Category — Arizona Cardinals

Update: Kurt Warner is expected to miss this Sunday’s game but return after that. 

Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner sent an email to friends and family Sunday night stating that he has torn ligaments in his left (non-throwing) elbow in hopes that the power of prayer can repair the damages before he goes in for an MRI today.

Divine intervention aside, Arizona fans can still rest easy. Reportedly, Ken Whisenhunt is optimistic concerning the injury, a good sign considering Warner is the team’s only real option at quarterback. Tim Rattay just isn’t a good enough filler — the Cardinals probably regret beginning the season with only two quarterbacks on roster (Matt Leinart — out for the season — being the other). They also were preparing to add Tim Hasselbeck to the roster later today to be the emergency quarterback.

I’m a big fan of Matt Leinart, so it’s hard for me to say this. But here goes: the Cardinals are better off since his season-ending injury. It’s true. Arizona lucked out when Leinart broke his collarbone, leaving the offense in the hands of Kurt Warner; a very capable Kurt Warner, I might add.

Need some proof?

Kurt Warner is better than Matt Leinart. At the stage both these players are at, it’s not even a contest. Kurt Warner has more experience, something that Leinart can gain only through time playing in the NFL. The problem is, the Cardinals are a contender this season. They obviously don’t want to wait until Leinart matures in a couple seasons, evidenced by the dual-quarterback scheme. Ken Whisenhunt wants to win now, and Kurt Warner gives the Cardinals the best opportunity to do that.

It’s week three of the NFL season and we’re beginning to see signs of quarterback controversy all around. Some are expected: Chicago (has Rex blown his last opportunity?), Oakland (is Culpepper ready to return to a full-time starting position), and soon enough Cleveland will again feel the pressure from fans to put rookie Brady Quinn in the lineup.

But it’s in Arizona, where we thought Matt Leinart was safe in keeping his starting spot, where uncertainty is most drawing attention since Sunday’s game when Leinart was pulled.

The third week of NFL action kicks off tomorrow, and now might be a good time to quickly preview some of the most intriguing games to watch Sunday and Monday night. And don’t forget that you can check how 5 football minds expect the games to play out at NFL Experts Pick ‘em.

Arizona @ Baltimore — Both teams enter tomorrow’s matchup with a 1-1 record and an eye on their respective division crowns. Neither is a sure-thing to win Sunday, though the Vegas spread (Baltimore by 8 ) might make you believe Baltimore will coast to a victory.

Last season the Saints were predicted to disappoint (again), the Cardinals to be the league’s sleeping giant, and Peyton Manning was still considered a choke artist. Then we all watched as the Saints pulled off a miracle, the Cardinals never awoke from their slumber, and Peyton Manning is now on the same pedestal as Tom Brady (a notch higher, in this writer’s opinion).

Hey, no one can get ‘em all right. But I’ll still try.

Just kick back and watch as the following 10 predictions come to fruition by the end of the season.

Sleepers. Underrated. Whatever you want to call them, these 10 players are poised for a breakout few are predicting.

10. T.J. Duckett (RB, Detroit Lions) — He might be third in the rotation, but Duckett is the Lions’ goal line back. And with an improving offense, he should see plenty of red zone and short yardage situations. Consider him a reincarnation of Jerome Bettis, circa 2005, someone who will score touchdowns while not putting up a little yardage. The best part is that he’ll be drafted late — think rounds 13-14 — where he’s undervalued.

9. Donovan McNabb (QB, Philadelphia Eagles) — Everyone is nervous McNabb will get hurt. And maybe he will, but until he does he’s easily a number one fantasy quarterback, someone who will average 250 yards and 2 touchdowns each game he starts.

Some players who break out are passed over each year. Maybe it’s because owners aren’t informed that the player just received the starting spot or maybe they anticipate the player to be average. Whatever the reason, you can look like a fantasy god if you find the right pick at the right time.

Below is a top 10 of the players I believe are currently undervalued by most fantasy publications/owners for one reason or another.

10. Donovan McNabb — McNabb is one of the most dominant fantasy quarterbacks when he’s healthy. But everyone is bracing for him to experience yet another injury. Good news for you because if he isn’t he’ll put up 250+ yards and 2 touchdowns every game he suits up in 2007.

At one time it was “the greatest show in turf” in St. Louis. Since then the Colts have taken the crown, with such star talent as Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, and Reggie Wayne.

But who is 2007’s best fantasy offense? Which offense drops jaws with its talent while tallying the scoreboard and boxscore with big numbers?

Three quarterbacks enter the fray this season as their first full season of play: Jay Cutler, Matt Leinart, and Vince Young. The question now becomes, How will each perform? And more importantly, Who do and draft and where do I draft him?

First and foremost, meet the candidates:

Which of the following three sophomore quarterback stands the best chance to succeed in 2007?