Matt Leinart Makes It Through First Cuts But Don't Expect Him To Be A Cardinal Come Sunday
by Greg Esposito on Sep 3, 2010 6:17 PM MDT
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PrintIn his hit song Geek In the Pink, Jason Mraz sang the line "sometimes you gotta fit in to get in". If only Matt Leinart had an affinity for dorky, fedora wearing, guitar playing musical artists, he may be in a different position heading into Saturday's mandatory cuts.
Leinart made it through Friday's cuts but the Arizona Cardinals are still three cuts away from getting down to the required 53 man roster.
With the news that both Max Hall and John Skelton have been informed that they made the roster and the assumption that Derek Anderson is the starter, something coach Ken Whisenhunt was unwilling to confirm on Friday, it seems like a safe bet that Leinart is the odd man out (which is probably one of the few times in his life that he's been referred to as odd). Even beat writer extraordinaire Kent Somers sees it that way, telling his Twitter followers that Leinart "will not" be a member of the Cards come Sunday.
While Whisenhunt wouldn't confirm nor deny anyone's suspicions (come on though, even Mr. Magoo can see what's coming), he did have something interesting to say during his media availability Friday afternoon. He said that he was questioning whether Leinart "...can survive in the role as a No. 2 on this team. And that’s really what the decision is about."
If Leinart gets cut tomorrow, based on Whisenhunt's quote, it sounds like it will be his own fault. Like the Mraz song says, all he had to do was fit in with his teammates and his coach's wishes and he would get on the roster, and in all likelihood with Derek Anderson as the starter, get into a game.
If Leinart listened to Mraz's song he would have known the next line and the impact it could have had on his career with the Cardinals. "But don't ever quit cause soon I'm gonna let you in."
Which is exactly what Whisenhunt would have done.
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If Whisenhunt wasn't going to "let Leinart in" this season
Then he wasn’t ever going to let him in, barring injuries to every quarterback on the roster.
by YoungCardsFanatic on Sep 3, 2010 6:22 PM MDT reply actions
If Leinart had just followed the "script" and let Whisenhunt make him the back up he would have gotten in this year.
Arizona, even with Anderson as the starter, is Leinart’s best chance to start.
I once tried to quit a job using a dry erase board. Unfortunately I wrote the first part in Sharpie so I couldn't finish.
by Greg Esposito on Sep 3, 2010 6:24 PM MDT up reply actions
What??? How does that make any sense at all?
So being the backup means that he would become the starter this year? Are you some kind of psychic? If Anderson is the starter, then barring injury or some seriously terrible performances Leinart would not start, he would sit on the bench, again. If Anderson did play well and keep Matt on the bench, then he would probably extend his contract with the Cardinals. Matt has said he wants to be the starter somewhere. He isn’t going to be the starter backing up Anderson.
by YoungCardsFanatic on Sep 3, 2010 7:00 PM MDT up reply actions
I could actually see him starting for 3 teams...
Carolina: He wouldn’t hurt their situation.
St. Louis: Would give Bradford time to develop. Its not like they will win a lot of games. However it would have to be a waiver claim cause the Cards won’t trade in the division.
Buffalo: they could use an accurate passer and their really good receiving backs would benefit from Mr. Dump-Off.
Life's too short. Be a fan. Orlando Magic, Arizona Cardinals,Tampa Bay Rays and of course "the U"! What a winning combo.
by hevchv on Sep 3, 2010 7:01 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions
I honestly don't see how this is all Matt Leinart's fault
Sure, he could’ve played better, but throughout the whole off-season, he was mislead into thinking that he was the starter. Coach Whiz said there was no competition, and that Derek Anderson was just with the Cardinals to push Matt Leinart. DA said it himself, when he was signed by the Cardinals, he said, “I understand that I am here to push Matt Leinart only”.
Only now is Matt realizing that he’s probably not going to be the starter. So this wasn’t really all his fault. Like I said, he could’ve played better, but he, and everyone else, thought that he was the starter for sure.
When you bring someone in to "push" your starter, that implies there is a chance he could "push" right past him
I once tried to quit a job using a dry erase board. Unfortunately I wrote the first part in Sharpie so I couldn't finish.
by Greg Esposito on Sep 3, 2010 6:49 PM MDT up reply actions 2 recs
No job is safe. Matt knows that. Matt knows Whiz.
Life's too short. Be a fan. Orlando Magic, Arizona Cardinals,Tampa Bay Rays and of course "the U"! What a winning combo.
by hevchv on Sep 3, 2010 7:11 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions
So he slacked off because he thought he was already handed the job.
