Roster Decisions Loom

Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt has some very tough decisions to make this week, typically the hardest (and maybe easiest in some cases) decision making week as rosters are cut to 75 and then 53 by next weekend.

The top decisions:

Quarterback – Matt Leinart vs. Derek Anderson

Leinart started out slow, thus he was replaced as the starter against the Chicago Bears last night.  Both quarterbacks though played well as they both drove the Cardinals to touchdowns.  As I said last night, I’m not sure Anderson did enough and Leinart little enough for there to be an official change yet.  Neither is projected to get much work in the final preseason game on Thursday.  I think at this point, the Cards have no choice but to allow Leinart to start the season as the starter and then go from there.  At least we know the Cards have a capable quarterback.  People seem to forget that Anderson was a Pro Bowl quarterback just three years ago and that was with fewer weapons than he has now.

Wide Receiver:

The sixth receiving spot.  Clearly Stephen Williams is going to make this team.  He played great against Chicago.  He has taken advantage of his opportunity to play in place of Early Doucet and Larry Fitzgerald.  He should be the fourth or fifth receiver along with Andre Roberts.  It’s that sixth receiver, if the Cards so choose to go with six.  Right now, I don’t know how you don’t keep a Max Komar?  He’s made some great grabs and ran some really good routes.  Onrea Jones I’m afraid is the odd man out.

Offensive Line:

No one has looked particularly good on the O-line this preseason.  Reggie Wells looks to be playing on borrowed time.  Deuce Lutui should be ok, but he needs to continue to shed a little weight.  The big question mark is Alan Faneca.  He’s looked every bit as washed up as the New York Jets thought he was.  Problem is, you’ve got money tied up in him and honestly there probably isn’t a better answer out in the free agent market.  Hopefully he can get his act together.