There has been a lot of debate lately about Kurt Warner being a Hall of Famer for leading the Cardinals into the playoffs. While I think that Kurt Warner has done some amazing things, I must respectfully disagree.
First, I have to admit that Warner did some amazing things in St. Louis. But let's be honest about who was responsible for turning the Rams from pathetic to contender -- MARSHALL FAULK. Those two MVP awards that Warner got in St. Louis were because of Faulk. He was the catalyst of that team. He was not only the running game, but was also an instrumental part of the passing game. While Faulk was shut down running the ball in the Super Bowl against the Titans, he put together 90 receiving yards on 5 catches. That same year, Faulk set an NFL record for yards from scrimmage. That championship was all about Faulk. Warner helped, certainly, but Faulk was the key.
The rest of Warner's career in St. Louis proves my point. With Isaac Bruce slowing down, Az Hakim and Ricky Proehl gone elsewhere, Warner's numbers slipped. Not only that, but with Faulk injured, the Rams fell apart, Warner lost his starting job, and was shipped to the Giants. He didn't do much there and, outside of this year, he has only been slightly above-average in Arizona. This year, too, saw Warner's dependence on those around him. The Cards started out hot, but sputtered when the running game absolutely fell to pieces. The low-point had to be the New England game that saw him get benched for Matt Leinart during a beating that no team should ever have to experience.
But the Cards turned the corner after that beat down and have played surprisingly well the rest of the way. Why? Must be all those TDs that Warner's been throwing to Larry Fitzgerald. Well, um, no, that's not it. Edgerrin James has been given a lot of touches early in the playoff games and, while not doing great, his play has allowed the Cards to control the clock and free up Breaston, the tight ends, and, most important, Fitzgerald. James is more responsible for this turnaround that Warner.
Again, I think that Warner has played great football and done some amazing things. However, as good has he's been, he's not a Hall of Fame caliber quarterback. Let's end the debate right now.
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3 comments:
Plus he looks like George Micheal that should automatically disqualify him.
You worded it perfectly in one sentence - without an above average supporting cast, Warner ain't much better than the average Joe.
Cool blog - 1st day of many for me here.
Welcome to the blog, SoLow. Glad to see Malach and I have another reader.
It's hard to knock Warner given his accomplishments, but when you look at how he did w/o a healthy Marshall Faulk, it's all too obvious he's not a Hall of Famer.
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