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The Trouble With A Primadonna Is ? You Fill In The Blanks
By tophac | April 8, 2008
Much was made of Matt Leinart’s introduction to the NFL and that he was a proven commodity and NFL ready. As to what the latter really means I can’t really attest to. Suffice to say either the player has the talent to make it in the NFL or he just doesn’t .
Matt Leinart of the Arizona Cardinals . picture courtesy si.com/nfl/arizonacardinals/mattleinart ……
For Leinart however the clock is ticking and many pundits are already declaring that he’s been a failure since his signing with the Arizona Cardinals. No one doubts Leinart’s ability at the college level where if anything he proved himself a resourceful. But when you consider the talent that he was surrounded with over the course of his tenureship with USC. Was there really a doubt in anyone’s mind that he wouldn’t be successful there ? That was equated with him winning a Heisman trophy and two national championships even if there was the dubious distinction that one of those national titles was a shared one. And here I was under the impression that no one remembers a second place finisher. It appears that’s not the case when you say that you shared a championship as you’re both then thought of as being winners. Is that the way it’s really meant to work ?
Arizona Cardinals’ quarterback Matt Leinart seen here playing against the St Louis Rams. picture courtesy of nfl.com/arizonacardinals/mattleinart …….
Leinart as the franchise’s face of the future has been anything but that since his introduction to the team . And his onfield productivity has been marginal at best and when one considers the offensive weapons that he has. It’s not extremely difficult to figure out where his problems really lie. Matt Leinart hasn’t equated the fact that playing at the college level and in playing in the NFL are two different things. And though he was in the constant limelight playing for the USC Trojans and treated like a deity by the fans there in Southern California. Leinart still hasn’t gotten use to the fact that the spotlight shines on you even brighter in the NFL and that your frailties are all the more exposed for the whole world to see. In Leonard Pope (TE), Anquan Boldin (WR) and Larry Fitzgerald (WR ) he may well have the best triumvirate of young players playing at their positions within all of the NFL. Somehow however Leinart is unable to communicate with the them effectively on the field. And in running back J J Arrington they’ve got a bull of a workhorse that’d run all day if asked. And on ocassion he has proven that he’s capable of the task when asked. Less we forget there’s also the veteran running back Edgerrin James.
Cardinals’ wide receiver Anquan Boldin . picture courtesy of nfl.com/arizona cardinals/anquanboldin….
With Leinart in place it was felt that a Cardinals’ franchise that’d known hard times might be on the way to turning the corner. They’d not been in playoff contention in years and the beleif was that their ownership didn’t really care. The fans remained though loyal somewhat indifferent to their plight. At least they’d have the chance to see one of the more exciting attacks around the league. Defensively however the team was a mess and lacked discipline. And not even the presence of the stoic disciplinarian Denny Green as their coach would change the psyche of this team. Leinart for his part was soon to become the whipping boy for all of the things that ailed the franchise. In many respects that too was understandable. As here was a prized first round draft pick that was performing like a dog.
Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals proving why it is that he’s one of the more gifted players at his position within the league. picture courtesy of si.com/nfl/cardinals/larryfitzgerald ……
And as much as one can lament the woes of the Cardinals over the years. It has to be said that they’re not without fault with regard to their present predicament. The neglect shown by the front office over the years and their lack of commitment in putting a sound product wasn’t lost on the fans in Arizona or to the rest of the NFL. Even when the franchise wasn’t in the spotlight they were still making money. Those are the the wiles of the NFL and the business side as to how are things are done. A success doesn’t necessarily equate to the fact that you’ve got to be a success on the field. Just as long as you’re still making money from the financial aspect of it you’re deemed to be a success.
Cardinals’ running back Edgerrin James . A seasoned veteran James is seen as a lynchpin and leader on the Cardinals’ offense. picture courtesy of nfl.com/arizonacardinals/edgerrinjames….
For Leinart however the time has come once and for all for him to prove his worth before he’s deemed to be a failure. His multi million dollar contract notwithstanding Matt Leinart carrying a clipboard as Kurt Warner’s understudy and backup wasn’t was what was envisioned for the franchise. And his complaining about the lack of playing time doesn’t help especially when his teammates have more faith in Warner’s play and understanding of the game. A healthy and productive Kurt Warner as the Cardinals’ signal caller is most certainly better than an irascible Matt Leinart on the field just stinking up the joint . And stunk up the joint he’s done ! This is the dilemma that the Arizona Cardinals now face. Do they continue with the veteran Kurt Warner at the reins or take the plunge with the often erratic Matt Leinart ?
