By PFW staff
Aug. 30, 2008

Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt has named veteran Kurt Warner as his Week One starting quarterback, choosing the 37-year-old over third-year man Matt Leinart.

Despite earlier reports that Whisenhunt would go with Warner, the head coach had recently been telling the media that he hadn’t yet made the decision. But on Saturday he confirmed what had been rumored.

Warner is coming off a 2007 season in which he took over from Leinart full time after Leinart fractured his left collarbone in Week Five. Warner went on to have a stellar season, with 27 TD passes and 17 interceptions. He also outplayed Leinart during the just-completed preseason (95.7 to 73.8 in passer rating), although Leinart stepped up his play in the final preseason game.

“I guess (my reaction) is twofold,” Warner told azcardinals.com. “I was excited for me and the opportunity, but I am also disappointed for Matt. I understand the position he is in and how difficult it is.

“It’s kind of bittersweet, but I am definitely excited.”

Warner said he had yet to talk to Leinart.