Vikings May Catch Another Break, Face Leinart Instead of Warner

The Vikings have gotten their fair share of breaks this season, both in games themselves and in the scheduling.  And, as you can tell by their 10-1 record, they have made the most of their good fortune.

Their luck in the scheduling would seem to be running out, however, with the team facing two contenders, Arizona and Cincinnati, the next two weeks.

Oh, but wait a second:  even when the Vikings draw a good team, it seems fortune still wants to smile on them.

As we know, quarterback Kurt Warner, the man who led Arizona to the Super Bowl last year, suffered a concussion two weeks ago, and was unable to play this weekend against Tennessee.  Warner being on the shelf opened the door for Vince Young and the Titans to win their 5th straight game, in dramatic fashion.

Now, it appears there’s a chance the Vikings will get the same break.  According to reports, Warner is still suffering eye issues related to the concussion, and plans to consult an ophthalmologist.

Should Warner be unable to go against Minnesota, a strong possibility given the new sensitivity toward concussion-related symptoms, Matt Leinart would get the start.  The last time the Vikings faced Leinart as the starter, in 2006, the former USC star had arguably his best game as a pro, throwing for 405 yards and a touchdown in a Cardinals loss.

A lot has changed since 2006, however.  Leinart has become buried on the bench behind borderline Hall-of-Famer Warner, while the Vikings have risen to elite status.

All things being equal, I would much rather face the inconsistent Leinart than Warner.  And, if things stay the way they are, it looks like that’s exactly what will happen Sunday night in Arizona.