Whisenhunt: Leinart is still Cards' starting QB

Every Monday during football season, the Cardinals' starting quarterback stands on a podium beneath a shade tree to address reporters at the team's Tempe training complex.

So, the question of just who is the team's starting quarterback was answered - for now - when Matt Leinart stood beneath the tree.

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"It's still the same," Leinart said Monday of his status.

"Nothing has changed," coach Ken Whisenhunt echoed.

But doubts linger after an ESPN report on Sunday that quoted an unnamed "team source" that not only said Kurt Warner would replace Leinart, but also criticized Leinart's performance level and arm strength.

Whisenhunt indicated that he did not know the identity of the source and said he was unaware of anybody on the Cardinals staff who talked on the matter.

"Certainly, some of the comments about Matt in that report I didn't think were accurate.

"It wasn't coming from us. Or at least not from people on our staff that I was aware of."

He called the report "inaccurate," adding, "It's unfortunate it was out there. It was unfortunate Matt has to see those things."

Whisenhunt previously has suggested that he may not announce a decision on a starting quarterback, the better to keep opening-day opponent San Francisco guessing.

On Monday, he reiterated that he won't make a decision "just based off of one play or one half. It's a comprehensive test. ... We're still in that process."

Leinart, asked about the "team source," said, "I've talked to the head coach. We're on the same page."

Leinart's status became the subject of much speculation after he threw three interceptions in the first half of the Cardinals' 24-0 preseason win at Oakland on Saturday.

Leinart said his mistakes were more physical than mental, so they should be correctable, and that he felt well-prepared for the game. For example, he said he threw inside on a deep "go" route; the pass was intercepted.

"I never do that. But it happened.

"On one of the other plays, I got to eat (the ball) ... there was a little miscommunication, but it was my fault."

Whisenhunt added, however, that Leinart needs to improve his level of play.

"It would be incorrect of me to ignore the fact Matt didn't play well. I think Matt understands that. He knows he has to play better than that.

"We're going to work to get better and go forward."

Leinart is listed as No.1 on the depth chart for the team's final exhibition game, at home at 7 p.m. Friday against Denver.

"Obviously, I've got to play better," Leinart said.

"I'm not particularly worried about anything except just focusing on getting better. I've taken a lot of heat for whatever reasons. The microscope has been on my play every day, every game."

That said, "This isn't a setback. It's a learning experience."