Whisenhunt Rule: “Best guy gets to play.”
I truly believe that if a cave man were to demonstrate during camp that he was the guy we’d be best able to win with (Warner, Leinart, St. Pierre or Palko notwithstanding), Wiz would start him.
Don’t underplay the role of The Wisenhunt Rule in getting us to where we we got last season.
GBR
by jeffgollin@aol.com on Aug 3, 2009 8:17 AM MDT reply actions
More on BMac in Training Camp
He was put up against Fitz and was able to shut him down on man to man coverage. Well, it was just for one play but still that is something that most defensive backs can’t say they have done.
Here is the story on it.
Leinart = Ryan Leaf
“I’m sure that when Matt Leinart was drafted with the tenth overall pick just three years ago he didn’t envision himself battling for the backup QB job with a 29 year old guy who had never completed an NFL pass, but that’s where he stands right now. While most still don’t consider this a competition, Whisenhunt did say that the two quarterbacks will rotate in and out with the second team.”
Some still just don’t get it. This isn’t about Whisenhunt playing head games, this is about Leinart being the biggest bust since Ryan Leaf.
And as for BSP having only one career pass… Who cares? Matt Cassel rode the pines in college and in the pro’s… and he has far surpassed Leinart in skills and readiness. He is the starting franchise QB for the Chiefs.
Matt Leinart? Well he has looked like the usual powderpuff Leinart at camp this year. And if his weak floaters keep dropping short of the receivers again next week, then this competition will be over before you know it.
eh, I knew this would bring out the Leinart hater
Don’t feed the Trolls!!
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
HardHat
Hey HardHat. I wondered how long it would take you to find your way over here from the AzCentral forums. I can tell you, the people here are a who lot more “football smart” than the people you see over there. I think you’ll enjoy it.
If you make good arguments, nobody is going to criticize you for them. As far as Leinart is concerned, I think everybody would like to see what he can do, but he sure hasn’t proven much so far.
And by “who lot more ‘football smart’,” of course I mean a whole lot more football smart.
Doesn’t say much about me if I can’t say that people are smart without looking like an idiot.
Hardhat
What the hell did Leinart do to you that made you hate him so much? I would love to see how you react when Leinart does well during the Preseason.
Weather you want to admit it or not, he had a decent rookie year, and over the last year he has been trying to improve himself and he has become a better team player. Leinart will be a great Quarterback someday, but even if he does get as good as Warner, you will still **** all over him in any blog that even mentions him.
HardHat isn't new around here.
He’s been trolling since about June. And just as negative as ever.
Life's too short. Be a fan. Magic, Cards,Rays and "the U"! What a winning combo.
I don't know about the comparison
But I did watch Wiz last night on one of the 10:30 sports shows (maybe Fox), and he sure had the same expression/demeanor as when he talked about Warner vs. Leinart from last camp.
I don’t know enough about football to pass judgment on the relative abilities of the competing QBs, but I know enough about sports in general and personalities that I wouldn’t be surprised to see Leinart as the third-stringer come the first game of the season.
Mmmmm ... Guinness
Third String?
If Leinart gets beat out, isn’t he on the street? I assume the front office wouldn’t pay his salary for a third stringer.
by StuckinColorado on Aug 3, 2009 6:08 PM MDT up reply actions
Gut feel
I’m not saying I can evaluate the talent and I’m definitely not saying that I have any clue as to how the front office works. All I know is that after watching that interview, it was deja vu all over again. And Wiz seems to be the type of guy that holds grudges.
Mmmmm ... Guinness
The Cards Clique on ROTB
Hard Hat, I got your back. We’re sharing a brain about Leinart. Leinart is a bust and to call him such is not a personal insult to Leinart or the fans of the Cards or those that visit the RoTB site. The bust label is not one that can be argued about. He simply hasn’t performed to the level of a player drafted where he was drafted. I say that qualifies him as a bust. Leinart was the10th player pick in the 2006 draft, expected to be the franchise QB, and lift the team to respectability. His lack of maturity, disinterest in learning the play book, and lack of top ten physical tools all have contributed to Leinart now fighting for the back-up QB slot with a guy who to the best of my knowledge has yet to throw a pass in a NFL regular season game.
My evaluation of Leinart is: Good size for the position; doesn’t have a cannon for an arm (very average arm strength); is more of a finness passer; lacks the ability to escape initial and secondary pass rush pressure to buy time with his feet (immobile); lacks zip (velocity) on his fastball to consistently complete the 20 yard out; Is most effective throwing the ball inside the hash area; has progression read issues; and is not a hard worker.
