Since 2006, the Arizona Cardinals are 6-10 with Kurt Warner starting at QB and 7-9 with Matt Leinart under center. During that time, Warner has a 62.8 completion percentage, 4109 yards passing, and has thrown 29 touchdowns against 21 interceptions, compared to Leinart's 56.o%, 3194 YDS, 13 TD, and 16 INT. Arizona Coach Ken Whisenhunt named Leinart the starting quarterback for the 2008 season even though he missed much of last year with a broken collarbone. Nevertheless, Leinart could be on a short lease with the capable veteran Warner backing him up.
The tale of the tape:
Kurt Warner: the veteran: Warner, who played his college ball at Northern Iowa, was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 1994, but was released before the regular season began. He played for the Iowa Barnstormers of the Arena Football League from 1995-1997 before signing with the St. Louis Rams. He went on to win two NFL MVP awards in 1999 and 2001, as well as the Super Bowl MVP award in Super Bowl XXXIV. He led the air attack for the "The Greatest Show On Turf" (also anchored by RB Marshall Faulk, and the receiving duo of Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt). Together they became the only team in NFL history to score 500+ points in 3 consecutive seasons. The 36 year old Warner still seems to be able to get it done.
Matt Leinart: the future: Leinart played college football for USC, leading them to an AP national championship in 2003, a BCS national championship in 2004, and an appearance in the 2005 BCS national championship game. He was selected in the 1st round (tenth overall) by Arizona in the 2006 Draft. In 11 starts as a rookie, Leinart threw for 2,547 yards and 11 touchdowns. He finished the season with a 4-7 record. He opened the 2007 season as the starting quarterback, but after poor performance, he began alternating with Warner until he suffered a fractured left collarbone ending his season. Warner took over the starting quarterback position from that point on. Leinart is the Cardinals quarterback of the future and appears to be fully recovered from his injury.
In April, 2008, Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said he was "disappointed" in quarterback Matt Leinart after
Internet photos surfaced of Leinart partying at his Chandler-area home. Beer bong anyone?
May, 2008: From Arizona's official site, coach Whisenhunt said quarterback Matt Leinart looked confident during minicamp and handled the offense well, in addition to looking sharp on his throws. Backup Kurt Warner also looked very good during his work....
Fantasy analysis: Stay tuned for more information on this quarterback battle until the start of the regular season. Leinart should be the starter, but stay clear of either one until it has confirmed by the time of your draft. The last thing you want to do is draft a backup QB. Either one of them will benefit throwing to talented wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Running back Edgerrin James should keep the pass rush honest.
