Matt Leinart remains a notable name in modern NFL discussions, especially among fans who followed his early promise with the Cardinals and later his time with several other teams. This article breaks down key dimensions of his on-field production and career impact through stats, contextual analysis, and real examples.
Below is a structured snapshot of Leinart’s core performance indicators, designed to help readers compare seasons and understand his trajectory quickly.
| Season | Team | Completions | Attempts | Completion % | TD | INT | Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | ARI | 332 | 554 | 59.9 | 18 | 14 | 86.3 |
| 2007 | ARI | 282 | 493 | 57.2 | 16 | 12 | 84.7 |
| 2008 | ARI | 229 | 398 | 57.5 | 11 | 11 | 79.5 |
| 2009 | OAK | 164 | 304 | 53.9 | 8 | 10 | 72.1 |
| 2010 | PHI | 47 | 87 | 54.0 | 1 | 2 | 73.8 |
2006 Cardinals Breakout Season
Performance Highlights
In 2006, Matt Leinart delivered his strongest statistical campaign as a starter, throwing for 3,242 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. His 59.9% completion rate and 86.3 passer rating anchored a Cardinals offense that reached the NFC Championship game. This season remains the peak of his regular-season efficiency and volume.
Later Seasons and Reduced Role
Decline and Backup Duty
After 2006, Leinart’s numbers trended lower, especially in 2009 with Oakland and 2010 with Philadelphia, where he logged limited action. His completion percentage stayed near league average, but his touchdown totals dropped and interception rates rose, reflecting fewer opportunities and a transition primarily to backup duty.
Career Context and Comparisons
Role in Different Systems
Leinart saw the most success in a system designed to support his strengths, particularly in Arizona during his early years. Later stints involved reduced snaps and adapting to new schemes, which affected his traditional per-game and per-season statistics. His career demonstrates how system fit and workload shape a quarterback’s measurable output.
Key Takeaways
- 2006 stands out as his most statistically dominant season.
- Peak performance came early with the Cardinals.
- Later years were defined by reduced snaps and backup duties.
- His efficiency remained steady even when touchdown totals fell.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which season produced Matt Leinart’s highest passer rating?
2006, with a career-high 86.3 passer rating while leading the Cardinals to the playoffs.
How many touchdown passes did Matt Leinart throw in his career-high yardage season?
He threw 18 touchdown passes during his 3,242-yard, 2006 campaign with Arizona.
Did Matt Leinart ever post a perfect passer rating in any game?
No, while he had strong performances, he never achieved a perfect 158.3 passer rating in any single game.
Which team gave Matt Leinart his last regular-season playing time?
The Philadelphia Eagles in 2010, where he appeared in only a few game situations.