E: More questions, not answers for Cardinals

Let's start and finish with the obvious.

Right now the Cardinals starting quarterback situation is about as clear as the Phoenix air quality.

Neither Matt Leinart nor Derek Anderson have done anything remotely close to securing the starting spot after the first half of the pre-season which has Big Red waving a big red flag.

I understand both were without Larry Fitzgerald and Early Doucet against the Titans Monday, but let's not make excuses for failing to capitalize on missed opportunities.

On the Cards opening drive, Leinart keenly recognized the Titans were crowding the line of scrimmage and checked down before hitting Steve Breaston for eight quick yards. Perfect.

I'm just not sure why he didn't do the same on the next play which ended in a one yard loss when Tim Hightower was swarmed in the backfield by the Titans blitzing linebackers.

Three possessions, zero first downs with Leinart under center.

Statistically, Anderson's numbers appeared better, but don't fool yourself.

After a pretty 37-yard fade down the sideline to Stephen Williams, Anderson missed a wide open Breaston in the end zone, then Williams on an in-route near the goal line. Both were wide open and each (by NFL standards) were pretty easy throws.

Last week's wild card was John Skelton, Monday it was Max Hall.

How does an undrafted rookie show more moxie in the pocket than the so-called incumbent (Leinart) to Kurt Warner?

I'm sure Ken Whisenhunt asked himself the same question.

Right now, this team has a serious identity crisis.

With Warner retired and (insert name here...Leinart, Anderson, Tom Tupa, Jim McMahon, Stoney Case, Gary Hogeboom, Stan Gelbaugh, you, me), Whiz doesn't have the luxury to grind it out and wear down the defense.

Leinart's yards per attempt Monday was 4.7. Anderson's barely better at 5.5.

It's awfully tough to find balance when the opposing defense doesn't respect your quarterback.

Don't believe me?

Ask Vikings coach Brad Childress how much the field and playbook opened up with good 'ole #4 in the mix last season.

So here we are entering the all-important third pre-season game with no substantial quarterback answers, simply more questions.

Larry Fitzgerald told ESPN's Michelle Tafoya during a sideline interview Monday, "You can't replace a Hall of Fame quarterback."

Certainly not from what we've seen so far, Fitz.