Warner Puts Up MVP Numbers While Leinart Can't Even Get on Field for Mop-Up Duty

It seems absurd to think that some five years after Kurt Warner's NFL career was left for dead in New York, he's not only still playing, but he's in the MVP conversation. Frankly, I'd have an easier time believing that Peter King broke it off with Brett Favre.

But here we are, at the midway point of the 2008 season, and Warner is, statistically, one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. According to Football Outsiders, he ranks second in QB efficiency behind only Drew Brees (Favre, meanwhile, ranks 24th behind the likes of Gus Frerotte and Dan Orlovsky).

Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt fully supports Warner's candidacy: "I certainly think he should be given consideration for it, absolutely," [he said] said Monday, in response to a reporter's question. "He's playing at a high level."

So hooray for old guys who still use hair gel and sport the perpetual well-groomed five o'clock shadow.

Warner's success leads to the inevitable questions about Matt Leinart's future, and when not lavishing praise on Warner, Whisenhunt offered this:

Matt Leinart might get some playing time in a future lopsided game, Whisenhunt indicated. But that didn't happen on Sunday because, as the Cardinals were wrapping things up, they were in the midst of an 8-minute drive, Whisenhunt said.

"When you're in that process you're so wrapped up in that, and trying to be successful, you really don't think about that situation. Had it been a quick series," and the Cardinals had gotten the ball back, Leinart probably would have played.

"Then with three or four minutes left, I knew we were going to hand the ball off, so I didn't see any need to put Matt in the game just for a handoff."

That really can't do much for the ol' confidence, I'd think. Not only has Leinart lost his job to a 37-year-old, noodle-armed former grocery store clerk, but he can't even get on the field during blowouts. And if Warner signs an extension with the Cards, that could be the case next season, too.

Jay Cutler continues to be the best quarterback from the 2006 draft class, but at this points, he wins that honor by default.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

11-04-2008 @ 5:08PM

giant fan since 57 said...

Warner is playing terrific football and I couldn't be happier for him. Congratulations are in order for him and the Cardinals for doing this year what is incredibly hard....climbing out of the basement into the playoffs.

11-04-2008 @ 8:07PM

Big Whoop said...

They are scared of exposing the fraud that is Kurt Warner by letting Leinart on the field with Fitz, Boldin, Breaston and Hightower.

Warner at his best looks great, but you never know when the grocery boy in him will strike and there'll be soup cans all over aisle 3.

Jerry Desaulniers said...

Somethings just make me happy. Here we have Kurt Warner who was willing to mentor a spoiled brat named Lienart. And lienart showed complete disrespect to the honorable gentleman Warner. Now gracefully Warner is having a great year. Only one thing is missing, a picture of Lienart carrying a clipboard.

11-05-2008 @ 2:56PM

Robert said...

can I get an AAAAAAAMEN on that my brother? God bless people like you who appreciate the great ones like Kurt Warner. Matt got his feelings hurt when he should be learning the master. Now edge is pissed because he was struggling and Tim is taking over. This is what happened to the Rams. They had it all in 99, then some left, others complained, and down they went. 01 they built it back, then down again. If it's not broken, don't fix it. Would you want to be paid more by a losing team or stay, win & have fun? duh

11-05-2008 @ 1:02AM

spk said...

he is not a spoiled bratt you jack ass. you are an idiot for even thinking that. I will put all my money on the fact that you are probably a piece of white trash upset with your own life.

11-04-2008 @ 11:28PM

Sounds like you are the spoiled brat. The numbers don't lie. If Matt takes the time to learn from one of the NFLs greatest passers EVER he'll be in a better position to lead the cardinals back to the playoffs in a few years. Meanwhile, let the master get the cards to the superbowl for the next couple of years, get them experience and respect from the league, and as long as the offensive line gives him time to throw nothing can stop him! Then idiots like you can finally pull your heads out of your a$$ and climb off the turnip truck. Welcome to the party pal!

11-05-2008 @ 2:44PM

You may call me anything you like and your 50% correct. Yes I'm white but that is only a fraction of who I am. Today I'm a proud American. Proud that the racism has oficially ended in the United States of American. I myself don't have to be ashamed of what my ancestors did to the slaves and their children, as my ancestors were living in Canada at the time. But as a white man I'm so proud that my fellow white human beings looked past the color of a man's skin and electing what appears to be a very respectable human being! And as a 52 year old male I remember the evil white people in America did to the people of color in the 60's. And I've always had a deep longing to understand how much it hurt to be Black in the 60's, and I always hoped that something would change to offer more opportunity to the Black Americans. I knew affirmative action wasn't really the answer, but a great Black role model is right on time. For this I'm totallt estatic and deeply moved. And I'm not really sure why you have so much hate in you and hope that your statements were not racially motivated but just the frustrations of a wimpy little guy!

11-05-2008 @ 1:03AM

No doubt about it....50 years from now people will still be talking about the greatest QBs of all time, and Warner will be in the top 10!!! Nobody throws every kind of pass as well as him. Elway was great, but known for the 50 yard frozen rope. Montana (wow) but king of the touch pass for short yardage. Warner can do it all. Only set backs have been injuries (as have been the case for many stars) and offensive lines that couldn't stop a high school teams pass rush!!! Any young QB with brains would sell their soul to be Warner's backup and be able to learn from a future hall of famer like Kurt. He's a great man on and off the field. God bless him.

11-05-2008 @ 7:11PM

SPK said...

You are right. My UC Berkeley Education probably has no value to you.
Nor will my 100 K + job nor will the fact that I am 22 ....school
you....no, I am a spoiled brat. I was spoiled with love...and
happiness. Tsk Tsk.....name calling is not fun with smart ASS
bitches....LOL

11-05-2008 @ 6:51PM

In cyberspace we can pretend to be anybody we want! I kant speel bot i haev a pHD frum Harvurd. Get real does your mom know your playing on the internet.

11-05-2008 @ 8:30PM

LOL.....

in order to pretend...I would have to be lying. LOL...Jerry, my dear friend, you have issues. Get a proper grip on life and start growing up....if you are a 52 year old, I kindly would ask you to A. get laid B. get a job....you have much too much time to be attacking at 22 year old young woman.