Exactly why he lost the job. You can’t say he is not culpable for his own actions, or lack there of.
How can it not be Matt's fault?
Warner was brought in, but never to start. Matt lost his job to Warner and never gained it back. He’s been given lots of opportunities since he arrived, plus years of being able to pick Warners brain for all sorts of football nuggets. For whatever reason, Matt never capitalized on the opportunies. And again in this off season, DA was brought in as backup, and Matt again didn’t do enough. Who knows what is done or said behind closed doors that we aren’t privy to, but it was enough that Whiz and/or the team doesn’t have confidence enough in Matt to be #1.
That's not quite true
KW was the starter and he got benched infavor of ML after week 4 of ML’s rookie season.
Thanks to Denny Green.
I don’t count any quarterback move involving him as a smart “football” move.
I once tried to quit a job using a dry erase board. Unfortunately I wrote the first part in Sharpie so I couldn't finish.
by Greg Esposito on Sep 3, 2010 10:06 PM MDT up reply actions
You're right. I stand corrected.
Makes you wonder how things would have changed if Matt had gotten signed earlier..or.. if Green had let Matt mature a bit more before playing him. Of course, if I recall at the time, people were chomping at the bit to get Matt on the field.
KW had that miserable fumbled snap vs STL
followed up by a shellacking at the hands of the Falcons….a change needed to be made.
It's an interesting question
I try not to think too much about what Denny Green’s decisions may have done to this team or players. He’s the reason John Navarre is in the record books as having ever started a game at quarterback for the Cardinals. That says everything anyone needs to know.
I once tried to quit a job using a dry erase board. Unfortunately I wrote the first part in Sharpie so I couldn't finish.
by Greg Esposito on Sep 3, 2010 10:12 PM MDT up reply actions
Anyone else think that if Denny Green was still the coach
And Matt never had the broken collarbone, he could be a pretty good QB in Green’s offense? It looked like he fit better with the offense Green used than the one Coach Whiz used.
Then again, if that happened Warner would not have given us 3 years that should get him into the Hall of Fame…
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.
anyone
think that if Green was the coach, we would have never made it to the Super Bowl? Me too.
Thats what I was talking about with Warner
I don’t know how good the team would be if Green was still here. Maybe crap, maybe a team like Houston that could be close to making the playoffs, maybe a Playoff team.
I was just saying that Leinart seemed to fit better in Green’s offense, and he would probably be a good QB if he has been playing full time since 2006.
Not Warner good, but still good.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.
LEINART WON'T SCRAMBLE!!!!
If Lienart would scramble the job would be his!!! Why am I the only one talking about thiS.
Derek Anderson doesn't scramble and the job is his.
I don’t think Leinart gaining a few more “panic” yards on the ground would have changed much.
I once tried to quit a job using a dry erase board. Unfortunately I wrote the first part in Sharpie so I couldn't finish.
by Greg Esposito on Sep 3, 2010 10:14 PM MDT up reply actions
Lienart
Anderson moves around back there & Lienart stays put. W/ his accuracy he could break free and complete his passes. Anyone ever ask him about this carrer enhansing tactic?
Do you know something the rest of us don't as it resonates from your comments that it's a given that D.A. is the starter?
Yes I do see that Whiz seems to be leaning that direction but nothing officially has been stated by him.
Well Kent Somers and Darren Urban saying he's the starter for one.
Plus, I’m not sure how any one can realistically expect Leinart to be named the starter after all of this. There has been absolutely no indication of that.
I once tried to quit a job using a dry erase board. Unfortunately I wrote the first part in Sharpie so I couldn't finish.
by Greg Esposito on Sep 3, 2010 10:36 PM MDT up reply actions
Yeah and I've read other things by them that didn't equate to real life outcomes. So that's what this is all based off of for you?
Realistically, I can see it. Despite all the noise in the press, which Whiz has said is just that, Matt has done what was expected of him. Airing his disappointment with the change in Chicago was just that and nothing more. If the preseason teaches anyone anything it should teach all of us fans it is a muted shout of what the regular season holds.
Where there is smoke there is fire
All this talk and rumors aren’t being create out of thin air by the local and national media. When you look sum of the parts the logical conclusion is that Leinart is on his way out the door, not that he is about to be named starter. Stranger things have happened and I’ll never say never. But I highly doubt all this drama has occurred just to give him the job.
I once tried to quit a job using a dry erase board. Unfortunately I wrote the first part in Sharpie so I couldn't finish.
by Greg Esposito on Sep 3, 2010 10:55 PM MDT up reply actions
I get what you are saying and those valid points to be sure. I will leave it alone for now.