Leinart lacks the physical tools to be an elite level QB in the NFL. With Leinart as the starter the Cards will have a very limited passing game. He lacks the tools to make stick throws into small windows on third down with the game on the line.
Dennis Green made a mistake drafting this guy. I don’t hate Leinart, just giving my football analysis of the guys ability as an NFL passer. You cannot win a NFL championship with Matt Leinart as your starting QB.
I'm confused
What’s a “Cards Clique on ROTB”? I’m not being a smartass, I’m trying to figure out what this means. This is a blog for the Cards, so by definition anyone that’s a Cards fan would be a part of the clique.
Is there supposed to be some other clique? Are you trying to say that the group mind here doesn’t allow for dissension?
You're Kidding Right
KDean75, I am suggesting THAT different opinions are not welcomed here. Joined the site on 4-15-09 and started posting on 5-03-09. Check out my blogs and you come to understand why I titled my last blog entry “The Cards Clique on the RoTB.” Anytime I have posted something that was not the popular view of some on the site, post would follow that were personally attacking and vulgar in nature. It has been previously suggesting that I not blog here and go back to the National Sites and post there.
Maybe it was a joke, maybe not. All I know is that when someone comes along such as myself , Hard Hat or Geomak a group comes out and starts attacking the blogger (reference, Media Starting to Turn on Boldin ?, Are the Fans ?, Arizona Cardinals News, Drew Rosenhaus Will Not Let the Anquan Boldin Trade Rumors Die , Revenge of the Birds Chats With FSN Arizonona’s Jody Jackson and Arizona Cardsdinals News, The Anquan Boldin Trade Rumors Simply Wont Die).
If one of the top five players on the team (Q) can be trashed on this site all of the off-season, National Sites and in the National Media, why is a player like Leinart not subject to the same scrutiny on these very same sites . After all he has grossly under achieved.
Hopefully, you’re no longer confused as I think I have a very valid point. Read it and weep.
“Read it and weep”? What is there to weep about? You haven’t made a valid point. I asked you about your phrase “Cards Clique”. I would suggest you go look up the word clique, you’re using it incorrectly.
You’re talking about that you’ve defended Boldin and others don’t agree? Could it be that you’re wrong?
You’ve made it clear on here that you’re an Anquan Boldin fan, not a Cards fan. You certianly have that right, but perhaps you’d be more comfortable posting on the Ravens site or on the National Football Post your love of Boldin and how the Cards have treated him unfairly.
I have no desire to converse with someone that has one point of view and is unable to see other points of view, or agree to disagree.
Again, please look up the word clique, it doesn’t mean what you think it means. This is an Arizona Cardinals football website, therefore, it has a built in clique that everyone that joins the site is a part of, including, oh no!!!, you.
A Loyal Fan
KDean75, I wish to thank you for conversing with me on the subject of the everything Arizona Cardinals reated. You have every right to tell me what you think I am as we have been the best of friends all these many months. Contrary to what you think, I am a fan going all the way back to the Coryell days.
Per your instruction, I did look up the word clique. Webster defines clique as ’ a narrow exclusive circle or group of persons; esp ; one held together by common interests, views,or purposes’. I understood exactly what I meant when I posted. I am not sure that you did. I’m sure the Nationl Football Post thanks you for plugging their site. Again, I thank you for helping me to prove my point.
81, I know the two of us have been round and round before without ever really solving anything but I just don’t get it. You’re obvious the ‘negative Nancy’ of ROTB and I would assume most of the circles that you chose to enter, so with that in mind I’d also assume that you’re used to people disagreeing with you. Let’s face it, most of the stuff that we talk about here is based on opinions and facts can only take us so far. Opinion-based conversation is normally going to lead to arguments that really don’t go anywhere because how likely is it that my opinion is really going to change your opinion. Just because most of ROTB holds a different opinion that yourself though doesn’t mean that we’re some sort of clique.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
I like most of your QB analysis..
but by your logic Antrel Rolle and Levi Brown are both busts because they haven’t played to their specific draft order. I say give the guy a chance, I don’t think we’ve seen enough of him to count him out so soon, not everyone can pull a Matt Ryan rookie year..and no, I’m not a big fan of Leinart.
+1
I am not going to crown Leinart as the guy that will carry this team when he takes over just yet but neither will I consider him a bust. He still has the potential to possibly do something special with this team. Until he proves to me he can or can’t I’ll reserve my judgment on him till then and hope for the best that he can be the QB of the future.
Thank you I Think
Fitz Jizzle, I have read a good many of your post entries and must say that I do respect your football ’ IQ’. Rolle has been a bit of a disappointment too , however; he has been on the field from day one, been a contributor from day one and has made plays to help the team win games.