Kurt Warner starting quarterback of the Arizona Cardinals. picture courtesy of nfl.com/arizonacardinals/kurtwarner …..
A franchise that wants success often has to do what’s necessary in order become a success on the field of play. Few are willing to take the steps needed to become the success expected of them . But at times it’s also dependent upon the demeanor of the player or players in question. For Matt Leinart he may feel that at this juncture its his divine right to lead the Arizona Cardinals. And as much as I’d like to believe that Leinart has the temperament to lead this team. He’s yet to prove to me that he’s got the demeanor to lead the franchise.
Fullback J J Arrington (28) of the Cardinals sets on a play whilst quarterback is in motion . picture courtesy of nfl.com/arizonacardinals/ jj arrington …
Coach Ken Whisenhunt has his work cut out for him this upcoming season and coming of what was something of a disappointing 8-8 ‘07 year that augured well. What unfolded had to be what one would deemed to be a complete failure. The franchise itself will have to deal with a division that’s not deemed the most competitive in the NFC West.
As to the upcoming 2008 season one can only hope that the franchise will fare well . With either Leinart or Warner calling the plays you can only hope that the team will competent and competitive enough. Leinart’ll have to show that there’s sign of maturity and growth in his play and demeanor. If not then the franchise will definately regress and just return to the depths of mediocrity that it has become accustomed to. And for the fans once again it’ll become deja vu all over again. And with the talent onboard with this team it would be a travesty of monumental proportions.
tophac ………
Topics: Uncategorized |
April 8th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Well, you have a point that he’s been disappointing, but Leinart played half a season his rookie year and was hurt last season before he really could do anything. I’m willing to give him a mulligan so far, but you do have a point that the transition from college to pro is a difficult one, especially in the NFL, where you need to produce from the start or get weeded out if you can’t cut it right away.
April 8th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
I’m still not convinced the Leinart is going to be the guy in Arizona. They have too many weapons on offense to have a mediocre quarterback. To his credit, he still doesn’t have a full season under his belt. This year should be make or break time for him. If he doesn’t improve, I think they should go another direction.
April 9th, 2008 at 11:12 am
Leinart is one of those guys who may have been better served coming out after his junior season instead of returning his senior season for another crack at the National Title. But we’ll never know.
I had far better expectations for him than what he’s shown thus far, but like Morisato said, he still has time, especially as a QB. Not many of them come into the league and raise sand right off the bat. The QB posiiton is far too difficult to learn. Still, Leinart would be better served concentrating on football instead of women, partying, and Hollywood.
Just my opinion.
By the way, I like yours tophat.
April 9th, 2008 at 11:17 am
morisato
Someone needs to let Leinart know that Playboy image and pullin’ the hot chicks ain’t gonna cut it if the ain’t producing on the field. And it doesn’t help his situation when he’s being beaten out by a starter whose best years are behind him and not ahead of him. It tells you all you need to know about Leinart. And why it is that his teammates don’t have that much respect for him on or off the field. Linehan has his work cut out for him this year as too has the team in proving to their fans that they’re finally turning the corner afterall.
tophac aka tophatal ….
April 9th, 2008 at 11:29 am
shooter b
It says something about the weaknes in Leinart’s game when he’s being beaten out as a starter by a guy whose bnest days are behind him. Furthermore his own teammates probably don’t have enough faith in his abilities. I can’t tell who’s worse at this juncture Jamarcus Russell or Leinart. I’d throw in Grossman but that’d be inappropriate as Grossman is sheer crap and the whole world knows it. Why the hell the Bears didn’t cut him is beyond me.
This guy has more breakdowns on the field than a Scientologist having electro shock treatment. There I said it fuck you Tom Cruise and the fact that you know more about psychology than most having studied it .
If you’d really had any sense you’d know that EST can be deadly to the recipient. But then I guess you’ve had the electrodes attatched to your testicles all tghat time you were with Nicole Kidman ?
How can you spot an asshole ? He’s normally the one who’s doing this .Making a complete ass of himself.
tophac ……..aka tophatal …..
April 9th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Mean Dovine
If his teammates don’t have enough faith in his abilities and the coach himself isn’t attuned to the player. Then it tells you all that you need to know about Leinart. He’s of the opinion that he’d be better off on the field of play helping his team. But the plain fact that he’s more a liability that he is an asset to the team.
