How can two very highly touted prospects both be fighting to start for their respective teams? Teams that felt it necessary to use a first round selection to acquire the future franchise QB’s nonetheless.
Yet, here we stand with Brady Quinn losing out to Derek Anderson and Matt Leinart barely holding off the prosthetic arm attached to Kurt Warner. What went wrong?
There are many that have forgotten that the Browns brass traded back into the first round to select Quinn. Now, their GM is in-line to win executive of the year after all Cleveland’s moves this offseason. One of the moves was to retain Derek Anderson at a very high price, leaving Quinn as a reasonably well paid back-up.
The same could be said, but in a higher price range, about Matt Leinart in Arizona. Here’s a guy who was picked and signed with the intention to be the future of the franchise. Leinart has struggled with injuries and several inadequate performances during his short time with the Cardinals. He must step up his game in order to avoid the dreaded “bust” label attached to his career forever.
Who will be the better NFL QB? I would have to say Matt Leinart. Quinn is not likely to see any action if Anderson continues to show he’s on the verge of being an elite QB. It won’t be until a bad team in search of a QB tries to deal for Quinn before he gets the opportunity to run an offense. All Leinart must do is beat out Warner in training camp and finally solidify himself as the cornerstone of the franchise. Easier said than done, obviously. But Matt Leinart has the tools to succeed in the NFL where as Brady Quinn must prove he even belongs as a back-up.
MJohnson@thenflunderground.com