Read the opposing arguments from Babe Ruthless and Bleacher Fan.
After a couple of World Cup debates last week, we’re switching gears and will slowly start to focus on American football. After all, it won’t be long before football season arrives. Regular season action starts in less than three months, with training camp about six weeks away. With that in mind, we’re looking at NFL players who are on the hot seat for the 2010 season.
Without a doubt, the hottest seat for any player belongs to Matt Leinart.
Leinart, who had no ties to any rent-free house while at Southern Cal, obviously came into the league with great fanfare. But, let’s face it. Up to this point in his career, he has been a bust. He’s thrown more interceptions than touchdowns. Not long after being handed the keys to the franchise, he had them taken from him by possible future Hall of Famer Kurt Warner. All Warner did was throw for 70 touchdowns the past three seasons and took the Cardinals to Super Bowl XLIII, a game the team would have won if not for a sensational catch by Santanio Holmes.
Now, Warner has retired and Leinart once again has the keys to the franchise. How is he going to do this time?
One thing is certain. Arizona has overcome the losing stigma that has been attached to the franchise for years. Two consecutive NFC West titles took care of that. It’s also important to note that it’s a different team than the one that took the field the past two seasons. Among other things, Pro Bowl wide receiver Anquan Boldin is no longer with the team, as he was traded to Baltimore this offseason after an extended contract dispute. That leads many to believe that Leinart could be in control of a more balanced offense than in years past. Beanie Wells is coming off a solid rookie season in 2009, and with coach Ken Whisenhunt’s background often showcasing a strong running game, it’s safe to assume that Wells and Tim Hightower may have an increased role in the offense.
To his credit, Leinart is putting in his time. Whisenhunt is reporting that Leinart has often showed at team facilities as early as 6:30a. He’s putting in the time studying the playbook, and is putting in hours with individual workouts with his receivers. Apparently he’s spending more time in the film room than the hot tub, which is what the old Leinart used to do. He has more responsibility now, and that leads to more pressure.
It’s definitely sink or swim time for Leinart. But, there isn’t much water in the desert. So, maybe it’s now or never time. This is quite possibly his last chance to show all of us that he is good enough to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. Matt, it’s your time to write your own script.
Posted by Loyal Homer 