I do however believe the Cardinals would be doing themselves a great disservice by not keeping ML. Why? Well… that’s simple as D.A. simply hasn’t proven he can play at a high level consistently. All that said, I would think the Cardinals would want to have a Qb that isn’t prone to turning the ball over seeing as they are supposedly switching to a ground game based offense. If the offense doesn’t change it’s Modus Operandi it still can’t afford the turnovers that are sure to come with D.A. at the helm.
I can understand and respect that view.
I once tried to quit a job using a dry erase board. Unfortunately I wrote the first part in Sharpie so I couldn't finish.
by Greg Esposito on Sep 3, 2010 11:12 PM MDT up reply actions
What would make me fall over laughing
is Derek Anderson having a pro bowl caliber year, because I have about as much faith in him as you do. Crushing the niners and winning the division for the third straight year with the “worst QB in the league” would be rich.
+1
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.
Hi Guys Pulpiteer here just wanted to dial in on Matt Weinart.
If Mark Schlereth has no respect for him and his teammates call him Mr. Checkdown what does this say about his character? Anyways I like Derek Anderson as your QB and I wish you luck in a division that is ripe for the taking. I got you guys killin S.F. and winning the division. Go Fitz!
I bleed gatorade and poop pigskins
2.7 ypp in last night's game
I bleed gatorade and poop pigskins
by Yardpenalty.com on Sep 3, 2010 7:31 PM MDT up reply actions
welcome hater !!
stick around, the rest of your ilk will be crawling out from under their rocks to say hello.
Did you also lose your girlfriend to Leinart in college ?
Ouch seems alittle harsh for someone rooting for our team.
Remember no matter where you go in life...there you are!
by McCards010 on Sep 3, 2010 8:06 PM MDT up reply actions
Lienart
Anderson moves around back there & Lienart stays put. W/ his accuracy he could break free and complete his passes but he refuses to scramble. Exactly like Marino his last few years.
Jim
Florida
I can agree with that for the most part .... the O-line hasn't helped much either.
I’ve watched every play of all the preseason battles and it seems as though the O-line suddenly becomes inept at their respective duties while Matt is at the helm. So… not much chance for him to scramble and buy time for a completion and/or run for a positive gain.
That tells me his teammates have no respect like what I just lost for your fans.
I bleed gatorade and poop pigskins
by Yardpenalty.com on Sep 4, 2010 2:37 PM MDT up reply actions
scsa is just pouting cause Leinart got cut, dont judge the rest of us
by a dumbass comment. Your comments are more than welcome, as long as you praise the Cards
Thanks man I appreciate that. I don't judge and it was more of poking back at him,
You guys got that division I am certain, the Niners are overrated IMO. Seattle’s new scheme isn’t NFL worthy just yet and the Rams are just getting started. I am impressed with your WR core and if Derek can stay confident and like any other team, the line holds up, you guys will be in it. Good luck and I hope Beanie keeps getting pushed by Tim. Competition is what makes us better.
I bleed gatorade and poop pigskins
by Yardpenalty.com on Sep 4, 2010 3:31 PM MDT up reply actions
He should have gotten a refund on the trip to Hawaii from them after that
I’ve noticed it too. It always seemed like the Line gave up on blocking when he was in. Just look at the sack from Hensen on Leinart’s first possession in the last game.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.
Where in Florida?
Life's too short. Be a fan. Orlando Magic, Arizona Cardinals,Tampa Bay Rays and of course "the U"! What a winning combo.
Where did he go George?
Mark is a old school pro and obviously he knew that this guy was garbage, he should back up Sanchez. Too butt buddys that have no right being NFL QB’s. They both suck.
I bleed gatorade and poop pigskins
by Yardpenalty.com on Sep 4, 2010 2:35 PM MDT up reply actions
For the record, no teammate has called him Mr. Checkdown...at least not publicly
by YoungCardsFanatic on Sep 3, 2010 7:43 PM MDT up reply actions
Yeah, it wasn't his teammates it was players on the Titans calling him that.
I once tried to quit a job using a dry erase board. Unfortunately I wrote the first part in Sharpie so I couldn't finish.
by Greg Esposito on Sep 3, 2010 9:56 PM MDT up reply actions
"If Mark Schlereth has no respect for him"
Who cares what that bag of dicks thinks?
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.
Fact is
Whisenhunt wants Leinart as his backup because he knows what he will get, a few first downs, maybe a little action, but mostly no turnovers. Why not have that as a backup option to DA just in case? Whiz is trying to humble Matty and let him know, no one is chomping at the bit to trade for you, your best bet is here, tough it out, be a pro, rabble, rabble, rabble.
