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Updated Monday, September 6, 2010 9:05 pm TWN, By Bob Baum, AP



	Quarterback Matt Leinart #7 of the Arizona Cardinals throws a pass during preseason NFL game against the Washington Redskins at the University of Phoenix Stadium, Thursday, Sept. 2. The team has released Matt Leinart, parting ways with the former Heisman Trophy winner who was supposed to be the team's franchise quarterback but couldn't escape the backup role. (AFP) Enlarge Photo

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Arizona Cardinals release Leinart

“The one thing I want to make very clear is how professional Matt was about the whole situation,” the coach said. “I was very impressed with his conversation with me. He thanked the organization, the ownership, for all the time and effort that they had invested in him. He felt like he had gotten better and he had learned a lot and it meant a lot to me to hear him say that.”

Leinart played two series in the final preseason game on Thursday night.

“This process was not about what some people said, two weeks into training camp or two preseason games,” Whisenhunt said. “It's a complete body of work over a period of time. I will say like I have said before, Matt made tremendous progress. I was excited about what he had done, the work he had put in. I do believe that he is a better quarterback now then he was when I got here four years ago. It is not a slight on Matt, it was a decision that I felt gave us the best chance to win.”

Leinart threw for 3,893 yards with 14 touchdowns and 20 interceptions with Arizona. Early on, he had to overcome his party boy image, which was enhanced when photos showed up on the Internet of him involving a hot tub, a “beer bong” and bikini-clad women.

Whisenhunt was on Leinart early about his work ethic, but said he was pleased with the quarterback's improvement in that area over his time with the Cardinals. Critics, though, pointed to Leinart's perceived lack of arm strength, apparent unwillingness to throw downfield and, perhaps most significantly, his failure to become a team leader.

The coach avoided any specific explanation about what Leinart's problems were.

“The most important thing to our players, our team and our fans is that we are in a position to win games,” Whisenhunt said.

He noted how the players have rallied around Anderson.

“A lot of it is how his teammates respond to him and the confidence they have in him when he goes into the huddle,” Whisenhunt said. “When he came out the other night and completed his first two passes on big plays, the guys rallied around him and that is what you like to see.”

The decision elevates Max Hall, an undrafted rookie out of BYU, to backup quarterback, with another rookie, fifth-round draft pick John Skelton out of Fordham, at No. 3.

Anderson, who was released by the Cleveland Browns after Mike Holmgren took over as team president, signed with Arizona as a free-agent, initially to back up Leinart. The 6-foot-5 former Oregon State quarterback has a strong arm but has struggled at times with his accuracy. He made the Pro Bowl after leading the Browns to a 10-6 record in 2007 but lost his job to Brady Quinn last season.

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