When Will Warner's Luck Run Out?

Coming into 2008 Arizona Cardinal quarterback, Kurt Warner, was not even on most mangers fantasy radar as the job was expected to go to former #1 pick Matt Leinart.

30 touchdowns, and 4,583 yards later, Kurt Warner was every managers free agent dream come true.

What was more amazing, the 38-year-old, fragile quarterback didn't miss a game in 2008. Part of that is due to Warner's amazing quick release, but more of it was due to shear luck.

Thus far in 2009 Warner has continued to have solid protection, though the hits are adding up.  His game, on the other hand, has seen a dramatic drop off from his 2008 performance.  Warner has thrown for 863 yards and a mere 4 touchdowns against 4 touchdowns.  Not horrible, but not what some fantasy managers expected.

There is not likely to be a controversy anytime soon, but it could happened by week six or seven if he and the Cardinals do not improve. But Warner owners should have a bigger worry. His potential for injury.

While it is impossible to guess when a player will be injured, the odds suggest Kurt Warner is way overdue.  And if Warner gets injured, say a concussion, it will likely mean the end of the road for him. 

Enter back up quarterback Matt Leinart.

The 10th overall-pick from USC has been a disappointment thus far, but not a bust.  While he was expected to be starting by now, the Cardinals, like fantasy  mangers, did not expect Kurt Warner to resurrect himself.

Leinart actually had a very solid rookie season throwing for 2,547 yards and 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 2006.  He regressed early in 2007 and that is when Kurt Warner ran away with the job.

Now Leinart has had the time to mature and learn from the great Kurt Warner and is primed to start again in the NFL.  The only question is when.

Warner owners would be wise to pick up Leinart now or in the next few weeks as an insurance policy.

All other owners should grab Leinart if they have an extra roster spot open for a prospect.  It can payoff big if Kurt Warner finally goes down to injury.

Sin City Scout

2009 Dynasty Rookie Rankings: The Long Shots (21-30)

When entering the final rounds of your rookie-only drafts, here are some players who you should be willing to take a chance on:



21. Austin Collie, WR, Indianapolis Colts - Collie may split the #3 WR role in Indy this season with Pierre Garcon, but he should be ready to take the role on next year, with a possibility of become a starter in the future. Collie is about as sure handed as they come, and Peyton loves to have guys that won't drop his perfect passes.



22. Deon Butler, WR, Seattle Seahawks - Like Collie, Butler is another rookie who could claim the #3 WR spot on his team this season. Butler has impressed his coaches in Seattle during training camp, and with Deion Branch possibly spending his last year in Seattle in 2009, Butler could be competing for a starting role in 2010 if he continues to impress.



23. Glen Coffee, RB, San Fransisco 49ers - Coffee could be the "Thunder" to Frank Gore's "Lightning".....if he can earn the right to split carries. In this scenario, Coffee could also become the goal line back, making him worth a top 30 rookie pick.



24. Mike Goodson, RB, Carolina Panthers - DeAngelo Williams had a career year once Jonathan Stewart joined the fold last year. This makes you wonder if the Panthers could plug-in another speed back in Williams' place. Enter the incredibly speedy Goodson, who could get an opportunity in the future to take on the DeAngelo Williams role if Williams' gets injured or wants more money.



25. Javon Ringer, RB, Tennessee Titans - Like Goodson above, Ringer would take over for Chris Johnson in case of injury. Even though he slipped in the draft, Ringer did nothing but perform beautifully in college, and could surprise if given an opportunity to start in Tennessee's run-heavy scheme.



26. Mike Thomas, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars - With very limited options at WR, Thomas could have an opportunity to start, especially with only oft-injured Mike Walker standing in the way.



27. Chase Coffman, TE, Cincinnati Bengals - While Brandon Pettigrew is the most balanced TE in the draft, the last time I checked you don't get fantasy points for blocking. Definitely more of a receiving TE, Chase has the speed and hands needed to stretch NFL defenses and make the big catch. Coffman has a great shot at contributing immediately after key injuries to two Bengal TEs during the offseason, and could become a beneficiary of Carson Palmer's return from elbow issues.



28. Gartrell Johnson, RB, San Diego Chargers - Could he be LT's replacement? He is versatile RB with upside who is worth a shot with a late round pick.



29. Derrick Williams, WR, Detroit Lions - With franchise QB Matt Stafford and stud WR Calvin Johnson in Detroit, Williams could see nothing but single coverage on the other side of Megatron if he eventually takes the #2 receiver spot. He also has a chance to contribute early as the #3 WR if he can win the job.



30. Ramses Barden, WR, New York Giants- Barden is a huge 6'6 WR from Cal Poly and is extremely raw, but geez.....he's HUGE!!!. Barden has the physical tools to succeed like no one else....the only question if he can learn the system and perform as well against a higher level of competition.



and a few others....



Johnny Knox, WR, Chicago Bears - Juaquin Iglesias may have been the first receiver taken by the Bears in draft this year, but undersized WR Johnny Knox has impressed the Chicago coaching staff this offseason, and could develop into a good #2 if given the opportunity with Jay Cutler at the helm.



Brandon Tate, WR, New England Patriots - Tate may not play much this season due to a knee injury suffered last college football season, but he has starter potential once he returns. Oh...and that Brady guy would be throwing him the ball, too.



Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Detroit Lions - He's huge, he should start right away, and he could be a red zone freak in Detroit. He won't be explosive, but he could be a very solid mid #1 fantasy tight end very soon. Now, if only the Lions could get in the red zone more often....



-Scout Widget