Matt Leinart: Bust Won't Find Redemption with Oakland Raiders

Matt Leinart isn’t a bust—he’s simply waiting to blow up.

Or, at least, that’s what he believes.

But the former USC Trojan won’t find redemption in his return to California.

According to Jerry McDonald of the Contra Costa Times, Leinart believes that he fits in on the Oakland Raiders like a missing puzzle piece.

What would make the mediocre quarterback believe he fits in well anywhere? Well, Houston Texans quarterback coach Greg Knapp—who apparently Leinart got comfortable with down in the desert—accepted the job as the Raiders’ offensive coordinator.

Leinart said during a conference call with the local media that, “It made perfect sense for me to come here because this is a brand new offense for almost everyone on the offensive side of the ball except for myself and (guard) Mike Brisiel, who is from Houston, as well.”

His only shot at seeing the field will be if Carson Palmer goes down with an injury. But, apparently, Leinart is okay with that because, like I said before, he’s just waiting to take off. He drew this hopeful ridiculous comparison and said: “Everyone's path is different. (Warner) didn't start a game until he was (28). He's probably a Hall of Famer.”

Yeah, their career paths are perfect parallels.

Leinart was selected 10^th overall, while Warner went undrafted. Leinart held a clipboard. Warner stocked shelves. And just like Warner needed Trent Green to go down to receive his big break, Leinart is just waiting for his opportunity.

Oh, I forgot this key detail in our timeline comparison: Leinart couldn’t beat out Derek Anderson, Max Hall and John Skelton for a roster spot. Warner shattered AFL records.

Leinart is a bust. His comparison to Warner is a joke. And I wouldn’t be completely shocked if Terrelle Pryor beat him out for the Raiders’ second-string quarterback job.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

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