Max Hall Continues Push for Spot as Cardinal's QB
by Staffieri on Sep 2, 2010 9:49 PM PDT
Email
Print
Max Hall and his fellow Baby Birds had one last chance to prove they are worth putting on the 53 man roster which gets paired down this weekend for NFL teams. The former Cougar QB had another chance to show he's got what it takes to play in the NFL and he did not disappoint. Getting the bulk of the offensive plays and once again playing behind the majority of the starting offensive line, Max Hall not only led all passers, but was one yard shy of leading all rushers in the game as well.
There was criticism after the Cardinal's last pre-season game that Max Hall's success was due to a defense filled with reserves. The same was true tonight, but Max Hall wasn't exactly throwing to Larry Fitzgerald either. In fact all the receivers who caught passes from Hall were either rookies, or players on the verge of being cut after tonight's game, so the match ups no different than Fitzgerald v. Cromartie.
What was impressive about Hall tonight was his ability to make things happen when he was under pressure. Similar to last week Max made plays by moving his feet in the pocket and scrambling to extend drives. Facing a 2nd and 7 late in the 3rd quarter, Max bought some more time with his feet and took off for a gain of 13 and picked up the first down. My favorite part? Max finished the run by lower the shoulder on the Redskins safety.
Hall finished the game 7 of 9 for 126 yards and had two rushes for 19 yards including a 6 yard TD run.
My take? Matt Leinart is on borrowed time. It isn't all because of the play of Max Hall, but it has to make Ken Whisenhunt sleep better at night knowing he can finally rid himself of Leinart's baggage and have a nice back up in the wings. Leinart led the Cardinals on two series tonight and finished 3 of 5 for 14 yards, but the attitude and lack of production in the past is going to lead Whisenhunt to go with "his guys" and let Leinart try and work things out elsewhere.
6 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
According to ESPN radio yesterday morning...
The cardinals are actively shopping Lienart around, and are ok with the idea of signing both thier 3rd and 4rth string QB’s to a contract. (That includes Hall…even though he’s dumb.) In other news, ESPN radio also reported this morning that the Redskins had signed John Beck to a contract. I can’t remember the details though unfortunately.
Yeah, kind of funny.
I like Beck I hope he does well with Washington. I think Max is a good player, but he lost my sympathies entirely with the whole ‘I hate Utah’ rant.
Try being in a class with him.
I lost my sympathies long ago and don’t think he is a good player (his physical stature is his greatest limitation, but I don’t like him as a player mainly because he is terrible under pressure).
Via SBN site "Revenge of the Birds":
“…Max Hall proved he has NFL talent. Hall’s performance eased the fears of having a rookie as a backup and makes the possible departure of Matt Leinart easier to swallow.
Like many, I hadn’t fully bought into Max Hall. His gritty 7-for-9 for 126 yards and a rushing touchdown performance changed that. This kid has guts, talent and the passion to overcome whatever short comings-pun intended- that he may have. For the first time since coming to Arizona, they may have the real deal as a young quarterback.
Even XTRA 910’s Mike Jurecki told me via Twitter that he buys into the talent of Max Hall saying he’s “a smart guy w/ great vision! He’s a bulldog!”.
Hopefully he won’t see the field this season but if he has to be called upon, he’s much wiser than his age and should be able to rise to the challenge." – Greg Esposito
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
