Arizona is far from convinced that Matt Leinart is its short- or long-term answer at quarterback. His work ethic and commitment continue to be questioned, NFP's Michael Lombardi is told by sources in the Cardinals building. It would surprise him if Leinart is the starter on opening day, especially if the team is able to sign Charlie Whitehurst from the Chargers. Source: National Football Post
Bullcrap......absolute bullcrap. Maybe Leinart hasn't lived up to the hype, but questioning his committment and work ethic right now is pure crap.
Early on, absolutely...and he deserved it. Had the playboy 'I'm the Man' attitude and didn't put in the time. Listened to a radio interview last week and he talked about the same topic. Said a few things have had an impact on his approach to football and off-field stuff. Openly admitted all the public ridicule really got to him and he 'grew up' by becoming a father a couple of years ago. Also said the arrival of Kurt Warner was the real eye-opener. Warner was what Leinart wanted to be but saw how Warner worked his butt off to get it. Bottom line now is that Leinart is usually the first to arrive at practice and last to leave. He usually snags one of the WR's to put in extra time after practices. That's been discussed almost too much down here. He understands very well that he's in the drivers seat, but he's got to perform. Nobody wants it more than Leinart.
It really is. This guy wants to be a quality NFL QB and he's working his butt off now that he's the man. And being realistic, he's got to have a better than good year. With his salary and roster bonus due in 2011, the Cards are looking at handing over $14MM in 2011. So if Leinart does well and the Cards want to keep him and he wants to stay, good numbers will get him an extension or the Cards cut him loose to sign on with someone else. Either way, he's got to put up some numbers, and he knows it. This guy has really grown up and that there very few in the league working harder than Leinart. The dude is driven.
It's nice to see that somebody else here thinks Matt might be okay. I'm not so sure that coach Whiz will actually give him a fair shot. I think Whiz has been spoiled by having a cannon-arm QB to really beat a defense deep when they stack the box. Fact is, Matt just doesn't have that arm, but he won't need it as much handing the ball off 40+ times a game.
If he can just avoid the really dumb throws, he'll be okay. Hell Warner wasn't a saint when it came to INT's or fumbles. Good luck to Whiz finding that cannon. Not many out there. If there's one thing Leinart won't do that Warner was absolutely a master at was releasing the ball a split second before he got nailed. Leinart will undoubtedly throw "to soon". All said, IF Whiz gives Matt a true shot (the entire season) I think he'll end up being better than average.
Agreed. I hope they just stick with Matt the entire year to see if he's got the goods. I am so tired of the Cardinals giving up on guys (Kyle VandenBosch for example) and watching them play in the Pro-Bowl for another team. As you know I was always critical of Warner. When the wheels came off it became a spectacular train wreck. I still don't think he's a lock for the HOF for just that reason.
They already knew this about Leinart. This is the Cardinals fault for not doing a better job in planning for the post-Warner era. Next season is going to be a long one in Arizona.