While not a stud as a DB, he is not, nor should he be considered a bust. In short he’s on the field.
As for Brown, I would say that he is not one of the top 20 takles in the NFL. Weak run blocker at the point of attack and can’t handle speed rusher off the edge. He is a part of the worst rushing offense statically in 2008. Brown has under achieved given where he was drafted and maybe it was a mistake to draft him that high by Graves (Penn St. is/was LB U never OL U). He may not be what he was drafted to be but he is making a CONTRIBUTION to turning around the franchise. Much more than we can say about “Hollywood” Leinart.
Look , I’d love for Leinart to morph into Kenny Stabler. I just think he lacks the mental toughness and work ethic.
This reply proves your knowledge of football is non-existent.
Oh really, a QB doesn’t produce immediately out of college? Oh my gosh, that’s never happened before!
Since you don’t know what the word clique means, I’m going to assume that sarcasm escapes your grasp as well.
In the recent history of the NFL, very few QB’s have come in right away and produced. Matt Ryan obviously did it last year, but that’s not the norm, that’s the exception. I’m not going to list a bunch of QB’s that weren’t successful right out of college because that’s a very, very long list.
Rolle was a top 5 pick as a cornerback. He has busted in that capacity. He is now a safety, a step down in terms of ability. He has been beaten out of the cornerback position.
Levi was also a top 5 pick as a left tackle. He has busted in that capacity as he’s now a right tackle and maybe not that great of one. He has not had enough competition to even have someone beat him out of his spot.
Leinart was drafted at #10 and so far has been beaten out by a much, much better QB. He might be the starting QB sometime soon, he might not. But typically, QB’s take time to develop.
Your “analysis” is not valid. You’re comparing apples and oranges when it comes to assessing QB’s.
Stay Classy
It"s obvious to anyone reading these threads that this has gotten personal for you. I choose not to go down that route. The above post was meant for Fizt Jizzle and not you. However, this is OUR site so you have every right to respond any way you like.
Fitz Jizzle states in the above post that he ’ likes most of my QB analysis’ . Seems some would disagree with you about my football knowledge. Doozer and MBN also come to mind.
As I have stated earlier, Rolle has been a disappointment. He is not an elite level CB and had to be moved to safety. Ditto, Levi Brown. A player can have the measurables and still not pan out. This would be a Front Office mistake. You can’t measure heart or desirability. While both are overpaid, they are making a contribution to winning ON THE FIELD.
Leinart has gotten on the field and hasn’t produced when given his oppurtunity . He has had offensive weapons. This cannot be denied. Warner was brought in to be the back-up. Leinart couldn’t cut it. You overlook Leinart’s shortcomings. Just going by what i see. I’m sorry that I disappoint you KDean75. I will make every attemp to improve on this in the future.
I think this would have happened to anyone...
having 600 pounds fall on your leg like it did for Wells.
I did not see nor know how or why.
Its a scary headline given the controversy…I really hope he stays free of injury and has a great year.
it was certainly the first thing that I thought
but hopefully this was just a fluke thing and he’ll go on to stay healthy all year long.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
Front page of Yahoo news: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/around_the_nfl/post/Leinart-sinking-?urn=nfl,180260
Pathetic. The media keeps sinking to new lows. Apparently there is nothing more important in the world right now than the backup quarterback competition in AZ.
We'll see what happens when Matt takes over
Most of the peole who bash Matt forget who’s in front of him. Kurt is one of the best teachers in the league. Matt has the arm, foot work is always some concern when it comes down to this position. Best thing Matt has going for him is learning the game from on of it’s greats. Kurt has dead on accurecy and will thread the needle. He also knows how to read defenses. He has faced some spectacular defences in his day. Passing this on to Matt will help the young guy get a good head on what’s to come.
Give him a chance when it comes.
Wells will be a great back for us. Injuries happen all the time. He is a tuff guy. Plus seeing him come into camp twenty pounds less means he is ready. He is ready to pick up our running game and take it to the next level. Edge couldn’t because of a lack of speed. Wells is quick and agile. Can’t wait too see him run all over SF.
Been a fan since 88’. This looks like our best season yet. All areas may not have pro bowlers, but all have contributed and knows what it takes to be a champ. Coach won’t accept anything less then 100% after what we accomplished last year. He wants this more than any other coach we have ever had. This should be our coach for life. Think I like it better with Wiz calling plays. Todd loved to pass on odd downs and run on hopeless downs. Wiz is smarter.
Thanks for reading my rant. Go Cards!
by 4LIFE on Aug 4, 2009 12:33 AM MDT reply actions 1 recs
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