And all of his outspokeness doesn’t help the situation if he’s not prepared to go out there and prove his worth.
Another self absorbed prick who thinks that he’s better than he really is.
As to the likes of Mel Kiper who were hyping up his friggin’ ass they should wait to see how the kid acquits himself in the league before making their prognostications. We all know that it’s very much hit ‘n’ miss situation with the majority of these kids. But how often can you get it so damn wrong ?
tophac ……..
April 9th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Way to slam ‘em, bro. LOL!
April 10th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Mean Dovine
If I don’t do it then who the hell will ? Scientology as a religion ? That’s like saying the world is flat . I know that people at one time believed it. But in the end it was proven to be false just like this piece of crap that Cruise and his Hollywood hillbillie buddies are espousing . They obviously feel so self absorbed , pious and feel that they’re always in the right.
He’s the biggest doofus out there next to that imbecile Rush Limbaugh.
tophac ……
April 10th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Scientology is nuts. I try to stay the hell away from their recruitment centers when I’m in Albuquerque, scouting the Isotopes. They just won’t leave you the hell alone. It’s kinda a religion of sorts that celebrates your own success, which is selfish as hell.
Don’t crack on Russell just yet. He’s got the size to be the Raiders’ next left tackle.
As for Leinart, I agree that he should have beaten out Warner, but I also felt that he should have just been taking the field last season. I buy into the Carson Palmer plan of developing quarterbacks. Or the Romo plan.
Sit One Year
Get Feet Wet Second Year
Turn Loose The Third Year
The problem is that because of the insane amount of money that is guaranteed in NFL contracts, especially high first round picks, people want a return on their investment quick. And quarterbacks that are taken high are thrown into the fire more often than not because of that. And teams wonder why there is a quarterback problem in the NFL.
April 10th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
The Cardinals’ coach is Ken Whisenhunt, not Scott Linehan.
As far as Leinart goes, I think way too much was made of his recent party. I’m still trying to figure out what it was that he did wrong. Other than allowing someone to take some pictures. But if the girls weren’t underage, then I don’t see the big deal. I’m quite sure it happens regularly with big name athletes. Now, as far as Leinart’s lack of production so far on the pro level, I’m not holding it against him. To be fair, he’s been hurt some. He’s also been an underachiever in the eyes of some during his two seasons in Arizona. But the fact of the matter is that for any QB not named Marino, two years of growth at the pro level is quite common. I could list countless examples here - okay, I’ll list a couple for the hell of it - Eli Manning, Brett Favre. Leinart’s stats are middle of the road so far. And I wouldn’t give up on him just yet. But it sure is nice having Kurt Warner on deck. In my opinion, jury’s still out on Leinart. We’ll see what 2008 holds.
April 11th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Rick O
The problem for me isn’t the partying although it’ll play a contributing factor as to how some people’ll view him. Where I take issue with Leinart is him demanding that he ought to be playing. He’s not yet proved his worth to the team and him showing an infantile side to his persona does nothing but show the sort of person he really is. Someone who’s not yet mature enough to take on the responsibilities of leading an NFL franchise. He was somewhat treated with kid gloves in Southern Cal and in many ways he expected to be treated the same way in Arizona. Being top dog in one pond doesn’t mean necessarily that you’ll be treated the same way when you get to the NFL. You’ve got to prove your worth first. And to date nothing that Leinart has done’ll equate to that.
Hell the comparisons’ll be made between he and the younger Manning soon !
If the Cardinals can’t muster anything beyond an 9-7 season and make the playoffs. Then don’t look to the core of this roster being together next season.
They’ll revamp the whole thing and start all over once again.
tophac ……..
April 11th, 2008 at 11:14 am
morisato
Scientology’s national headquarters is here in the Tampa ,St Pete area . And as usual we get all of the stargazers out looking for glimpse of Tom Cruise , John Travolta or any one of the other numerous assholes that espouse to the idea as to the veracity and validity of it being something akin to a religion let alone a belief system.
With regard to the 3 year system , with the success of Eli Manning it now makes Leinart’s situation all the more exacerbating. He’s the hope of this franchise and if he can’t beat out an aging warhorse and an old man like Warner . Then what use is he to a team like the Cardinals.
The clock is now ticking for Leinart and Carson Palmer too. Especially after what’s been achieved by Eli Manning. Of who it can be said doesn’t possess the talent of Leinart or Palmer . But he’s got the will to win and the confidence in his own abilities . Which in this day and age is all you can really ask of your quarterback.
tophac …………..