Here’s what others are saying about the Arizona Cardinals:
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Yes, dear readers, the Arizona Cardinals again are the Team of Destiny. Let’s be honest — of late, the Team of Destiny program has been the butt of jokes, a cocktail-party punch line.
But I believe in the Cardinals. I believe in Ken Whisenhunt. I believe in Kurt Warner and Matt Leinart. I believe in Edgerrin James, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. I believe in Antrel Rolle.
Note: I also believed in Walter Mondale in ’84, and he lost 49 of 50 states.
The Cardinals were the best 8-8 team in the NFL last season. I am confident they can become the worst 10-6 team in the NFL this season. Then they will begin their improbable playoff run — a Neil Rackers overtime kick here, a beer bong-inspired game-winning drive there — and, poof, they’re Super Bowl-bound, and Couch Slouch again is your Prognosticator of Destiny.
USA TODAY: And are the Cardinals still serious about Leinart being their quarterback of the future?
At this moment, with the season six days away, the Cardinals don’t view those as pressing questions. They believe this is the most talented team in years, a club capable of finishing with 10 or more victories and making the playoffs.
Warner gives them the best chance to win now, Whisenhunt said. Besides, the answers to the future could come this season. Maybe Warner, at 37, plays like he did when he won two MVPs with the Rams. Maybe he flops, or gets hurt, and Leinart saves the season.
Or maybe they both struggle. Whatever happens, Whisenhunt’s decision this week could be a pivotal moment in both his career with the Cardinals and Leinart’s.
49ers.com: Arizona continues to boast one of the better receiving tandems for Warner to aim for in Pro Bowl receivers Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. However, they did lose their third wideout in Bryant Johnson to the 49ers and still seem to be searching for his replacement.
Kent Somers, The Arizona Republic: As with any season, there are areas of potential trouble, places where red flags should be planted. The Cardinals’ ability to avoid some of them and work around others will go a long way toward determining the success of the season.
Scott Bordow, East Valley Tribune: It’s a weekly ritual for the Cardinals starting quarterback. As players trudge into the locker room, their jerseys stained with sweat, the quarterback steps up on a podium and takes care of his media responsibilities.
It’s usually a painless exercise, the questions – and answers – routine and practiced.
But on Monday, two quarterbacks took their turn.
Leinart was first. Kurt Warner was second.
Leinart, as you might imagine, didn’t appreciate the irony. Oh, he said all the right things. He supports Warner. He’s going to work hard. The Cardinals are in it together.
But make no mistake.
Leinart is angry. He thought he would be named the starter and have the chance to prove he’s an elite NFL quarterback.
Instead, he has again been relegated to the shadows, only to emerge in case of an injury.
That’s hard on a man’s pride.
Go Cards!
Scott Allen
AZScott