Tweet
Warner on lookout for starting spot with new team; Testaverde might be open to role as backup quarterback
BY NEIL BEST
STAFF WRITER
December 30, 2004
In 1998, Vinny Testaverde was the highest-rated quarterback in the AFC, coming out of nowhere to lead the Jets to the conference title game after inheriting the job because of an injury.
In 1999, Kurt Warner was the highest-rated quarterback in the NFL, coming out of nowhere to lead the Rams to a Super Bowl title after inheriting the job because of an injury.
Each has had his ups and downs since, and Sunday, each will face a career crossroads at Giants Stadium.
For Warner, it surely will be his last game as a Giant, and he hopes it will be his last as a backup in any uniform. He reiterated yesterday that at age 33 and after a 5-4 record this season, he believes he still is starting-caliber and has no interest in teams that won't give him that chance.
That means there is no possibility he will be a Giant, an option he was granted when he signed his two-year deal in which the second season was designed to void.
Asked whether there is any scenario in which he could envision backing up Eli Manning again, he said there was not. "I'm not going to be content right now in my career, where I am and what I believe I can do, being a backup next year, that's just the bottom line," he said. "It's nothing against the Giants, nothing against the situation, the coaches, anybody. I've loved my year here. But I'm not content being a backup."
Many players agreed with coach Tom Coughlin at the time he made the switch to Manning that though the offense's problems were not entirely Warner's fault, the rookie might provide a spark. That did not happen, and six losses later, the move is ripe for second-guessing. Warner's passer rating is 86.5, higher than any Giants starter since Phil Simms in 1993 and 38.4 higher than Manning's.
Warner has not gloated and has been supportive of Manning. But he believes he proved something to those who wondered whether he was through.
It is unclear what kind of market value Warner has and where he might land. It likely will require a team with an unsettled quarterback situation where he can compete for a starting job without being handed one, perhaps the Cardinals, Dolphins or even the Cowboys.
At 41, Testaverde figures to have fewer options, but unlike Warner, he is playing now and will start for the Cowboys near his hometown of Elmont. It would be an appropriate venue if this proves to be his final game, which is a possibility. But unlike Warner, Testaverde would be open to being a backup in 2005 under the right circumstances. Coach Bill Parcells said he would be open to having him back.
Hey, wait: The Giants will be looking for a backup for Manning. Hmmm.
"The thing I always look at is, am I healthy? Am I having fun? Am I able to contribute to the team in whatever capacity they're asking me to?" Testaverde said. "Those are the things I will have to answer when the season is over."
He will face a fellow No. 1 draft pick in Manning. When the Buccaneers chose Testaverde in 1987, Manning was 6 years old. Testaverde went 0-4 as a rookie. Manning is 0-6.
Has Testaverde pondered that this might be the end of the line? "I try not to think about that and I really haven't," he said. "Not many guys get to walk away when they want to and I'm in a position to do that. A lot of guys are injured or their abilities diminish drastically from one year to the next and they are released or cut. I've been fortunate."
Notes & quotes: The Giants have 15 players on their injury list, including G Greg Walker (knee), who became their 17th player on injured reserve. WR Mark Jones, G Chris Snee and S Gibril Wilson are out. OL Brandon Winey is doubtful. DT Kenderick Allen, DE Lance Legree, DE Raheem Orr, WR Willie Ponder, DT Fred Robbins, TE Jeremy Shockey, WR Jamaar Taylor, WR Amani Toomer and G Jason Whittle are questionable. Only Orr and Taylor practiced. LB Reggie Torbor left with the flu but is probable ... The Cowboys have one player on their list: FB Richie Anderson, who went on IR.
I just cant belive he or anyone else thinks that he is gonna be a starter in this league again.
He is a great guy ans I hope I eat my words, but I dont think it will happen!!!!
Comment