At this point in his career if a guy with a history like DA beat him out for his job he has to accept the reality of it and accept his role on the team. A backup. I doubt he will.
I will say this, Leinart would be a great backup on any team.
"Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that." - Bill Shankly
Leinart Refuses To Scramble
Leinart refuses to scramble with this worthless offensive line knowing that this line will send him to the best nurologist in North America to join Warner.
WHY WON’T LEINART SCRAMBLE?????
He might be scrambling to find a job after tomorrow
…and/or asking how your want your eggs scrambled at IHOP.
LEINART
If Leinart would scramble he’d be the greatest QB ever along with the greatest accuracy I’ve ever seen.
SCRAMBLE MATT!! C’MON
Scramble? That's the answer?
Lol.
Just, wow.
"Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that." - Bill Shankly
Scramble Yes.
That would end his problems.
He’s got to know it.
ML was right, not just on the field.
I have been working around the Cards the past few pre-season training camps. Have had the opportunity to see ML regularly. In my opinion he has brought this upon himself, not only by poor performance on the field, but off the field as well. He exudes no leadership or relationship with his team mates. Most great each other, they didn’t bother with ML. Most eat together or socialize together, ML didn’t and was a loner. KW was always teaching and talking with rookie wideouts, tightends and backs, never say ML with any other players, let alone helping them. ML is right, it isn’t just on the field, as quarter back you have be a leader on and off the field. In my humble opinion he is not.
Interesting to know...
"Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that." - Bill Shankly
by Jesse Reynolds on Sep 4, 2010 2:26 AM MDT up reply actions
Welcome to SB Nation and Welcome to RotB.
Now with that said, if you work as close to the Cards as you say, then your insight would be greatly appreciated. But one question, are you a Cards fan or do you just work on site? I just can’t believe anyone could be a Cards fan and a Cowboys fan at the same time. They used to be rivals at one point.
Life's too short. Be a fan. Orlando Magic, Arizona Cardinals,Tampa Bay Rays and of course "the U"! What a winning combo.
Life Long Cowboy Fan
Thanks for the welcome. Can’t help be a fan when you get to know the guys. I really enjoy pre-season with all the rookies. I encourage them after the game on a great catch or outstanding. These kids are fighting for a job and it is extremely serious business and it really lights them up to be complemented. I was raised in AZ, but always a Cowboy fan, but now, as long as they are not playing each other I want both to win and do well. By the way, Max Hall is the real deal.
Surprised no one has made a connection yet
Been a few comments of how the line dont seem to protect Leinart as well as Anderson, a good example being the Skins game. How much the offense “pops” with Anderson at QB. To me thats pretty indicative of how the players feel about ML and DA. Maybe Leinart tried to buy respect with the trip to Hawaii instead of earning it. Actions do speak louder than words, so the preseason games should tell plenty. How many times we heard the arguement “Matt had no time, the defense was all over him” etc etc. Shouldnt that tell us anything about how his teammates feel about him? I think it speaks pretty loudly about who the players have picked for their QB
by Dem_Cardz on Sep 4, 2010 11:07 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah that thought ran through my mind.
Then after seeing a few more games I realized that none of the other QBs were blitzed like Matt. Now if you want to talk conspiracy, maybe Whiz told the other teams to blitz when Matt was in the game. That’s all I got.
Life's too short. Be a fan. Orlando Magic, Arizona Cardinals,Tampa Bay Rays and of course "the U"! What a winning combo.
by hevchv on Sep 4, 2010 11:50 AM MDT via mobile up reply actions
The other teams all know how to shut down Leinart.
If the opposing defense is making jokes and taking bets about what the QB is going to do, and they’re right every time, then it’s a problem with the QB. They had his number, knew how to get him off the field and work their own offense some more.
Maybe not intentionally
We all strive to do better for someone we respect, whether sports, work or personal. Being around ML I can say there is little to no respect from his fellow teammates. However, what you see in the preseason games is very little on what really goes on in training camp. Even the veteran feel the pressure to perform, in practice and games. It is serious business and it goes on from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.
When he was drafted in 06, I thought to myself," why did he fall to us?". There was a reason the other teams bypassed him in the draft. A superior college QB doesnt always translate into a superior NFL QB. Ive often wondered why he couldnt beat out KW as the starter, and now I know. He doesnt have the desire or passion for the team. Best to let him go.
cards qb
dont think leinart was ever given a fair chance whisenhunt never liked leinart .Have been a cards fan for about a decade and hope this doesnt come back and bite us in the arse .think leinart should have been given the chance to start the regular seasonand get a few games under his belt think whizz is on a power trip
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